Necromancers

Pursuers of Death

Books and inscriptions can only get one so far when studying the mysteries of certain arcane arts. Sometimes it's better to gain the information directly from the source, although even that can be difficult. Time marches on, Scholars and other makers of history passing on like the years have, but there is some magic that can "rewind" the march of time, just not in the fluid ways of those that use Teal Magic. There are other magics that will allow the past to join the present, but these ways are far more nefarious, frowned upon by polite society.
Grey Magic in general is seen as something not to be dabbled in. The sacrificial nature of it tends to bother most normal people, even though this type of magic is necessary in the world. People tend to ignore its existence, but Necromancers and Dark Knights exist throughout the world, utilizing this magic to reach their means. While Dark Knights can be said to have a noble purpose, this is something less said of the Necromancers. Those that dabble in death, and the undeath, are rarely considered to be upstanding citizens.
Necromancy is just one type of arcane art that is part of the cycle of life and death. While not a necessary part, many of its users see it as such, a way to learn more about the world from the sources, but only if their magic is powerful enough to bring life back from death. These spellcasters are ostracized, tossed out of society for breaking the unspoken rule of disturbing those that have gained eternal rest. But in many ways, Necromancers see their disturbances as divine duties assigned by Drasil and Lok, keeping the history even after souls have moved on.

Career

Qualifications

Unlike other professions, there are few qualifications necessary to become one who practices necromancy. These spellcasters have strong affinities for Grey Magic, but their individual strengths vary. Often, Necromancers have great interests in all things surrounding death and the possibility of undeath, which drives them to study this color of magic when it is often shunned and ignored.
Grey Magic offers extremely few possibilities for formal schooling, meaning that all practitioners of this color of magic are often self-taught or have found someone to serve as a teacher. Those that study necromancy are known to be loners or to gather in groups that are often labeled cults because of their deep-seated beliefs about death that are often bothersome to outsiders.

Perception

Social Status

Groups of spellcasters that are ostracized due to their choice of magic color often hide themselves in secluded areas, much like the Witches have, but Necromancers are much different. While these people do not always practice openly, they do tend to live and congregate in large urban areas where they can more easily hide amongst the crowds. One of the largest known groups of Necromancers is the Order of the Ashen Tree, although the group considers themselves Clerics and not Necromancers.
Most of society tends to ignore these casters, often giving them a wide berth because of the reality of their magic. Necromancers tend to work with the dead and dying more than the living, but most people would rather not give these casters the chance to try their magic on one alive. It is rare to find a place in the world where Necromancers are welcomed instead of looked at as monsters.

Alternative Names

Angels of Death

Type

Arcane

Demand

To say that Necromancers are in demand would mean that the world has fallen into dire straits. Those that practice Necromancy are often shunned and ignored.

Other Associated professions

• Clerics
• Mages
• Scholars

Purpose

Necromancers utilize Grey Magic to bring people and creatures back from the dead. Depending on the caster's level of power and knowledge, a Necromancer can use their magic to create a hoard of undead, brainless creatures or can bring back someone as they were in life to have a conversation. A great deal can be done with necromancy, but it is most commonly associated with undeath and nefarious goals.