If there is one credo that rings true for even the most powerful, it is that all mortals must die – whether sooner or later. These sinister figures, however, prefer later over sooner: necromancers are those who have somehow learned to manipulate the essence of life itself.
Through their techniques, they take it from those they deem undeserving, control it to their own liking, and sometimes even give it to those who could further their efforts. Most necromancers live their life in pursuit of immortality, whether for themselves or a loved one. Though they live by the credo of inescapable mortality, the ultimate goal that their skills are a means towards is often to beat that exact clock they know so well ticks for everyone.
A Unique Talent
Contrary to popular belief, necromancers are not necessarily evil-doers, nor do all of them seek to subjugate others. In fact, some of them seek to use their powers for good: a poor understanding of their skills as well as their use of frightening undead monstrosities has simply led to a more generalized fear of their capacities. In reality, necromancers are a varied set of people. There is, however, one thing all of them have in common: each necromancer has some form of power over the vital essences that move any living creature – and they seek to use this to their advantage. Whether strayed wizards, aspiring acolytes or even blessed priests of gods of life, necromancers aim to achieve their goals by manipulating the very core of any creature’s being.
Necromantic Creeds
Though the basic life-altering skills of each necromancer are at their core identical, practicioners of the skill improve upon it in their own way. This is done through adhering to a certain type of necromantic creed. Depending on the lands and areas a necromancer travels through, a creed can be anything ranging from an underground organization to personal, basic principles any one necromancer chooses to adhere to.
The Creed of the Departed
Though it is much more than just that, one phenomenon is most often associated with necromancy by the common folk: raising the dead. This field is exactly what the Creed of the Departed focuses on. Whether one undead Ogre or a horde of skeletons, those who join the ranks of this creed rely on the assistance of the lifeless to accomplish their goals. Necromancers within this Creed focus on improving their Undead Minions above all else. Since they usually pour some of their own lifeforce into the undead they create, they tend to be more frail and defenseless than other types of casters, relying instead on their creations to safeguard them.
The Creed of the Siphon
If manipulating the essence of life is a skill, the Creed of the Siphon has turned it into an art form. Necromancers who veer in this direction spend most of their time practicing and honing their life-altering techniques, to a point where they gain an uncanny control over both their own health, and that of their enemies – or allies, if they so desire. Some continue to practice this skill through spells and prefer to fight from a distance, while others pick up a weapon and channel their siphoning skills in physical combat.