The Forbidden Sanctum

"Forbidden Sanctum" redirects here. For the expansion, see The Forbidden Sanctum (expansion). For the league, see Sanctum league.

The Forbidden Sanctum is an area found in the Sanctum league. Players must explore a randomized dungeon, collecting Aureus coins and trying to reach the end before their Resolve runs out.

A Sanctum run contains 4 floors, each containing 8 rooms. The 8th room of each floor always contains a Boss. Players can choose to engage in a room every time they encounter the portal to the Sanctum in an area or map, or defer up to 8 rooms (1 floor) to be run consecutively at a later time. Crashing during a Sanctum room will reset progress for that room and will resume the same area on your next map. Aureus and rewards are only locked in upon successful completion of a room. Each Sanctum run is independent between characters on the same account.

Mechanics

Resolve

• Resolve is an additional stat player characters have while exploring the Sanctum, somewhat similar to Ruin from Ultimatum league.
• The default maximum Resolve is 300. Resolve is maintained between rooms, and the player is ejected from the Sanctum if it hits 0, resetting all floors and rooms. Being ejected does not count as a death, nor does it remove experience.
• Resolve is lost from hits from monsters or traps in the Sanctum. Closer proximity to monsters may reduce the Resolve lost.
• Regular defences such as evasion rating, damage reduction, and avoidance do not affect the loss of Resolve.
• Minions and non-party allies do not cause Resolve to be lost if hit.
• A fixed amount of Resolve can be restored in Fountain rooms.

Aureus

• Aureus is a type of non-tradeable currency similar to Azurite which can be found in the Sanctum. Aureus is collected automatically when the player is near it.
• Aureus can be traded to the merchant for various Boons or Templar Relics.
• Aureus is maintained between rooms and floors, and is lost when the Sanctum run ends.

Inspiration

• Inspiration acts as a buffer over your maximum Resolve, somewhat similar to Energy Shield in comparison to life.

Boon

• Boons grant various benefits to your Sanctum run and can help recover or mitigate damage to your Resolve, increase your Aureus and rewards, debuff monsters, grant Inspiration, or provide other helpful buffs.

Affliction

• Afflictions grant various downsides to your Sanctum run and can reduce or prevent Resolve recovery, spawn additional traps, buff monsters, affect your Aureus generation, or hide rooms or rewards on the Sanctum Map.

Room Types

Afflicted rooms are indicated by a purple border, and improve the room's mechanics but causes the character to gain an Affliction.

Reward Room

When players are offered rewards, they have three options:

• Recieve (a small quantity of) <item1> now
• Recieve (a moderate quantity of) <item2> at end of the Floor
• Recieve (a large quantity of) <item3> on completing the Sanctum

The quantity and types of items improve based on how long you defer the reward, at the cost of risking the reward entirely if the player loses all Resolve during the run.

Afflicted Reward Room

• Contains improved rewards, but causes an Affliction.

Fountain

• Fountain rooms contain an interactable Fountain which grants Recover 25% of Maximum Resolve.

Afflicted Fountain

• Afflicted Fountain rooms contain an interactable Afflicted Fountain which grants Recover #% of Maximum Resolve, but also inflicts a random Affliction on you.

Treasure Room

• Contains chests of Aureus

Merchant

• Merchant rooms contain the NPC Sister Divina who sells you Boons in exchange for Aureus. The "Chipped Dice" Boon is required to reroll the Merchant's Shop options.

Accursed Pact

• Accursed Pacts are unlocked after progressing through the Sanctum.
• Accursed Pact rooms allow you to accept one of three random Accursed Pacts which grants both an upside and downside.

Accursed Pact outcomes

Upside	Icon	Downside
Gain a specific Boon	Yellow nail	Lose 25% Maximum Resolve
Gain a random Major Boon	Yellow spiky nail	Lose 50% Maximum Resolve
Gain 2 random Minor Boons	Two yellow nails	Lose 50% Maximum Resolve
Gain a random Minor Boon	Yellow/Purple twisted arrows	Gain a random Minor Affliction
Remove a specific Affliction	Purple twisted arrow+Purple nail	Gain a random Minor Affliction
Gain 200 Inspiration	Blue pentagram ⛦	Lose 200 Resolve

Boss Room

• Always the 8th room of any floor.
• Contains one of several Sanctum boss encounters

Bosses

Sanctum Bosses

Boss name	Boss room name	Based on:
???	?	High Lithomancer (Primordial Blocks MapPrimordial Blocks MapMap Level: 69 Map Tier: 2 Guild Character: âWho is the true criminal, the one behind bars, or the one who tortures him?Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.)
???	?	Kadaris, Crimson Mayor (Crimson Township MapCrimson Township MapMap Level: 68 Map Tier: 1 Guild Character: %Rain will wash away the stains, but the madness and memories will never fade.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.)
Unnamed Twin Statue Boss	?
Xenathar, the Dark Reaper	Candlelit Chapel	Vorana, Last to Fall (Expedition)
???	?	Candlemass (POE2)

Boss drops:

• Eternal DamnationEternal Damnation
  Agate AmuletRequires Level 52+(16-24) to Strength and Intelligence+(40-70) to maximum Mana
  +(-13-13)% to Chaos Resistance
  -5% to all maximum Resistances
  Gain additional Elemental Damage Reduction equal to half your Chaos ResistanceThe price of immortality is isolation.

Relic Altar

• Each character has its own Relic Altar and uses separate Relics. However, the Relic Locker is shared between all of your characters in the same league.
• Relics placed in the Relic Altar are locked in for the Sanctum run and cannot be removed in the middle of a run. The current run must be completed, failed, or forfeited to remove Relics.

Templar Relic

Main page: Templar relic

For items with special 2D artwork formerly known as "relics", see Foil item.

For relics that affected character stats that were obtainable in Sanctum league, see sanctified relic.

Relics are a type of item that is exclusive to the Sanctum league. They can be placed in the Relic Altar to provide buffs to various mechanics related to the Forbidden Sanctum.

Mechanics

• Relics can be found in the Sanctum as rewards from guards, minibosses or bosses, or purchased from Sister Divinia for 300 Aureus.
• They can be stored in a special separate stash, which can also be placed as a hideout decoration.
• To equip a Relic, they must be placed in the Relic Altar on a 5x4 grid with some slots blocked off. Additional grid slots can be unlocked as you progress, up to a total of 18 slots.
• Relics are unmodifiable and are always Magic.
• Relics can be vendored 5 to 1 to obtain a new one with random modifiers.

List of relics

Main page: List of relics

Base types

Item	Drop Level
Censer RelicCenser RelicUnmodifiablePlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	1
Processional RelicProcessional RelicUnmodifiablePlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	1
Tome RelicTome RelicUnmodifiablePlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	1
Urn RelicUrn RelicUnmodifiablePlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	1
Candlestick RelicCandlestick RelicUnmodifiablePlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	75
Papyrus RelicPapyrus RelicUnmodifiablePlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	75
Coffer RelicCoffer RelicUnmodifiablePlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	82

Unique

Main page: List of unique relics

A unique relic is a special unique type of relic which is guaranteed to drop from Lycia, Herald of the Scourge. Unique relics are destroyed upon completing or failing a run. Only one unique relic can be used at a time per run.

Item	Base Item	Drop Level	Stats
The Blood of InnocenceThe Blood of Innocence Censer RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge deals 50% more Damage The Herald of the Scourge takes 50% less Damage The Herald of the Scourge drops the Balance of Terror This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"After weeks of being pursued, the veiled traveller made her stand in a sandstorm. Somehow, she wounded a god. Innocence relented; his brother and the traveller made good their escape." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Censer Relic	N/A	The Herald of the Scourge deals 50% more Damage The Herald of the Scourge takes 50% less Damage The Herald of the Scourge drops the Balance of Terror This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The Broken CenserThe Broken Censer Tome RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge drops 2 additional Forbidden Tomes Rooms are unknown on the Sanctum Map Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 75 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"His followers were too small in number to spark divinity, so he turned to a greater power: hatred. He vilified his brother, sparking zealotry, and the change finally began." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Tome Relic	N/A	The Herald of the Scourge drops 2 additional Forbidden Tomes Rooms are unknown on the Sanctum Map Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 75 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The Chains of CastigationThe Chains of Castigation Processional RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge drops Sandstorm Visage Rooms are unknown on the Sanctum Map Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 75 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"The mysterious traveller saw the vilified brother chained to a cliff, where all could point and shout and deride him. In one fell swing, she cracked the mountainside, freeing him." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Processional Relic	N/A	The Herald of the Scourge drops Sandstorm Visage Rooms are unknown on the Sanctum Map Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 75 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The First CrestThe First Crest Coffer RelicRequires Level 64This item is destroyed when applied to a Sanctum Aureus Coins are converted to <3 variants> upon defeating the Herald of the ScourgeUnmodifiable"In pursuit of divinity, he tried many times to found a religion. Few followed his initial symbols and proverbs. He needed something greater. A symbol none could deny." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Coffer Relic	N/A	This item is destroyed when applied to a Sanctum Aureus Coins are converted to <3 variants> upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Aureus Coins are converted to Experience upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Aureus Coins are converted to Relics upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Aureus Coins are converted to Tainted Currency upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Unmodifiable
The Gilded ChaliceThe Gilded Chalice Processional RelicRequires Level 64Duplicates up to 4 random Offer Rewards upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Cannot recover Resolve Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 75 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"He took the newcomers' symbol and made it his own. Finally, they flocked to him. Finally, he had the power and wealth he so desired." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Processional Relic	N/A	Duplicates up to 4 random Offer Rewards upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Cannot recover Resolve Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 75 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The Hour of DivinityThe Hour of Divinity Censer RelicRequires Level 64Duplicates up to 2 random Offer Rewards upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Cannot have Boons This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"They ascended together, one unwillingly. The vilified became black as coal, and the lauded, golden. After a lifetime of ambition, he finally had his heart's desire. It only cost him his brother." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Censer Relic	N/A	Duplicates up to 2 random Offer Rewards upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge Cannot have Boons This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The Night LampThe Night Lamp Urn RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge drops an additional Forbidden Tome No Resolve Mitigation, chance to Avoid Resolve loss or Resolve Aegis This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"The newcomers were terrified of fire. He used their fear to control them, to lay the seeds of unquestioning faith. He claimed only his god could protect them." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Urn Relic	N/A	The Herald of the Scourge drops an additional Forbidden Tome No Resolve Mitigation, chance to Avoid Resolve loss or Resolve Aegis This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The Original ScriptureThe Original Scripture Papyrus RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge drops the Original Sin Cannot have Inspiration Maximum Resolve is 1 Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 83 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"It's all here. The lie at the core of my faith. Maxarius was not the first chosen of Innocence. Maxarius was Innocence himself. A charlatan, a liar, and a power-seeker." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Papyrus Relic	N/A	The Herald of the Scourge drops the Original Sin Cannot have Inspiration Maximum Resolve is 1 Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 83 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The Power and the PromiseThe Power and the Promise Tome RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge drops Eternal Damnation Cannot have Inspiration Cannot recover Resolve Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 80 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"Building on the fear and hatred that deified him, Innocence threatened an eternity of flames for nonbelievers. The newcomers wailed and threw themselves at his feet in the thousands." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Tome Relic	N/A	The Herald of the Scourge drops Eternal Damnation Cannot have Inspiration Cannot recover Resolve Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 80 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable
The Second SacramentThe Second Sacrament Candlestick RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge deals 100% more Damage The Herald of the Scourge takes 70% less Damage The Herald of the Scourge drops the Winds of Fate Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 83 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"He took many of his people's traditions and gilded them, hollowed them. They rejected his new religion, and he and his followers were forced to depart the mountains for lands unknown." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run	Candlestick Relic	N/A	The Herald of the Scourge deals 100% more Damage The Herald of the Scourge takes 70% less Damage The Herald of the Scourge drops the Winds of Fate Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 83 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable

List of modifiers

Main page: List of modifiers for small relics

Main page: List of modifiers for medium relics

Main page: List of modifiers for large relics

Version history

Version	Changes
3.22.0	Relics have returned and are now tradeable. Unique Relics have been rebalanced and reworked.
3.20.1	Introduced 7 new Unique Relics that drop from the final form of the Sanctum Boss. These Relics challenge you to complete an entire run of The Forbidden Sanctum at area level 80+ under special rules. If you're able to complete such a run, you'll be rewarded in new and special ways. However, the Unique Relic will be destroyed regardless of the outcome of your run, so if you fail to complete it, you'll forfeit your potential rewards. Some of these Unique Relics cause the Herald of the Scourge to drop additional or specific items, while others causes Aureus Coins to be converted to certain outcomes upon defeating the Herald of the Scourge. We've also introduced a new Unique RingOriginal Sin Amethyst RingRequires Level 52+(17-23)% to Chaos ResistanceAll Elemental Damage Converted to Chaos Damage Nearby Enemies' Chaos Resistance is 0Innocence rose to godhood not on inspired faith, but on the vilification and hatred of another. that can be earned by defeating the Herald of the Scourge with one of the new Unique RelicsThe Original Scripture Papyrus RelicRequires Level 64The Herald of the Scourge drops the Original Sin Cannot have Inspiration Maximum Resolve is 1 Cannot be used with Forbidden Tomes below level 83 This item is destroyed when applied to a SanctumUnmodifiable"It's all here. The lie at the core of my faith. Maxarius was not the first chosen of Innocence. Maxarius was Innocence himself. A charlatan, a liar, and a power-seeker." - Lycia, the HereticPlace this item on the Relic Altar at the start of each Sanctum run active.
3.20.0b	Relics are now able to be dropped onto the ground by players, though these still remain Account-bound to the player that dropped them.
3.20.0	Introduced to the game.

Sanctified Relic

• Sanctified Relics are special Relics that provide more general modifiers to the character, and have effect even outside of the Sanctum. They are marked with an orange glow behind the item's art.
• Sanctified Relics are equipped separately from the Templar Relics in the Relic Altar, and is limited to 1.
• Sanctified Relics are unmodifiable and account-bound.
• Rarely, you may find a corrupted Sanctified Relic which can have special implicit modifiers, such as the Lethe Shade Keystone.

Party mechanics

• The Sanctum's choices are made by the map's instance owner.
• All party members share the Resolve bar.

Version history

Version	Changes
3.20.0	Introduced to the game.