Necromancer - Spiritual Powers

Like the Mathematician, the Necromancer is a "scholarly" character class that has poor combat skills and low hit point accumulation. However, while the Mathematician uses abstract mathematics and physics to reveal the secrets of the Universe, the Necromancer seeks to do so through biology and arcane lore. Necromancers have seven Tiers of spells. While it is theoretically possible for a Necromancer to be of "good" alignment, many either start off evil or are seduced by the darkness over the course of their careers.

Undead Appearance0.5 BMS | Grants the illusion of Undeath for 1 turn/level

Undead Appearance

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 1 person (can be the Necromancer)
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 turn per level

Arcane Focus: A small amount of blood or bile extracted from a slain Undead
B-M-S Cost: 0.5

Classification: Illusion

The Arcane Focus for this spell is an ounce of blood or bile extracted from a slain Undead creature. The focus is consumed in the casting of this spell (as the blood/bile is spread over the skin of the recipient.). However, the Necromancer may have a whole jug of this revolting liquid on hand and thus only need to occasionally replenish his/her supply.

When the spell is cast, the Necromancer spreads the focus material on the recipient's skin. The effect is that the recipient smells Undead and looks Undead. Whether the recipient can moan or shamble like an Undead is entirely dependent on the acting ability of the recipient. If the recipient has Acting as a skill, he/she gets a +1 to any kind of roll that the GM may require when determining if the disguised character truly blends in as an Undead monster.

This spell also grants the recipient a +1 to Save versus Death Magic and a temporary 20% bonus to disease resistance. Since this spell is effectively an illusion, any character class capable of penetrating illusions might also see through this spell.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This spell now lasts 1 turn per level (instead of an hour per level). However, it also no longer leaves the character vulnerable to "Affect Undead" attempts.

Burning Blood1.0 BMS | Launches flaming blood at enemies. Instantaneous.

Burning Blood

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 1 person person per level
Range: 60// line of sight (Ranged Touch Attack)
Duration: One round

Arcane Focus: A vial of blood from someone who died from a fever
B-M-S Cost: 1.0

Classification: Combat

The arcane focus for this spell is a vial of blood from someone who has died of a fever. The spell inflicts +1 damage if the blood happens to have been extracted at the exact moment of death. Needless to say, Necromancers tend to wear out their welcomes at hospice facilities. The arcane focus is expended in the casting of this spell.

When the Necromancer uncorks the vial of fever blood and invokes the spell, the blood catches on fire and launches at the selected targets. The flaming blood blobs will fly outward in a homing fashion at 60// with Maneuverability Class "A". If the target can somehow evade being hit for a full round, the fire sputters out and the arcane focus converts back into ordinary blood.

The damaged inflicted depends on the type of target:

Inanimate objects and Constructs: No specific damage. However, items like paper and wood could catch on fire.
Living creatures: 1d6 damage
Undead creatures: 2d6 damage

Changes from the printed (book) version: Target quantity is scaled to the Necromancer's level and damage is scaled to the target type.

Corpse Touch0.75 | Paralyzes a target for 1 round per level

Corpse Touch

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 1 segment
Area of Effect: 1 person
Range: 20// line of sight
Duration: 1 round per level (living) or 2 rounds per level (Undead)

Arcane Focus: A vial of spinal fluid extracted from a corpse.
B-M-S Cost: 1.0

Classification: Combat

The arcane focus for this spell is an ounce of spinal fluid extracted from a corpse. The arcane focus is not expended in the casting so long as the vial is not opened or broken. The spell lasts an extra round if the Necromancer is somehow able to extract spinal fluid from someone who died of a paralytic disease, a paralytic poison, or die from an injury that also caused paralysis (such as someone who fell off a roof and broke his/her neck and then died).

When the spell is cast, the Necromancer selects a single target to paralyze. Should the victim fail a Save versus Magical Weapon, the target is utterly paralyzed for one round per level of the Necromancer. Against Undead targets, the spell lasts twice as long. Note, any subsequent damaging attacks against a paralyzed target will prematurely end the spell (thus precluding it from being used as a "murder" spell). A paralyzed target could certainly be tied up or shackled while paralyzed. Of course, paralyzed individuals also don't feel any pain while the spell is in effect. They do, however, remain aware of their surroundings.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This spell has been rewritten to cause paralysis instead of infusing a weapon with frost damage.

Death Ward1.5 BMS | Protection against Undead for 1 turn/level

Death Ward

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 5 segments
Area of Effect: 6// spherical volume
Range: Centered on the Necromancer
Duration: 1 turn per level

Arcane Focus: A finger bone from a slain Undead monster
B-M-S Cost: 1.5

Classification: Defense

The arcane focus is a finger bone from a slain Undead monster. It is not expended in the casting of this spell and can be reused any number of times. The spell lasts an extra turn if the finger bone is taken from an Undead monster that the Necromancer personally slew in battle and in which the Necromancer's final blow was the death blow for the creature.

The power of this spell grants protection from death magic and protection from Undead monsters. While the power is in effect, the Necromancer and his/her allies within the area of effect gain a +1 to Save versus Death Magic and have a temporary 10% resistance to Death Magic. Furthermore, Undead monsters of trivial level (half hit dice compared to the Necromancer) cannot enter the protected area. More powerful Undead must make a successful Save versus Area Effect to enter the protected area.

The power of this spell scales in accordance with the Necromancer's level as follows:

Necromancer Level	Death Magic Save	Death Magic Resistance
1 to 5	+1	+10%
6 to 10	+2	+20%
11 to 15	+3	+30%
16 to 20	+4	+40%

Changes from the printed (book) version: The power scales upward at 5-level increments. The power can ward off Undead monsters.

Maddening Fear1.0 BMS | Target a small group for terror. 1 round/level.

Maddening Fear

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 5 segments
Area of Effect: 1 target per level
Range: 10// line of sight
Duration: 1 round per level

Arcane Focus: Not required
B-M-S Cost: 1.0

This spell is a more powerful version of Foreboding. When the Necromancer calls upon this power, his/her eyes glaze over in reflective black sheen. The Necromancer than needs to simply stare at a chosen targets in order to inspire fear and terror. Should the target of the spell fail a Save versus Sleep/Charm, he/she will flee at best speed for the duration of the spell (1 round/level). Thus, if "best speed" involves hopping onto a horse or driving off in a car, the affected character will do just that.

Of course, this spell often fails on Cavaliers, thanks to that character class having resistance to fear. Likewise, a Changeling (or any character with an E20 rating or higher) can roll for empathic resistance to avoid being overwhelmed. In the latter case, the target still feels afraid but remains in control of his/her actions.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The range is reduced to 10// but the duration is increased to 1 round per level.

PreservationSpecial BMS | Wards off decay. Special duration

Preservation

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 1 person or a collection of objects (up to 50 pounds per level)
Range: 1// line of sight
Duration: Until dismissed

Arcane Focus: A hand from a mummified body
B-M-S Cost: 1.0 per day active

Classification: Conversion

The arcane focus for this spell (a severed hand from a mummified corpse) is one that is difficult to come by. However, once obtained, it can be used any number of times. Of course, the Necromancer can always craft a mummy in his/her spare time. The corpse would be suitable for harvesting after ten years.

The power of Preservation allows the Necromancer to protect a person or object from the ravages of rot and decay. For example, a critically-wounded companion could be Preserved and thus have the time to be transported for proper medical care. The person under the influence of Preservation would essentially be in a state of suspended animation. The Necromancer could also Preserve food and perishable medical supplies in this manner.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The weight limit is increased to 50 pounds per level. The duration lasts until the spell is dismissed.

Rapid Decay2.0 BMS | The reverse of Preservation. Instantaneous.

Rapid Decay

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: Up to 50 pounds of items per level
Range: 1// line of sight
Duration: Instantaneous

Arcane Focus: A jar of grave beetles (living or dead)
B-M-S Cost: 2.0

Classification: Conversion

The arcane focus for this spell is a jar filled with grave beetles. The insects can be either living or dead. The arcane focus can be reused any number of times so long as the jar is not opened or broken.

Rapid Decay is essentially the exact opposite of Preservation. Through this spell, the Necromancer can make up to 50 pounds (per level) of food go rancid. It can make clean water suddenly bloom with algae. It can push medicines past the "sell-by" date. It can tarnish jewelry and corrode objects of iron, copper, or steel. Likewise, wooden boards can be made to fall apart. Against items with Structural Points, the targeted item must make an Item Save versus Harmonics or lose a Structural Point.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The area of effect has increased to 50 pounds per level of the Necromancer.

Speak With Undead1.0 BMS | Have a conversation with an Undead. 1 round/level.

Speak With Undead

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Range: 5//
Duration: 1 round per level

Arcane Focus: A preserved human (or humanoid) tongue
B-M-S Cost: 1.0

Classification: Communication

The arcane focus focus for this spell is a tongue that has been cut from a recently-deceased corpse. The tongue can be re-used if it is properly preserved in a jar of formaldehyde or similar fluid. If the tongue is taken from the dead body of someone who was a proficient thespian or orator, the duration of the spell is doubled.

This spell allows the Necromancer to communicate and understand Undead monsters that ordinarily would not possess the ability to speak. Examples include skeletons and zombies as well as Undead animals. Depending on the level of intellect of the target creature, the Necromancer might be able to ascertain base motives ("kill", "must eat human flesh") or the Necromancer might be able to obtain higher-level information if the creature in question is operating on a sentient or near-sentient basis. For example, the Necromancer might be able to interrogate a mute Skeletal Knight to learn that Darklord Morgathian has ordered that all living humanoids in a nearby village are to be exterminated.

This spell does not permit the Necromancer to command the Undead or to change its plans. However, the Undead cannot attack the Necromancer while the spell is in effect. Additionally, the target of this spell cannot lie to the Necromancer. Of course, the spell ends if the Necromancer attacks the Undead creature. Likewise, just because the Undead monster cannot attack the Necromancer doesn't mean it can't attack anyone else.

Changes from the printed (book) version: This is a new spell.

Wasting Disease3.0 BMS | Inflicts an illness on a foe for 1 day per level.

Wasting Disease

Tier: 2
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 1 person
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 round per level (primary effect) + 1 day per level (secondary effect)

Arcane Focus: A dead rat in a jar
B-M-S Cost: 3.0

Classification: Curses

The arcane focus for this spell is a dead rat in an airtight jar. If the jar includes dead flies or maggots, the spell is extended by +1 for the primary/secondary effects. If the dead rat actually died from a communicable disease, the spell is extended for +2 to primary/secondary effects. The bonuses stack and the arcane focus is re-usable.

With this spell, the Necromancer is able to inflict a debilitating disease on one particular target. This is a "touch" attack, which means that the Necromancer only needs to hit AC(10) when casting this spell. The target of the spell is entitled to a Save versus Poison to negate the attack. Moreover, resistance to disease for high Constitution will apply in this situation.

Should the spell be successful, the target loses one point of Endurance during each round of the "primary" phase. During this time, the target becomes feverish, sweaty, and visibly ill. In game terms, the target incurs a -1 penalty to all actions pertaining to combat, spell casting, movement, and proficiency. If the target's Endurance falls to zero or less, the character does not die but will remain comatose until his/her Endurance is restored to 1 point or higher. During the secondary phase (which lasts one day per level of the Necromancer), the character remains very ill and all accumulated penalties persist. Moreover, the character does not incur any natural healing, cannot recover BMS, and cannot recharge innate powers.

Once the secondary phase has ended, the character recovers lost Endurance at the rate of one point per round. The character is usually drenched in sweat as his/her fever breaks. This spell can be ended early through the use of an appropriate spell (such as Remove Disease or Remove Curse), a successful Treat Disease proficiency check (often possessed by Shamans and Barbarians), or a potion that treats diseases.

Changes from the printed (book) version: The spell now has two phases of action; the description now lists how the spell can be countered.

Things to Consider

Necromancers do not rely on Faith or Spiritual Points. They rely on Knowledge and Body-Mind-Spirit.
Necromancers and Gunslingers generally do not get along.
Most cultures revere scholars, but few revere Necromancers.
Necromancers are sometimes mistaken for Scaxathrom and Illuthiel clergy due to their penchant for desecration of the dead their practice of the Dark Arts.
A Necromancer may split-class and then choose to outwardly portray the secondary class as his/her true profession and then practice Necromancy in secret.
A Necromancer can attempt spellcasting without an Arcane Focus. The GM will determine the degree of casting penalty.