Necromancer

A necromancer is a living magic user who studies death, remains, and the forces that can keep undead bodies moving. This knowledge may come from forbidden books, a secret teacher, or personal research. In Elaria, a necromancer seeks a secluded base near tombs, battlefields, and other places associated with the dead, but may also work in a city under another guise. Signs of this activity include disturbed graves, unusual orders, and the repeated disappearance of particular kinds of objects.

Necromancers are intelligent and capable of planning. One may work alone, lead apprentices, or serve a more powerful patron; undead creatures can be guards as well as a means of labor. Their motives may include power, knowledge, fear of death, or an attempt to bring back someone they lost. Such a motive explains their actions without justifying the consequences. The particular adventure determines the extent of their control over undead and rituals; this combat profile does not grant it automatically.

Dark Blast provides a magical attack, while Dark Shield increases defense against the first magical attack of each round. A necromancer can therefore be dangerous even without servants. The party can uncover the base, interrupt preparations, or discover who supplies the resources. Conversation may reveal a condition the necromancer refuses to abandon and a weakness in the plan. If personal loss drives the work, offering another solution may change the situation; if the aim is to dominate the region, information may merely help buy time.