Necromancy

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Necromancy
A Necromancer of the Gray Gardeners
(Arcane school)

Specialist
Necromancer
Subschools
Haunted1
Focused arcane
Life
schools
Undead
Thassilonian sin
Gluttony
Spell list
Source: Core Rulebook, pg(s). 211

The magical field of necromancy is one of the eight schools of magic recognized on Golarion.2 It is sometimes referred to variously as the dark arts or death magic.3 It deals with the manipulation of the essential life force which infuses all living things. Its darker aspect is the creation and control of undead creatures.4 Wizards who specialize in necromantic magic are known as necromancers.5[citation needed]

On Golarion

Some of the most well-known necromancers the world has ever known were undead creatures themselves, such as the archmage Geb,6 and the dreaded lich known as the Whispering Tyrant.7 The goddess Urgathoa is the patron deity of many necromancers, although some also worship the lesser-known demon lord Orcus.8

Notable necromancers

See also: Category:Necromancers

Although they can be found throughout the world, the arcane schools of the Garundi nation of Geb specialize in the teaching of necromancy.9 One of the most notable is the Ebon Mausoleum in the capital, Mechitar.10

Materials

A number of (apparently) naturally occurring materials have necromantic properties.

Sin magic

During the reign of the runelords of ancient Thassilon, necromancy was associated with the sin of gluttony, and was therefore the specialty of the ruler of the realm of Gastash.11

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

  1. Alexander Augunas, et al. “Haunted Spells” in Haunted Heroes Handbook, 26. Paizo Inc., 2016
  2. The Pathfinder Second Edition Remaster Project removed game mechanics for the eight schools of magic. Player Core instead emphasizes four magical traditions, as well as the Unified Magical Theory with equivalent mechanics as the universal practice of all eight schools. Details related to this subject might remain part of the setting canon despite no longer having mechanics supported in current publications.
  3. Dave Gross. Lord of Runes. Tor Books, 2015
  4. Jason Bulmahn, et al. “Magic” in Core Rulebook, 211. Paizo Inc., 2009
  5. Jason Bulmahn, et al. “Chapter 3: Classes” in Core Rulebook, 81. Paizo Inc., 2009
  6. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 76. Paizo Inc., 2008
  7. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 90. Paizo Inc., 2008
  8. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 3: Religion” in Campaign Setting, 172–173. Paizo Inc., 2008
  9. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 1: Characters” in Campaign Setting, 51. Paizo Inc., 2008
  10. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 77. Paizo Inc., 2008
  11. Wolfgang Baur. “The History of Thassilon” in Burnt Offerings, 74–76. Paizo Inc., 2007