Necromancers' Society

Lore & Background

In a world where the undead are typically seen as mindless monsters, those who command them through necromancy face severe condemnation. The Necromancers' Society is not a unified government but rather a collection of mages and scholars united by their taboo art. They operate outside societal laws because their very existence violates the sanctity of life upheld by the Holy Church. Their methods involve binding spirits to flesh or bone, creating soldiers that do not tire or fear death. While many use this power for selfish gain, some seek immortality or the secrets of the afterlife. This pursuit often leads them into conflict with Paladins and Inquisitors, who view any manipulation of the dead as a sin against the gods. Crucially, their existence complicates the public's understanding of Will. Because his guardians are also undead constructs, he is frequently mistaken for one of them. However, the Society views him differently; they recognize that his magic stems from a different source, often tied to ancient guardians rather than human necromancy.

In Their Own Story

The candle flickered in the damp crypt, casting long shadows against bones stacked like firewood. The robed figure whispered incantations, the air growing cold as spirits stirred within the ribcages of the fallen. 'One more,' he murmured, tracing a rune on a skull that had belonged to a soldier centuries ago. Above ground, church bells tolled for evening prayer, but down here, death was not an end. It was merely raw material waiting to be shaped by those brave enough to cross the line between life and oblivion.

Reader's Guide

The Necromancers' Society operates primarily in secrecy, driven by a desire to master death magic beyond human limitations. Unlike the Holy Church, they seek power through forbidden arts, often manipulating corpses for labor or combat without regard for soul sanctity. Their hierarchy is fluid and meritocratic, bound only by skill and survival rather than divine dogma. There is no single known leader, as members act independently to avoid detection by Inquisitors who hunt them relentlessly across the lands. Will of the Holy Church is viewed with suspicion; though he commands undead guardians, his motives are protective rather than malicious. This distinction makes him an anomaly they do not fully understand or trust, often labeling him a heretic despite his lack of affiliation with their group. In global conflicts, they serve as unstable elements, often hired by corrupt nobles or acting as wildcards against the established religious order, perpetuating fear of necromancy among common folk who cannot distinguish good from evil undead.

Did You Know?

• Members are often hunted by the Holy Church Inquisitors for violating the sanctity of life.
• Will's guardians look similar to their creations but function under different magical principles.
• They frequently operate in abandoned ruins or underground complexes to hide from prying eyes.
• Some members seek immortality rather than just military power, driving them to dangerous experiments.