Grim cesta for 55 monk?

I was reading a good detailed adescription of a 55 monk build and it said that for the build to work successfully you need a grim cesta which comes from Symon the Scribe in Ascalon. Apparently he only gives this to Necros.
What is the truth behind this? Do I need to create a necro just to get this item? What is the difference between this grim cesta and the hundreds of others I have thrown away? And why is it necessary for the 55 monk build?

Any character can get it. The item's description does not mention the -50 mod, but it's there. My E/M got it for my Monk.

Nope. It doesn't show the -50health grim cesta in the quest reward for cities of ascalon, but you still get it.

5 superiors bring your health down to 105. the grim cesta quest item does -50 health, bringing your health down to 55. protective spirit and mending have a greater affect on the ultra low health. your monk does not need any necro attributes to take advantage of the -50 health stat from the grim cesta.

yeah only thing is a imonk/nec or inec/monk (or anyone getting to 5 blood?) can get 3 more energy (its a 6 energy item, halved if you dont meet the req)

but yeah the -50 and other +3 energy lines dont need it