Don't Starve Wiki
Don't Starve Wiki
No edit summary
Tag: Visual edit
No edit summary
Tag: Visual edit
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{See also|Shadow Puppet}}
<div style="float:right; width:310px; padding-left: 10px;"><tabber>
 
Don't Starve=
 
 
{{Item Infobox
 
{{Item Infobox
|perk = Summons Shadow Puppets
+
|perk = Can Only be used by Maxwell<br>Unlock [[Shadow Tab]] {{DST|24}}
 
|stack = Does not stack
 
|stack = Does not stack
  +
|image=<gallery>
  +
Codex Umbra.png|Normal
  +
Codex Umbra Open.png|Open(DST)
  +
</gallery>
 
|description= It'll blow your mind.
 
|spawnCode = "waxwelljournal"
 
|spawnCode = "waxwelljournal"
|durability = Infinite
+
|durability = Infinite<br> 20 Uses {{Pic|24|Don't Starve Together icon|Don't Starve Together}}
|hpRestored = -15 Health
 
|sanityRestored = -55 Max sanity
 
}}
 
|-|
 
Don't Starve Together=
 
{{DST Exclusive}}
 
{{Item Infobox
 
 
|ingredient1 = Papyrus
 
|ingredient1 = Papyrus
 
|multiplier1 = 2
 
|multiplier1 = 2
Line 18: Line 15:
 
|multiplier2 = 2
 
|multiplier2 = 2
 
|ingredient3 = Health Decrease
 
|ingredient3 = Health Decrease
|multiplier3 = -50
+
|multiplier3 = -50 {{pic|24|Waxwell Portrait|Maxwell}} {{DST|24}}
  +
|filter = {{Pic32|Shadow Magic Filter}} {{Pic32|Maxwell Filter|Survivor Items Filter}}
|tab = Shadow
 
|tier = 0
+
|tier = 0}}
|perk = Unlocks shadow crafting recipes<br>Can Only be used by Maxwell
 
|stack = Does not stack
 
|spawnCode = "waxwelljournal"
 
|description=It'll blow your mind.}}
 
</tabber></div>
 
 
 
{{Quotes
 
{{Quotes
 
|wilson = Spooky.
 
|wilson = Spooky.
Line 35: Line 26:
 
|wickerbottom = I'm not letting THAT in MY library!
 
|wickerbottom = I'm not letting THAT in MY library!
 
|woodie = Trees made into... paper? How unholy!
 
|woodie = Trees made into... paper? How unholy!
|maxwell = I'm so sorry Charlie.
+
|maxwell = I'm so sorry, Charlie.
  +
|wagstaff =My attempts to understand this are being thwarted somehow.
 
|wigfrid = A tragic tale öf wöe and misery!
 
|wigfrid = A tragic tale öf wöe and misery!
 
|webber = I don't think we should play with that...
 
|webber = I don't think we should play with that...
 
|winona = I don't trust that thing one bit.
 
|winona = I don't trust that thing one bit.
  +
|walani = I'm getting a serious case of bad vibes just by looking at it.
 
|warly = Maman used to keep a journal, before her memory went.
 
|warly = Maman used to keep a journal, before her memory went.
  +
|woodlegs = Ain't be keeping such witchcraft aboard me ship.
  +
|wilba = 'TIS A BOOK OF BAD DREAMS.
 
|wortox = I don't think he knows how to use it.
 
|wortox = I don't think he knows how to use it.
 
|wormwood = Nope
 
|wormwood = Nope
  +
|wheeler = That's an adventure waiting to happen.
 
|wurt = ...Don't like stories in that book.
 
|wurt = ...Don't like stories in that book.
  +
|walter = Maybe you could teach me some magic tricks? I'm a quick learner!
  +
|wanda = Hm.
 
|choose = maxwell
 
|choose = maxwell
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Codex Umbra''' is a character-exclusive item that [[Maxwell (character)|Maxwell]] starts the game with. When used, it sacrifices 15 [[health]] and 55 of maximum [[sanity]] to spawn a Shadow Puppet clone of Maxwell. It has infinite durability and requires 2 [[Nightmare Fuel]] to be used. For each puppet active, Maxwell's maximum sanity is reduced, similar to how [[Meat Effigy|Meat Effigies]] reduce maximum health. A maximum of 3 puppets can be active at one time and each one will disappear 2.5 days after it was summoned. If a Shadow Puppet is killed or despawns, Maxwell will get the used max sanity back.
+
The '''Codex Umbra''' is a character-exclusive item that [[Maxwell (character)|Maxwell]] starts the game with. When used, it sacrifices 15 [[health]] and 55 of maximum [[sanity]] to spawn a [[Shadow Puppet]] clone of Maxwell. It has infinite durability and requires 2 [[Nightmare Fuel]] to be used. For each puppet active, Maxwell's maximum sanity is reduced, similar to how [[Meat Effigy|Meat Effigies]] reduce maximum health. A maximum of 3 puppets can be active at one time and each one will disappear 2.5 days after it was summoned. If a Shadow Puppet is killed or despawns, Maxwell will get the used max sanity back.
   
== {{pic|32|Minimap Maxwell's Door}} Origin ==
+
=={{pic|32|Minimap Maxwell's Door}} Origin==
  +
{{Quote|I have discovered something, a book of sorts. I have yet to decode it fully, but what little I have deciphered has opened my mind to terrifying new possibilities.|William Carter}}
{{Quote|I have discovered something, a book of sorts. I have yet to decode it fully, but what little I have deciphered has opened my mind to terrifying new possibilities.|William Carter}}The Codex Umbra was discovered by [[William Carter Puzzles|William Carter]] in August of 1904. At the time, William was boarded on a train headed to San Francisco, California from New York City.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fourth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #4]]: The Coach Ticket is dated August 15, 1904 and permits travel from New York's Grand Central Station to San Francisco.</ref> The train crashed into a broke down circus wagon, and a man of William's description was reported missing and assumed dead.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fourth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #4]], The Newspaper: "A passenger​ train struck a circus wagon that had broken down along the tracks at the Old Mill crossing. Dozens of passengers were injured, and at least one man is missing. The missing man has yet to be identified, but fellow passengers described him as a tall, nervous fellow with an English accent. A search party was convened but quickly abandoned when it became apparent that a cage full of potentially dangerous trained monkeys had been vacated in the collision. Given the remoteness of the crash site, the scorching desert sun, and the escaped animals, the missing man has been presumed dead."</ref> However, William had survived the crash, and while he was missing he somehow found the Codex and was quickly intrigued by the "terrifying" possibilities it offered.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fourth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #4]], The Postcard: "Jack, The strangest thing has happened! Please discount all reports of my demise, should they reach you. I am very much alive, despite my recent misadventures. I have discovered something, a book of sorts. I have yet to decode it fully, but what little I have deciphered has opened my mind to terrifying new possibilities. I shan't say more through post - I fear it may attract unwanted attention. All will be explained when we meet. I shall continue west forthwith! -William"</ref>
+
The Codex Umbra was discovered by [[William Carter Puzzles|William Carter]] in August of 1904. At the time, William was aboard a train heading to San Francisco, California from New York City.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fourth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #4]]: The Coach Ticket is dated August 15, 1904 and permits travel from New York's Grand Central Station to San Francisco.</ref> The train crashed into a broken down circus wagon, and a man of William's description was reported missing but assumed dead.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fourth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #4]], The Newspaper: "A passenger​ train struck a circus wagon that had broken down along the tracks at the Old Mill crossing. Dozens of passengers were injured, and at least one man is missing. The missing man has yet to be identified, but fellow passengers described him as a tall, nervous fellow with an English accent. A search party was convened but quickly abandoned when it became apparent that a cage full of potentially dangerous trained monkeys had been vacated in the collision. Given the remoteness of the crash site, the scorching desert sun, and the escaped animals, the missing man has been presumed dead."</ref> However, William survived the crash with only a few injuries. Some time around the train crash he discovered an ancient codex and was intrigued by the "terrifying" possibilities it offered.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fourth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #4]], The Postcard: "Jack, The strangest thing has happened! Please discount all reports of my demise, should they reach you. I am very much alive, despite my recent misadventures. I have discovered something, a book of sorts. I have yet to decode it fully, but what little I have deciphered has opened my mind to terrifying new possibilities. I shan't say more through post - I fear it may attract unwanted attention. All will be explained when we meet. I shall continue west forthwith! -William"</ref>
   
Months later, William established himself in San Francisco and began going by the name Maxwell. Maxwell updated his act to incorporate dark manifestations that he taught himself to summon from the Codex Umbra.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fifth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #5]]: A new poster for "Maxwell the Great", a requisition for an ad in ''The San Francisco Call'' dated June 6, 1905, and a journal page recounting an encounter with a Shadow Creature after a ritual.</ref> He found great success in this new act and eventually hired an assistant, [[Charlie]].<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Sixth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #6]]: New poster for "The Amazing Maxwell" featuring Charlie holding the Codex, and a letter from Charlie about their latest successful performance.</ref> During their last performance, Maxwell's act went normally until he attempted to pull "shadows incarnate" from the Codex and was instead pulled into the book with giant shadow hands in a disaster that ensnared both Maxwell and Charlie into [[The Constant]].<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Eighth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #8]]: ''[http://www.dontstarvegame.com/science/mdocs/max/stage/1/grand-finale.html The Final Act]'' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BUcTVIV5y0 Youtube])</ref>
+
Months later, William established himself in San Francisco and began going by the name of Maxwell. Maxwell updated his act to incorporate dark manifestations that he taught himself to summon from the Codex Umbra.<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Fifth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #5]]: A new poster for "Maxwell the Great", a requisition for an ad in ''The San Francisco Call'' dated June 6, 1905, and a journal page recounting an encounter with a Shadow Creature after a ritual.</ref> He found great success in this new act and eventually hired an assistant, [[Charlie]].<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Sixth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #6]]: New poster for "The Amazing Maxwell" featuring Charlie holding the Codex, and a letter from Charlie about their latest successful performance.</ref> During their last performance, Maxwell's act went normally until he attempted to pull "shadows incarnate" from the Codex and was instead pulled into the book by giant shadow hands. Soon, the entire act ends in disaster as both Maxwell and Charlie are violently dragged into a [[The Constant|parallel dimension]].<ref>[[William Carter Puzzles#Eighth puzzle|William Carter Puzzle #8]]: ''[http://www.dontstarvegame.com/science/mdocs/max/stage/1/grand-finale.html The Final Act]'' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BUcTVIV5y0 Youtube])</ref>
   
 
The Codex Umbra reappeared, still in Maxwell's possession, after he was [[Adventure Mode|dethroned]] and became a survivor. After reuniting with [[Wilson]], Maxwell found the scientist's blueprints for an invention and offered to help construct it with assistance from the Codex Umbra. This made it possible for Maxwell and Wilson to build a [[Removed Features#Jury-Rigged Portal|portal]] that allowed other survivors to join forces with them.<ref>[[Cyclum Puzzles]]: [[:File:Final.png|Last page of the comic]]</ref>
 
The Codex Umbra reappeared, still in Maxwell's possession, after he was [[Adventure Mode|dethroned]] and became a survivor. After reuniting with [[Wilson]], Maxwell found the scientist's blueprints for an invention and offered to help construct it with assistance from the Codex Umbra. This made it possible for Maxwell and Wilson to build a [[Removed Features#Jury-Rigged Portal|portal]] that allowed other survivors to join forces with them.<ref>[[Cyclum Puzzles]]: [[:File:Final.png|Last page of the comic]]</ref>
   
 
=={{Pic32|Don't Starve Together icon}} Don't Starve Together==
==Shadow Puppets==
 
  +
In ''[[Don't Starve Together]]'', the Codex Umbra can be crafted from the [[Shadow Magic Filter]] and [[Survivor Items Filter]], using two [[Papyrus]], two [[Nightmare Fuel]] and costing 50 [[Health]]. It has a durability of 20 uses and does not break if it reaches 0%. Nightmare Fuel repairs 25% durability. It has a UI for choosing to summon between Shadow Servants, Duelists, Sneaks and Prisons. Creating puppets costs less max sanity and does not cost health, and he can hold up to 6 Puppets at a time. The Shadow Sneak can be used to transform [[Rabbit]]s, [[Bunnymen]], and [[Splumonkey]]s into their nightmare variants, regardless of how much sanity the Players have, while the Shadow Prison can trap enemies in a temporary cage, making them unable to move.
{{Mob Infobox
 
|image = Image:Shadow_Puppet.jpg
 
|imagewidth = 100px
 
|health = 75
 
|damage = 40
 
|attackPeriod = 2
 
|attackRange =
 
|runSpeed = 6
 
|drops = {{Pic|32|Nightmare_Fuel|Nightmare Fuel}} ({{Pic|32|Don't_Starve_Together_icon|Don't Starve Together}} only)
 
|spawnCode = "shadowwaxwell"<br>"shadowlumber_builder"<br>"shadowminer_builder"<br>"shadowdigger_builder"<br>"shadowduelist_builder"
 
|name = Shadow Puppet
 
|specialAbility = Helps with chores and fights
 
}}
 
'''Shadow Puppets''' are [[Shadow Creature]] versions of Maxwell that do his bidding. While puppets are active, they will aid Maxwell in combat as well as also aiding him in cutting trees and mining rocks. However, they have low health and will die quickly in combat against more able foes. Shadow Puppets will automatically die 2.5 days after their creation. Upon its death, the player gains back the 55 max sanity from the puppet.
 
   
  +
<gallery columns="7" position="center" widths="64" captionalign="center" captionsize="medium" bordersize="none" spacing="medium" hideaddbutton="true" navigation="true">
== {{pic|32|Gift Icon}} Downloadable Content ==
 
  +
Shadow Worker Crafting image.png|link=Shadow_Puppet#Shadow_Worker|[[Shadow Puppet|Shadow Worker]]
[[File:Shadow_Puppet_Boating.png|thumb|80px|A shadow puppet sailing.]]
 
  +
Shadow Duelist Crafting image.png|link=Shadow_Puppet#Shadow_Duelist|[[Shadow Puppet|Shadow Duelist]]
 
  +
Shadow Prison Crafting image.png|link=Shadow_Traps#Shadow_Prison|[[Shadow Traps|Shadow Prison]]
In the ''[[Shipwrecked]]'' DLC, Shadow Puppets summon shadow [[Row Boat]]s to follow Maxwell into the [[Ocean]]. The Shadow Puppets act as though they are sailing, yet the boats do not have [[Sail]]s and have the same speed as a normal Row Boat. Shadow boats can only be driven by shadow puppets, and disappear when the puppet exits the boat. It is possible to enter a shadow Row Boat when not being used by a Shadow Puppet, by quickly entering it before it disappears. However, doing so results in a crash.
 
  +
Shadow Sneak Crafting image.png|link=Shadow_Traps#Shadow_Sneak|[[Shadow Traps|Shadow Sneak]]
 
  +
</gallery>
== {{Pic32|Don't Starve Together icon}} Don't Starve Together ==
 
In ''[[Don't Starve Together]]'', the Codex Umbra can be crafted from the [[:Category:Shadow Tab|Shadow Tab]], using two [[Papyrus]], two [[Nightmare Fuel]] and costing 50 [[Health]]. It is also no longer an item that can be used directly, instead it acts as a crafting station when placed on the ground, which unlocks Shadow Puppet recipes for Maxwell under the Shadow Tab. To create the puppets, Maxwell has to stand near the Codex Umbra. Creating puppets does not cost health.
 
 
Unlike in single player, Shadow Puppets are not universal, instead they have to be chosen upon creation of which task they will be specialized in. As such, they do not mimic the actions that the player is performing, but instead spawn with a specific task which they perform. They also do not disappear after 2.5 days nor have a durability limit and stay active until they are killed. To dispel them, Maxwell or any other character can simply force attack (Ctrl/Cmnd) click them. Shadow Puppets will drop 1 Nightmare Fuel when killed or dispelled by players.
 
 
{| class="article-table"
 
!Shadow Helper
 
!Description
 
!Prerequisites
 
!Max Sanity Loss
 
|-
 
!
 
Shadow Logger
 
!
 
''"Holds a grudge against trees."''<br />Chops trees closest to the player
 
!2 Nightmare Fuel
 
1 Axe
 
! -20%
 
|-
 
!
 
Shadow Miner
 
!
 
''"Mine that rock!"''<br />Mines rocks closest to the player
 
!
 
2 Nightmare Fuel
 
 
1 Pickaxe
 
! -20%
 
|-
 
!
 
Shadow Digger
 
!
 
''"Diggy diggy hole."''<br />Digs up stumps/graves closest to the player
 
!
 
2 Nightmare Fuel
 
 
1 Shovel
 
! -20%
 
|-
 
!
 
Shadow Duelist
 
!
 
''"Ethereal bodyguard."''<br />Defends the player from attackers as well as attack player's target. Naturally regenerates health.
 
!
 
2 Nightmare Fuel
 
 
1 Spear
 
! -35%
 
|}
 
 
'''<u>Summon Limitations</u>'''
 
 
Given the loss in sanity, the player can summon a maximum of:
 
 
- 4 Harvesters - Residual Sanity: 40 (20%)
 
 
- 1 Duelist and 2 Harvesters - Residual Sanity: 50 (25%)
 
 
- 2 Duelist and 1 Harvester - Residual Sanity: 21 (10%)
 
   
=={{pic|32|Placeholder}} Trivia==
+
=={{pic32|Placeholder}} Trivia==
 
*Codex Umbra is Latin for "shadow manuscript".
 
*Codex Umbra is Latin for "shadow manuscript".
*The footsteps of the puppets make a faint warping sound.
 
 
*It's possible for the Codex Umbra to be set alight and burn into ashes. The book will re-appear in Maxwell's inventory upon re-loading the world.
 
*It's possible for the Codex Umbra to be set alight and burn into ashes. The book will re-appear in Maxwell's inventory upon re-loading the world.
 
*If using the Codex Umbra reduces Maxwell's health to zero, the [[Morgue]] will list the cause of death as "Shenanigans".
*Despite being Shadow Creatures, passive animals will avoid puppets and neutral mobs will fight back against them. Puppets are also unable to help the player against Shadow Creatures.
 
 
*Like [[Abigail's Flower]], the Codex Umbra floats when placed on the ground, but only if the corresponding Maxwell is nearby. If he moves out of range, the book will close and fall to the ground.
*If using the Codex Umbra reduces Maxwell's health to zero, the [[Morgue]] will show the cause of death as "Shenanigans".
 
  +
*In the beta test of Maxwell's rework, when using the Codex Umbra, in addition to 4 items that were included in the final version of the update, it was possible to select a spell that allows you to turn the Top Hat in your inventory into a [[Magician's Top Hat]].
*Like Abigail's Flower, the Codex Umbra floats when placed on the ground, but only if the corresponding Maxwell is nearby. If he moves out of range, the book will close and fall to the ground.
 
  +
[[File:Magician's Top Hat Crafting image.png|thumb]]
*In ''Don't Starve Together'', if Maxwell executes an emote, his puppets will stop whatever they are doing and will run over to Maxwell before proceeding to do the same emote.
 
  +
{{Clear}}
**They will do the dance emote with both /dance and /step emote.
 
* In ''Don't Starve Together'', the player is able to become constantly insane if they summon 1 Harvester and 2 Duelists.
 
* The description "Diggy diggy hole" is a reference to the song of the same name by the Youtube channel Yogscast.
 
   
=={{pic32|Mosquito}} Bugs==
+
=={{pic32|Mosquito}} Bugs ==
 
*Despite being a starting character specific item, the Codex Umbra can be stolen by mobs like [[Krampus]] or [[Lureplant|Eyeplants]].
 
*Despite being a starting character specific item, the Codex Umbra can be stolen by mobs like [[Krampus]] or [[Lureplant|Eyeplants]].
 
*Using a [[Sinkhole]] to enter the [[Caves]] or [[Ruins]] without the Codex Umbra can sometimes cause it to duplicate in the player's inventory.
 
*Using a [[Sinkhole]] to enter the [[Caves]] or [[Ruins]] without the Codex Umbra can sometimes cause it to duplicate in the player's inventory.
Line 155: Line 80:
 
<gallery captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
 
<gallery captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
 
Reading Codex.jpg|Maxwell reading the Codex Umbra.
 
Reading Codex.jpg|Maxwell reading the Codex Umbra.
Shadow Summon.jpg|A puppet spawning (Look closer and you'll find Mr. Skits).
+
Shadow Summon.jpg|A puppet spawning (Look closer and you'll find Mr. Skitts).
 
Less max sanity.png|Maxwell's maximum Sanity after summoning a Puppet.
 
Less max sanity.png|Maxwell's maximum Sanity after summoning a Puppet.
Shadow Cutting.jpg|Puppets cutting a tree.
 
Shadow Mining.jpg|Mining a rock with the help of the puppets.
 
 
All's well that Maxwell.jpg|Maxwell and the Codex Umbra on the ''All's Well That Maxwell'' poster.
 
All's well that Maxwell.jpg|Maxwell and the Codex Umbra on the ''All's Well That Maxwell'' poster.
Shadow_Puppet_Trailer.jpg|Maxwell with a Shadow Puppet, as seen in the ''All's Well That Maxwell'' trailer.
 
maxwell and shadow warrior.gif|Maxwell and a Shadow Duelist dancing together (DST).
 
 
20170311065948_1.jpg|Maxwell beside the Codex Umbra (DST).
 
20170311065948_1.jpg|Maxwell beside the Codex Umbra (DST).
 
Valentines2017 1.png|Codex Umbra as seen on the 2017 Valentine Cards.
 
Valentines2017 1.png|Codex Umbra as seen on the 2017 Valentine Cards.
  +
RWP MaxwellCR Codex Umbra animation concept.gif|Codex Umbra animation concept from ''Rhymes with Play "Maxwell's Character Refresh"''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
{{Craftable Items}}
 
   
 
{{Craftable Items}}
 
__NOTOC__
 
__NOTOC__
 
[[ru:Кодекс_Умбра]]
 
[[ru:Кодекс_Умбра]]
  +
[[vi:Sách Vong Linh]]
 
[[Category:Sanity Loss]]
 
[[Category:Sanity Loss]]
 
[[Category:Character-Specific]]
 
[[Category:Character-Specific]]
 
[[Category:Items]]
 
[[Category:Items]]
[[Category:Magic]]
 
 
[[Category:Followers]]
 
[[Category:Followers]]
 
[[Category:Flammable Objects]]
 
[[Category:Flammable Objects]]
[[Category:Books]]
 
 
[[Category:Health Loss]]
 
[[Category:Health Loss]]
 
[[Category:Lore]]
 
[[Category:Lore]]
 
[[Category:Craftable Items]]
 
[[Category:Craftable Items]]
 
[[Category:Shadow Tab]]
 
[[Category:Shadow Tab]]
 
[[Category:Shadow Magic Filter]]
 
[[Category:Crafting Stations]]
 
[[Category:Crafting Stations]]
 
[[Category:Mob Spawning Entities]]
 
[[Category:Mob Spawning Entities]]

Latest revision as of 04:35, 14 December 2023

Glommer See also: Shadow Puppet

Waxwell Portrait
I'm so sorry, Charlie.

Maxwell

The Codex Umbra is a character-exclusive item that Maxwell starts the game with. When used, it sacrifices 15 health and 55 of maximum sanity to spawn a Shadow Puppet clone of Maxwell. It has infinite durability and requires 2 Nightmare Fuel to be used. For each puppet active, Maxwell's maximum sanity is reduced, similar to how Meat Effigies reduce maximum health. A maximum of 3 puppets can be active at one time and each one will disappear 2.5 days after it was summoned. If a Shadow Puppet is killed or despawns, Maxwell will get the used max sanity back.

Minimap Maxwell's Door Origin[]

I have discovered something, a book of sorts. I have yet to decode it fully, but what little I have deciphered has opened my mind to terrifying new possibilities.

William Carter

The Codex Umbra was discovered by William Carter in August of 1904. At the time, William was aboard a train heading to San Francisco, California from New York City.[1] The train crashed into a broken down circus wagon, and a man of William's description was reported missing but assumed dead.[2] However, William survived the crash with only a few injuries. Some time around the train crash he discovered an ancient codex and was intrigued by the "terrifying" possibilities it offered.[3]

Months later, William established himself in San Francisco and began going by the name of Maxwell. Maxwell updated his act to incorporate dark manifestations that he taught himself to summon from the Codex Umbra.[4] He found great success in this new act and eventually hired an assistant, Charlie.[5] During their last performance, Maxwell's act went normally until he attempted to pull "shadows incarnate" from the Codex and was instead pulled into the book by giant shadow hands. Soon, the entire act ends in disaster as both Maxwell and Charlie are violently dragged into a parallel dimension.[6]

The Codex Umbra reappeared, still in Maxwell's possession, after he was dethroned and became a survivor. After reuniting with Wilson, Maxwell found the scientist's blueprints for an invention and offered to help construct it with assistance from the Codex Umbra. This made it possible for Maxwell and Wilson to build a portal that allowed other survivors to join forces with them.[7]

Don't Starve Together icon Don't Starve Together[]

In Don't Starve Together, the Codex Umbra can be crafted from the Shadow Magic Filter and Survivor Items Filter, using two Papyrus, two Nightmare Fuel and costing 50 Health. It has a durability of 20 uses and does not break if it reaches 0%. Nightmare Fuel repairs 25% durability. It has a UI for choosing to summon between Shadow Servants, Duelists, Sneaks and Prisons. Creating puppets costs less max sanity and does not cost health, and he can hold up to 6 Puppets at a time. The Shadow Sneak can be used to transform Rabbits, Bunnymen, and Splumonkeys into their nightmare variants, regardless of how much sanity the Players have, while the Shadow Prison can trap enemies in a temporary cage, making them unable to move.

Placeholder Trivia[]

  • Codex Umbra is Latin for "shadow manuscript".
  • It's possible for the Codex Umbra to be set alight and burn into ashes. The book will re-appear in Maxwell's inventory upon re-loading the world.
  • If using the Codex Umbra reduces Maxwell's health to zero, the Morgue will list the cause of death as "Shenanigans".
  • Like Abigail's Flower, the Codex Umbra floats when placed on the ground, but only if the corresponding Maxwell is nearby. If he moves out of range, the book will close and fall to the ground.
  • In the beta test of Maxwell's rework, when using the Codex Umbra, in addition to 4 items that were included in the final version of the update, it was possible to select a spell that allows you to turn the Top Hat in your inventory into a Magician's Top Hat.
Magician's Top Hat Crafting image

Mosquito Bugs[]

  • Despite being a starting character specific item, the Codex Umbra can be stolen by mobs like Krampus or Eyeplants.
  • Using a Sinkhole to enter the Caves or Ruins without the Codex Umbra can sometimes cause it to duplicate in the player's inventory.
  • In the Shipwrecked DLC, using a Volcano to climb onto it without the Codex Umbra can sometimes cause it to duplicate in the player's inventory.

Blueprint Gallery[]

References[]

  1. William Carter Puzzle #4: The Coach Ticket is dated August 15, 1904 and permits travel from New York's Grand Central Station to San Francisco.
  2. William Carter Puzzle #4, The Newspaper: "A passenger​ train struck a circus wagon that had broken down along the tracks at the Old Mill crossing. Dozens of passengers were injured, and at least one man is missing. The missing man has yet to be identified, but fellow passengers described him as a tall, nervous fellow with an English accent. A search party was convened but quickly abandoned when it became apparent that a cage full of potentially dangerous trained monkeys had been vacated in the collision. Given the remoteness of the crash site, the scorching desert sun, and the escaped animals, the missing man has been presumed dead."
  3. William Carter Puzzle #4, The Postcard: "Jack, The strangest thing has happened! Please discount all reports of my demise, should they reach you. I am very much alive, despite my recent misadventures. I have discovered something, a book of sorts. I have yet to decode it fully, but what little I have deciphered has opened my mind to terrifying new possibilities. I shan't say more through post - I fear it may attract unwanted attention. All will be explained when we meet. I shall continue west forthwith! -William"
  4. William Carter Puzzle #5: A new poster for "Maxwell the Great", a requisition for an ad in The San Francisco Call dated June 6, 1905, and a journal page recounting an encounter with a Shadow Creature after a ritual.
  5. William Carter Puzzle #6: New poster for "The Amazing Maxwell" featuring Charlie holding the Codex, and a letter from Charlie about their latest successful performance.
  6. William Carter Puzzle #8: The Final Act (Youtube)
  7. Cyclum Puzzles: Last page of the comic