Mass Effect 3 replaced its predecessor’s Scanning mechanic with the Search and Rescue System. Instead of scooping up platinum and iridium for life-saving upgrades, Shepard and the Normandy seek out resources and survivors to aid in the war effort against the Reapers.
One such resource is the Book of Plenix, an ancient philosophical text of the Volus people. This guide will show how to complete the Irune: Book of Plenix side mission in Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect: Legendary Editon.
Acquisition
To begin Irune: Book Plenix, players first must complete the Mass Effect 3 main story mission Priority: Palaven. After securing the promise of Turian aid, return to the Citadel and head to the Presidium Commons. Turn left from the elevator, heading towards the bank. Near the merchant kiosk for Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies, the player will see an angry Volus accountant speaking to a seated Salarian.
Upon approaching, Shepard will overhear the accountant complaining about his fellow Volus. It seems that members of his species have been taking advantage of the war by overcharging for critical supplies. He also cites an ancient text known as the Book of Plenix, which teaches the importance of charity in times of crisis. Unfortunately, the text was lost when the Reapers conquered the Volus homeworld. Listening to the conversation adds the quest Irune: Book of Plenix to the player’s journal.
Completion
The mission log tells Shepard to retrieve the book from planet Irune in the Aru system of the Aethon Cluster. However, the Aethon Cluster only appears on the map after completing the story mission, Priority: Tuchanka.
After dealing with the Krogan, travel to the Aru system in the newly unlocked star cluster. The Mass Relays will drop the Normandy directly into the Aru system. The Volus homeworld of Irune is the second planet from the star. The system is under Reaper control, so the player will need to limit their scans to avoid detection. “Ping” Irune once, and EDI will mark it as a point of interest. Then, follow the white line on the planet scanner to find the book’s location.
If the player has yet to complete Priority: The Citadel II, that quest will begin immediately upon returning to the station. Once the station is secure, head back to the bank in the Presidium Commons. The area is definitely the worse for wear, but the Volus will still be where he was before the attack. Speak to him to turn in the quest.
Afterward, the Citadel Defense Force War Asset will update, gaining a respectable 40 points of War Support. According to the flavor text, news of the book’s recovery inspired many Volus to donate to humanitarian groups and The Citadel’s defense fund.
Mass Effect 3 is available on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, and Xbox One. It’s included in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.