Necromancer

A necromancer (pl. necromancers) is a type of magician capable of raising and controlling the dead. Technically, they are either a type of sorcerer or a type of witch/warlock, but one with very specialized magical abilities.


Physiology

Like other magicians, necromancers often have almost no physical characteristics to distinguish themselves from an ordinary human - in other words, they have the perfect camouflage. They do, however, typically have an extended lifespan - usually a result of the magic in their bloodstream, though sometimes this is due to some sort of bargain. Like all humans, necromancers can have allergies or grow ill, however they are much more resilient to illness than a non-magical human. For the most part, the magic in their system attacks the illness with remarkable efficiency, but curses and magical illnesses can prove fatal.

Witch or warlock necromancers (those born with the power to raise the dead) often have some sort of characteristic that betrays their magical nature. It might be deathly pale skin, unusual eyes, or even some sort of birthmark.

Necromancers who made a deal for their power do not ageā€¦ at least until their bargain runs out.


Magical Characteristics

While most magic users have a mixed bag of talents at their disposal, necromancers have a very narrow focus - the dead. Regardless of the source of their powers, all necromancers have an affinity with both the dead and the undead. They can sense bodies in their vicinity, as well as all types of undead.

A necromancer uses raw power to reanimate the dead, creating zombies (the non-sentient undead). Individual techniques vary - sometimes merely an act of will is enough, but many necromancers use ritual to boost their strength. Necromancers who bartered for their powers typically must offer some sort of blood in payment, ranging from a slice on the hand to a full blown human sacrifice. Non-necromancers who attempt to raise the dead also have to perform some sort of blood sacrifice. It is possible to raise the dead without being a true necromancer, but much more difficult without that innate gift.

Zombies do not have personalities - they are simply animated corpses. Powerful necromancers, however, are sometimes capable of actual resurrection. The process is extremely difficult, however. Again, non-necromancers can attempt this, with sufficient blood sacrifice, but the odds of success are greatly lowered.

In terms of the sentient undead (ghosts and vampires), a necromancer's control is less certain. Ghosts are easier to command than vampires, as without a corporeal form they must spend a great deal of their willpower keeping their existence collected, but strong enough apparitions can resist a necromancer's will, at least to an extent. Vampires can resist necromancers, generally, but strong necromancers and/or weak vampires can tip the balance. A necromancer's control over sentient undead is not complete, but if they can assert their will it acts as a type of compulsion.

Born necromancers come into their powers at about the same time they hit puberty. Those who make deals acquire their powers when their bargain is struck.


Society and Habitat

Necromancers are generally the most isolated of all magicians. Sorcerer necromancers in particular usually have no community ties. Those born to their power often have a coven to fall back on, but necromancy is generally considered taboo by most magic users, and so born necromancers (or witches who choose to attempt necromancy) are often shunned by their own kind. As a result of this, many necromancers wind up having to be self-taught, unless they are especially lucky and come across someone with more experience.