Tools of the Trade

The demon called The Smith stole Charsi's Horadric Malus, which can imbue weapons with powers.

Act I: Tools of the Trade

• Quest Name: Tools of the Trade
• Act: Act I
• Triggered By: Reaching the Monastery Gates
• Given by: Charsi the Blacksmith
• Location: The Smith's room in the Barracks
• Reward: Charsi will imbue an item for you. This means take any normal item and make it into a Rare with random stats, based on your Clvl.
• Quest Priority: Not a mandatory quest, but the reward is valuable.

The Smith and Malus found by Sorceress.

When Charsi fled the Monastery she left behind her Horadric Malus, an enchanted smithing hammer. If you can retrieve it for her, she will use its magic to strengthen your weapons. The Malus is guarded by the Smith.

When you get near the Barracks, Charsi will be activated to ask you to retrieve a smithing hammer she had to leave in the Monastery when they fled the sudden invasion of demons lead by Andariel. You need to find the inner room (in a random location each game) of the Barracks level (first level inside the Monastery) with the forge and the hammer on a stand. Note, the player character must be at least level 8 on all difficulties in order to interact with the stand, acquire the Malus and complete the quest. It is guarded by the Smith, a large boss monster reminiscent of the Butcher from Diablo I. He will pursue you at a high rate of speed and is a pretty nasty fight. He hits very hard and has a lot of hit points. You however do not need to kill him, you can just dodge around him and grab it from the stand. Once you return to town and click on Charsi she'll claim the hammer, even if you have it in your stash.

Tip

The Smith can't open doors, so if you are a ranged attacker and can't take him toe to toe (which is pretty likely unless you have extremely good equipment for your level) you can lead him through the Barracks to one of the barred walls or corners, such as the one around the steps leading down, and close the door. He'll pace on the other side of it, but won't open the door, giving you free shots.

Reward

The Imbue Quest is a very valued one, more so in D2 than D2X, where Rare items aren't as big a deal. This one should be executed at specific levels, depending on which type of item you are going to Imbue, and what you want on it. Read the Imbuing Guide for more details.

Quest Dialogues

Activation

Charsi

When I fled the Monastery, I left behind the Horadric Malus, my enchanted smithing hammer. If you can retrieve it for me, I'll use its magic to strengthen your equipment.

After Activation

Akara

The retrieval of the Horadric Malus is not without risk. Our Monastery is filled with voracious hellspawn. You'd best be careful, my friend.

Charsi

The Monastery can confuse even those who know it well. Stay alert in there.

Deckard Cain

The Malus was forged and enchanted by the ancient Horadric Mages during the Sin Wars. When their union dissolved, the Malus was entrusted to the Sisterhood guarding the pass into the East.

Gheed

Charsi talks of nothing anymore, but this Horadric Malus. Between you and her my ears need a rest.

Just find it and bring it back quickly.

Kashya

Charsi is wasting her time and talents using an inferior hammer! Had she the Horadric Malus, she could make the steel sing and craft you a suit of armor as impenetrable as the Great Eye.

Warriv

Just as an archer needs bow and arrow, or a draughtsman pen and paper, so Charsi needs the Horadric Malus with which to ply her trade.

Return

Akara

If you can't carry out this quest, how will you face the greater evils ahead?

Charsi

The Malus is a Horadric artifact of great power. Please bring it back.

Deckard Cain

The Malus has eluded you so far. Well, search thoroughly in the Barracks... That is where the Rogues kept their forge.

Gheed

I have heard that you bear us no Malus.

Kashya

To do battle with Andariel requires more than thick skin and a strong will. You'll want armor and weaponry forged with the hammer's enchantments.

Warriv

What better opportunity to show your mettle?

Completion

Akara

Well done, my friend. But remember, the return of the Horadric Malus is but one step in reclaiming the Monastery.

Charsi

Oh! Thanks so much for returning the Horadric Malus! I will now imbue one of your items with magical powers.

Deckard Cain

The magical effects imbued by the Malus are impossible to predict, but are always to the good.

Gheed

I guess it's too late to take back some of the names I called you.

Kashya

Now that the Horadric Malus is back in our possession, we shall use it to deliver a great blow against the Evil which torments this land.

Warriv

I am glad the hammer has returned and you with it.