A Quick Study is a campaign achievement to read all the People lore books in Act I of Diablo III.
Throughout players' travels across Sanctuary, they will find journal entries, scrolls, diaries, notes and letters written by people both known and unknown. They often record thoughts and feelings of events that occurred in the past, oftentimes even before the time of Diablo I. They will usually be found at random within certain areas or at a certain spot of the game world, and usually refer to some historical event tied to that general area. Every single one has been voice recorded, which can be heard anytime the player wishes, which convey the mood and emotional state of the author at the time of writing.
Adria's Journal[]
Location: The Hidden Cellar of Adria's Hut, given to you by Leah after defeating Captain Daltyn and talking to her.
Quest: The Legacy of Cain
"Aidan came to me last night. I suspected what was lurking within his troubled heart. I consoled him as best I could. Regardless, wherever he's headed, Hell will surely follow in his wake.
The shadows close in on Tristram once again. But, like Aidan, I'll be gone before they fall"
Lachdanan's Scroll[]
Location: Cathedral, in a scribe's lectern.
Part 1[]
"My name is Lachdanan, and I am cursed. Once the captain of King Leoric's army, I lived only to honor my land and my king. No man has a greater love for his king than I had for mine, even as I drove my blade through his dark and corrupted heart"
Part 2[]
"It was Lazarus - of that I am certain. He alone had the king's ear and whispered dark and evil magics into it, instilling the notion of an imminent attack by Westmarch. Afraid to speak against the archbishop, the councilors nodded their empty heads in agreement and sent us off to die"
Part 3[]
"When we returned from our horrific defeat in Westmarch, my beloved king lost all pretense of sanity. He seethed with rage, spitting curses upon us as traitors. With great sorrow, I ran him through"
Part 4[]
"I will forever live in anguish for my last attempt to honor my king. As we lay him to rest in his burial chamber, he manifested as a hideous skeletal demon. Gorash and my other knights were overcome at once, but I fought on"
Part 5[]
"And now I wander, cursed by my once-beloved king. Evil gnaws at my bones, and I cannot risk putting my beloved Tristram in danger should I fail to contain that which tears at me. I must venture down into the labyrinth to die alone"
Leah's Tristram Journal[]
Location: Leah's Room, in the Slaughtered Calf Inn.
Part 1[]
Quest: The Fallen Star
"We've been under siege for six days now. Uncle Deckard is still missing. Captain Rumford and the others are losing hope. I tell them not to lose faith... but if help doesn't arrive soon..."
Part 2[]
Quest: The Legacy of Cain, before entering the Cathedral
"A miracle has happened! A hero, like one out of Uncle Deckard's tales, appeared and saved us! I know in my heart that my uncle still lives and I pray that the hero will bring him home safely"
Part 3[]
Quest: A Shattered Crown
"Uncle Deckard's home--rescued from the clutches of the Skeleton King! I'm so glad. But the Skeleton King? I thought he was a folktale. The idea of mad King Leoric returning to torture this place... Hasn't Tristram suffered enough?"
Part 4[]
Quest: Sword of the Stranger
"I can hardly believe it, but the falling star... is a man! When Uncle Deckard realized this, he was crushed. I know he was hoping for something more... miraculous"
Part 5[]
Quest: The Broken Blade
"Uncle Deckard believes the key to unlocking the Stranger's memory is reassembling his sword. I wish I could say this was another of Uncle's crazy theories, but I can't deny that these ominous events are starting to really scare me"
Part 6[]
Quest: The Doom in Wortham (after accepting quest)
"When we retrieved the Stranger's second sword piece, Maghda found us. She's always on our heels. Who is she? She claims to know my mother, but how could that be? Regardless, we must beat her to Wortham and the final piece of the sword"
*Only obtainable after starting The Doom in Wortham by speaking to The Stranger.
Part 7[]
Quest: Trailing the Coven
"Uncle Deckard is gone forever. I remember the wonderful times we had together, always off on another crazy quest. What will I do without him? He believed the Stranger was an angel, but he is only a man. I always knew they were just stories. Uncle Deckard died for those stories"
Leoric's Journal[]
Part 1[]
Location: Cathedral, Level 3 and beyond, in any scribe's lectern
Quest: Reign of the Black King
"We have just arrived in Tristram, and I must say I'm a bit dismayed. This place is a backwater filled with serfs and an ancient, broken-down monastery, hardly fit for the king of Khanduras! I cannot fathom why Lazarus was so intent on this becoming our new seat of power"
Part 2[]
Location: Cathedral, Level 3 and beyond, in any scribe's lectern
Quest: Reign of the Black King
"A fetid, pallid malaise has fallen over the manor we now call home. Young Albrecht seems to be enjoying himself in our new home, however. Perhaps I am simply suffering from an imbalance of humors brought on by the recent change of clime"
Part 3[]
Location: Cathedral, Level 3 and beyond, or the Halls of Agony, any scribe's lectern
Quest: Reign of the Black King or The Imprisoned Angel
"I am convinced that some malevolent being is attempting to wrest control of my thoughts away from me. Voices direct me to horrendous acts, and there are times when I seem unable to control my body. Lazarus knows; this is certain. He looks at me strangely when he thinks me otherwise disposed"
Part 4[]
Location: The Halls of Agony, any scribe's lectern
Quest: The Imprisoned Angel
"Though my council begs me to reconsider, I will continue with the executions of those I find guilty of plotting against the kingdom. Perhaps they fear my eye will fall on them and discover their heinous, treasonous plans as well. Lazarus is the only one I can still trust"
Part 5[]
Location: The Halls of Agony, any scribe's lectern
Quest: The Imprisoned Angel
"I have finally rid myself of the dark influence seeking to subdue me, and now I see things as they truly are. This conspiracy among the insolent townsfolk to weaken me by stealing Albrecht away will not stand! Perhaps the heads of their women and children on pikes will bring them clarity..."
Farmer's Journal[]
Location: Fields of Misery, outside the Sheltered Cottage on the body of farmer.
"I'm not quite sure what all the fuss is about. Few farmers turn up dead, and everyone goes running for the hills. I've lived off these lands for twenty years, and I have not seen any bloodthirsty monsters running about. No reason I should leave a perfectly good harvest. - Misguided Farmer"
Scabbard of Talic the Defender[]
Location: The Watch Tower Level 2
Quest: (Event) The Scavenged Scabbard
"This scabbard is a rare treasure. Its inscription reads, "Talic the Defender", in archaic lettering. He was one of the ancients who guarded Mount Arreat until the shattering of the Worldstone, a true warrior who gave his life to spare the world from the dark fate it has fallen to now"
Deckard Cain's Journal[]
Location: Cain's House, New Tristram
Part 1[]
Quest: The Fallen Star, after talking to Leah the first time.
"We have come at last to Tristram's old cathedral. This is where Diablo, Lord of Terror, first corrupted mankind. This is where I may finally find the answers I seek. Leah worries after my safety, but I believe information vital to defeating the last Lords of the Burning Hells can be found here"
Part 2[]
Quest: Reign of the Black King
"I wish that Leah could live a different life - a more normal life - but, alas, such is not her fate. When I pass, there is none but her to continue my work, and the future of this world hangs in the balance"
Adenah's Jottings[]
Location: Lonely Dwelling / House of Curios (Fields of Misery)
"These cowardly farmers have been leaving the fields for days now, but I'm not about to follow them. My home is here and a few angry goatmen won't change that"
Hermit's Ravings[]
Location: Caverns of Araneae
"I used to be one of them. Ordinary. Untouched. Until her voice came to me. Then I knew how I must serve. I must kill the one who threatens my mistress and the dark power that created her. I have been chosen!"
A Prisoner's Journal[]
Location: Halls of Agony, Level 2.
Quest: (Event) A Stranger in Need
"13th day of Lunasadh, 1263 Anno Kehjistani
The jailers burned runes into my flesh. They say all the torture and dark magic will turn us into demonic slaves for King Leoric. What foolish lies!
17th day of Lunasadh
Pain is terrible... I can't think... I'm so hungrrry.
20th day of Lunasadh
MMMmmMMMASTter I HunnGEr MASTER FeEEED ME"
A Wretched Prisoner
*Is not listed as a requirement for the achievement, may or may not be required.
Queen Asylla's Journal[]
Location: The Cursed Hold, found in the first room to the right , with the mirror in it.
"Starved of the sun, I no longer know what day it is. I can hear the Warden, my husband, and that dog Lazarus discussing my fate. My life will be over soon, yet I fear more for my poor Albrecht's future in the wake of his father's madness. If only Aidan were here"
A Page from Lazarus's Grimoire[]
Location: The Cursed Hold, In the room with the guillotine just before the exit; you get the journal from Lazarus's Ghost just after watching the spectral reenactment of Queen Asylla's execution.
"The time of my lord's true awakening is at hand. That fool Leoric was only able to resist him because he did not yet possess his full power. With the queen dispatched as a traitor, I may now devote myself fully to preparing the boy for the presence of my master..."
Scoundrel's Journal[]
Location: Fields of Misery, just before the Old Mill
Quest: The Broken Blade
"After much searching, I have found a promising lead. A family near New Tristram has obtained a valuable relic, and poor fools that they are, they haven't the slightest idea what to do with it! I have some idea of what to do with their daughter, though... and through her, I'll get my prize"
Kingsport Bill[]
Location: Any town after recruiting Lyndon, go through the conversation "Lyndon's Origins" to get this journal.
"Wanted: one relic, scarlet, roughly the size of a man's fist.
It was stolen two months past during a deplorable theft from the Merchants Guild Bank. Those apprehended were not in possession of the item. The relic is greatly missed by its rightful owner, who offers a reward for its safe return"
The Skeleton King[]
Location: The Crypt of the Skeleton King, the journal drops when you kill the Skeleton King.
Quest: Reign of the Black King
"The Zakarum high priests in Kurast proclaimed Leoric king of Khanduras many year ago. He ruled well until Diablo's influence drove him mad, and the loyal knight Lachdanan was forced to slay him. Afterward, Diablo himself raised Leoric from the dead as the Skeleton King until the monarch's son Aidan vanquished him."
Wandering Tinker's Diary[]
Location: Sheltered Cottage, Fields of Misery, right outside the Tinker's Hovel
"We should have known. The farmers left over a fortnight ago, and yet we stayed. Last night, we heard the beasts creeping closer. My husband left to investigate, and I haven't seen him since...All I have left are the things we made together. Hopefully they are of more use to someone else.
Notes of Urik the Seer[]
Part 1[]
Location: Southern Highlands, Cave of the Moon Clan Level 1
"Long I have labored to master the dark arts. Now I finally reap the rewards, for Maghda has acknowledged me! She promised me a special task that will bring endless glory to the Great One. I can hardly rest until she reveals it on the morrow!"
Part 2[]
Location: Southern Highlands, Cave of the Moon Clan Level 2
"Goatmen! All of my labors were for a bunch of rotten, stinking goatmen! Maghda claims that they will become our most valuable allies and that the task is one that she can entrust to no one but me, but I know my place. I am most bruisingly humbled."
Part 3[]
Location: Southern Highlands, Cave of the Moon Clan Level 1
Replay the dungeon and Part 3 should replace Part 1, while Part 2 is replaced with nothing.
"Enslaving the goatmen was easier than I anticipated. My magic seemed to reignite the savagery deep within them, and they flocked to me in hordes. A few escaped — those who understood the fate of their people — but they are too weak to counter my spells. The Moon clan attacks at my command!"
Priest's Contemplations, Part 1[]
Location: Wortham, near the docks
Quest: The Doom in Wortham
"One of the men retrieved a strange artifact in his nets. It looked like a hilt of an ancient blade, but I know it must be more. The fisherman argued with me, but I convinced him to leave it in the safety of the chapel. A holy place for a holy relic"
Priest's Contemplations, Part 2[]
Location: (same as Part 1)
Quest: The Doom in Wortham
"When the church of Zakarum sent me here, I assumed that my village would be simple and untroubled. To be honest, I was relieved. Corruption has struck down many a greater man than I, and such a quiet place could've been my salvation. But everything changed when disaster struck the Tristram Cathedral"
Mira's Letter to Haedrig[]
Location: Blacksmith's Belongings, New Tristram, next to blacksmith
Quest: Can be read after completing Reign of the Black King.
"My dearest Haedrig,
Do not feel despair, my love. You did everything you could. Our time together meant more than words can say, but in the end, fate is a cruel mistress. Your strength is needed to end the horrors that beset this world. My final wish is that you find your path.
Love always,
Mira"
Cain's Old Journal[]
Location: Found in the lockboxes which spawn in random locations in either Old Tristram Road or The Old Ruins.
Part 1[]
"I can no longer deny the true nature of the evil that rises from the depths of the old cathedral. It is almost too horrible to admit the truth of it. It is the Dark Lord of Terror, Diablo himself, who plagues us"
Part 2[]
"The vile staff of Lazarus was brought to me today, confirming my suspicions. There is no longer any doubt that Lazarus kidnapped Albrecht and perhaps even freed Diablo from his ancient prison. Who knows what further treachery he has planned?"
Deckard Cain
Gillian's Diary[]
Location: Found in the lockboxes which spawn in random locations in either Old Tristram Road or The Old Ruins.
Part 1[]
"Ogden and his wife have offered to let me and Grandmother continue to stay with them. I think we will now that the troubles are over.
I am still tormented by horrific nightmares. I keep hoping they will fade, but they seem to be getting stronger"
Part 2[]
"To think I was once afraid of Adria. She is going to take me to Caldeum! I never thought to see it with my own eyes...
Thought it saddens me to leave Ogden and his wife, Adria assures me that she will find a cure for my nightmares"
Gillian
Lost Journal[]
Location: Found in the lockboxes which spawn in random locations in either Old Tristram Road or The Old Ruins.
"I had heard the rumors, but I thought them just fancies of bored women... until I saw them dragging people through the streets today. Our own citizens! Has the world gone mad?!"
Old Diary[]
Location: Found in the lockboxes which spawn in random locations in either Old Tristram Road or The Old Ruins.
"There is chaos everywhere, and word in town is that Lachdanan killed the king!
If only this is true, perhaps our days and nights of living in terror are behind us now"
Despina's Journal[]
Location: Found in the lockboxes which spawn in random locations in either Old Tristram Road or The Old Ruins.
"Praise the powers that be! Griswold, bless his dear heart, risked everything to bring that dear boy home from the cathedral. Though he is troubled and moody now, I am certain it will pass and he will once again be the sweet Wirt we all love"