Introduction
In Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the School of Necromancy is one of the eight primary schools of magic dedicated to manipulating life and death. Often associated with dark and forbidden knowledge, necromancers wield powerful spells that drain life, raise the dead, and commune with spirits. Despite its ominous reputation, necromancy is not inherently evil—its practice depends on the intentions and ethics of the spellcaster.
What is Necromancy?
Necromancy focuses on the energies of life and death, using magic to reanimate corpses, sap vitality from enemies, or even extend one’s existence. While many necromantic spells are destructive or unsettling, the school also includes healing magic, as seen in early editions of D&D, where resurrection spells were classified as necromancy.
Core Features of Necromancy
Necromancers specialize in spells that manipulate the dead, harm foes, and grant unnatural longevity. Here are some defining aspects:
- Raising the Dead: Spells like Animate Dead and Create Undead allow necromancers to control skeletons and zombies.
- Life Drain and Decay: Spells such as Chill Touch and Blight weaken enemies by draining life force.
- Soul Manipulation: Necromancers can harness spirits through spells like Speak with Dead and Soul Cage.
- Self-Preservation: Many necromancers seek immortality, with some aspiring to become liches—undead spellcasters who transcend death.
Necromancer Class Features (5th Edition)
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), the School of Necromancy is a wizard subclass that grants unique benefits:
- Grim Harvest (Level 2) – Regain hit points when you kill a creature with a necromancy spell.
- Undead Thralls (Level 6) – Animate additional undead with Animate Dead and strengthen them.
- Inured to Undeath (Level 10) – Gain resistance to necrotic damage and immunity to effects that reduce hit points.
- Command Undead (Level 14) – Gain control over intelligent undead, such as vampires or wraiths.
Famous Necromantic Spells
Some of the most iconic necromancy spells include:
- Animate Dead – Raises skeletons or zombies under the caster’s control.
- Finger of Death – Instantly kills a target and raises them as a zombie.
- True Resurrection – A rare example of benevolent necromancy, restoring a creature to full life.
- Revivify – Allows quick resuscitation of the recently deceased.
- Danse Macabre – Animates multiple corpses to fight alongside the caster.
The Ethics of Necromancy
Necromancy is often seen as inherently evil but is not always used for malevolent purposes. Some cultures in D&D settings revere ancestral spirits or practice necromancy as a sacred art. Good-aligned necromancers might use their knowledge to return lost souls, heal the sick, or battle malevolent undead.
On the other hand, necromancy can be a dangerous path. Those who seek power over death often tread a fine line between wisdom and corruption. The allure of forbidden magic and the promise of immortality can lead even well-intentioned necromancers down a dark road.
Famous Necromancers in D&D Lore
- Vecna – A legendary lich-turned-god, Vecna is one of the most infamous necromancers in D&D history.
- Azalin Rex – A powerful undead ruler in the Ravenloft setting, Azalin is a master of necromantic magic.
- Manshoon (Clone) – Though not exclusively a necromancer, some of his clones have dabbled in undeath and soul magic.
Conclusion
The School of Necromancy in Dungeons & Dragons is one of magic’s most fascinating and morally complex branches. Whether played as a villainous overlord, a misunderstood scholar, or a benevolent healer of souls, necromancers add depth and intrigue to any campaign. While the undead may be feared, true power lies in the hands of those who wield necromantic magic wisely.
Would you embrace the path of death and power or use necromancy to protect and heal? The choice is yours!