This is a project I have been working on for the last few months, a complete set of IC tomes outlining almost everything you could hope to learn about Necromancy from an IC perspective. These tomes total over 18 chapters, and are available as in-game items for TRP:extended users, providing an overview of this forbidden art that few may of never known of or sought to look further into. Please enjoy, any feedback is appreciated, for the Scourge!
The Necronomicon
Scribed and translated
by
Professor Withertorque
Introductions and preparations
Necromantic magic is a tool like any other, and no tool can create a masterpiece without diligence in its application. Much as the wind blows away the leaves of mortal fortitude, so too will the proper manipulation of the Necromantic magics leave the world of mortality renegaded to the weak and feeble minded.
However, the art of elevating simple death magic manipulation to the heights of Necromancy you must exercise appropriate dedication and focus. A diligent competence of skill must be maintained to secure vitality against the toll of such powerful magics.
Through a strong grasp of these fundamentals of Necromancy you can begin to walk the path of twisting this knowledge into the various specialised arts within the school of Necromancy itself.
But less this be a warning, should power compel you further in your studies many great tolls of pain and challenges must crash like waves against your physical form and mind to grasp your potential.
Concoctions and Draughts
A fundamental school that walks interlocked with Necromancy is the skill of Alchemy, exercised through potent pestilence and diseases alike. While crude and indiscrete at times, a grasp in the fundamentals of Alchemy is not only a necessity but a boon in widening your knowledge, and consequently the tools that you wield against your specimens and enemies alike.
First you must master the draught, be it from the sinew of the Ox or the life blood of the mortal, for there is truly no firmer base for your potions and concoctions. From this, you can innovate your various ingredients, from the mundane to the rare and coveted, and craft potions to both cripple, dominate or even raise your foes into heeding your bidding.
However, the scope of these draughts is not limited to simple domination. This art has torn Kingdoms asunder and turned them to ash. The Plague that crushed Lordaeron was a skilfully crafted weapon and exquisitely exploited to maximise its effect, turning whole populations into wilful servants of the Scourge, shattering a Kingdom in one fell swoop. This moment of history cannot be done justice in such a fleeting manner; however, this will be illuminated in later Tomes.
Constructs and Reanimation
The usefulness of Necromantic Constructs is well founded, renowned among many scholarly circles as one of the key pivotal masteries you can wield, and so must be afforded the appropriate respect.
Similar in principle to abilities of forming and controlling Arcane constructs made of mana, or perhaps other areas of experience; the same techniques are useful in exploiting the Necromantic arts and death magic to achieve the similar results through the medium of flesh, soul, and bone alike.
In here lies the key difference between forming a simple construct and advancing to the exquisite art of reanimation. Though this art invariably requires the medium of a corpse, or other suitable subjects, the same holistic principle is still be applied. As one shapes and moulds mana with the power of Arcane, as a poetic example, so too can one mould and shape our subject with the twisting of Necromantic magic to achieve our goal.
Minions and Undeath
To facilitate the reanimation process we desire, a suitable specimen is required. Depending on the quality of your ingredients, your results will be reflected as such.
If necessity drives you, then trade quality for quantity or ease of process. Take the Ghoul, these creatures have untold potential and require little effort in their care, even a heavily decayed corpse or two can be quickly stitched and empowered to create an adequate minion for your requirements. I have compiled a short list detailing the most appropriate minion given the ingredients you have at your disposal in a later chapter, but for now I must digress.
Though the scourge often claims the monopoly over pioneering the usefulness of undeath, the true source lies in the twisted practices of the Nathrezim, or to those who command a cruder tongue ‘The Dread Lords’, should not be so quickly forgotten.
The Nathrezim understood the necessity of remaining in the shadows and using tools to achieve the goals we seek, and it is in this mindset that you must operate within. Apply this simple principle and you will truly become a master or mortals the dead alike!
The methodology of the substrates
Leading on from my earlier digression, the method in which you employ an appropriate substraight to facility reanimations is key in the results that are yielded.
As previously alluded too, a poor specimen will inherently limit the potential of the resulting construct, be it of flesh, bone, or soul alike.
To this end a small key has been arranged to act as a guiding post to your academic exploration. For the ease of my previous background with the Arcane, I will refer to our minions as constructs for the remainder of this chapter.
Bones resulting from full decay
Simple skeletal constructs, affording flexibility when resources are clearly scarce, and necessity is the prime driving force.
Bones, sinew and near full decay
Affords the ability to form Zombies, much like the bulk of the scourge or those formed by the Nathrezim during the War of the Ancients.
Partially preserved corpse, minor decay
With partial decay Ghouls can become a significantly more likely outcome, using the greater connective tissues to further empower the Construct. Ghouls are not only versatile, they are dangerous and cunning, but also horrifyingly vicious towards their foes.
Well preserved corpse, little to no decay
Such a specimen holds the most potential so far, affording both the ability to create the aforementioned constructs and also allowing the possibility of creating incredibly versatile and deadly creations such as the famed Death Knights. These specimens are the most highly prized.
Patchworked corpses, varying levels of decay
Just as one would sew together the hem of a robe, so too can constructs be sewed from the corpses of the many into one being of unity. Though called ‘Abominations’ by the uneducated rabble, these constructs are prised for their strength and versatility, striking terror into the weak hearted.
Decay and the pursuit of power
As briefly of eluded too in our first chapter, decay of the body is something that cannot be prevented during your journey. As with all things, when something is gained something must always be lost.
Consequently, through the twisting of Necromantic magics as we pursue this rare knowledge, so too will the vessels of our mortal forms twist and decay in accordance. By its very nature, Necromantic magic will attack your physical form, while one can fortify themselves from this, they can never truly prevent the physical consequences without a cessation in the progress you have made.
Accordingly, in your pursuit to master this fine art you must bear this grim forbearance close to your heart and let that terror guide you to greater heights and potential. Knowledge will always equate to power, and so guard your knowledge close to your heart lest you yield your power too Frivolously, as when knowledge is lost so too is power ceded to a potential rival.
The shaping of Flesh, Bone and Soul
As your skills have begun to take root in the field of mastery, so too can you begin to explore the great art of this academic field. Just as the sculptor moulds and shapes the clay into the image of his mind’s eye, so too do practitioners of Necromantic magic shape their specimens into the purest expression of beauty in undeath.
The art of shaping flesh can be as simple as the assembly and crafting of your construct. Additionally, for the more ambitious craftsmen, you can shape flesh through multiple specimens or merely an assembly of constituent parts, some even specialise in the various parts in their own schools of thought.
Bone weaving can be viewed as a specialist avenue to perfect, owing to the focus upon the constituent substrate of bone in their specimens, shaping it through Necromantic magics to command Boneguard constructs; they are adept at shaping sharp weapons and hurling them at their foes.
Finally, dominating and shaping the souls of specimens is a truly exquisite skill of mastery. Through the flaying of a specimen’s soul, or other suitable method of encouragement, one can achieve complete dominance over not just a specimen’s physical form, but also their eternal soul.
The Realm of Shadows
Reflecting our world in likeness yet darkened and brimming with the twisted souls of those departed, the Realm of Shadows can be an untold font of potential, or so we have been told.
Entering this realm is fraught with difficulty, danger, and much risk, one can more easily draw beings or souls from this realm instead. Accordingly, one can utilise this realm as a novel source of potential servants.
But while this realm can be a potential blessing, it is known to be a blight upon those who seek to draw gain from such a place. Just as those laughable ‘free’ Death Knights, who are tormented by voices in countless numbers from this realm, so too can this realm afflict you with the same curse if you are careless in your method.
While our understanding of the art we practice is firmly rooted in the twisting of death magic, substantial evidence yet still exists to show an indelible connection between our arts and the realm of which I speak with such caution.
Though limited in scope, the strange tradition of the ‘Day of the Dead’ curiously ushers in the marking of the Realm of Shadows being closer to our plain than at any other time. As such, this occasion should not be taken with a light consideration of thought and is a font of potential innovation.
Manipulation and mastering of 'the face’
Doubtless your new-found powers will endow a greater sense of pride, and dare say hubris within yourself, one cannot afford to be complacent in this respect. When exercising great power, one must further exercise appropriate restraint and account for the wider context. Move unseen, and act through others or proxies when able to if you intend to still participate in society at large.
Many would seek to steal your knowledge or destroy you for your very nature, for these blind fools cannot understand the necessities that progress demands of us, but I digress. To this end, one must use what means they deem reasonable to secure suitable cover for your actions or hide the associated decay resulting from our line of enquiry.
Various techniques exist which lend themselves to this goal, some varying in complexities. A simple technique is to rely upon others for your needs, allowing to appropriate away from the populace. Alternatively, for those with greater confidence, illusions or complicated social engineering can achieve similar, if not more intimate, results. Use misdirection or other magics to mask yourself if you are able.
The art of Fel magic and Necromancy
Though Fel Magic, known for its inherently chaotic and unstable nature, is often perceived with a veil of disgust or dismissal by some, it’s usefulness in Necromantic Magic should not be conceded or dismissed lightly, as I eluded too with respect the Nathrezim in Suramar. Historical examples exist of the practical and delightful application this school has in the raising of undead, with the War of the Ancients demonstrating the real potential for this school of magic in crushing one’s foes.
Rearing its head within the heart of Suramar, Fel Magic demonstrated a reliable and terrifying ability to raise the fallen into the service of the legion. The Legion took advantage of the horror this practice imparted upon the living, while creating a quick and dependable source of risen troops for their war effort.
From this one can also lend the art of Fel Magic to a sophisticated end in creating similar and dangerous constructs within the school of Necromancy. While the risk of corruption is inherently intrinsic to Fel Magic, it can serve as a reliable and more accessible means to achieve the goals of our art and can serve its adherents well in the flexibility of this method. However, you may find you will receive more unwanted attention if you fraternise with Fel Magic to excess.
The legacy of Kel’thuzad
We are not, however, infallible by any means. Always be well aware of your limits, and the resources at your disposal. Always have an exit strategy. Sacrifice of eager minions to your ends is a cornerstone of Scourge philosophy.
- The Decree of the Scourge -
This poignant, and applicable, extract should be applied to your philosophy of power. While we are not here to dwell on politics, the evidential truth behind these words will charter a course of limitless self-potential. While some are not easily disabused of their preconceptions, the legacy of the infamous Lich Kel’Thuzard is self-evident. The Decree of the Scourge should serve as a firm bedrock of your journey and understanding of his philosophy.
The awe inspiring, and tactically exquisite, subjugation of Lordaeron into the dust of history is legacy and testament to his brilliance, and that of his humble servants. Accordingly, you too shall articulate your path to both undermine and orchestrate the downing of your rivals, and the enrichment of your rightful power of the Necromantic arts!
The Sanguination of life: a discussion in Blood Magic
Blood magic, the twisting of life magic catalysed through the medium of blood, is not only a powerful tool, but a potent means of Necromantic utility for the wielder. Though many hopeless conformists, bowing to pathetic laws that constrain our progressive studies, would speak against the use of such magic, this ‘forbidden’ art has been exploited for thousands of years, and with awe-inspiring results that are to be keenly observed and emulated.
Great empires and mighty races have exploited and used this magic to their advantage, and often to their peril. From the mighty Mogu twisting and shaping flesh into terrifying Blood Golems, to the Blood magic of Hakkar the Loa himself, casting the Zandalari Empire from the heights of power down to its knees during a crippling Bloodplague, the power of the magic is undeniable and warranting of respect unreservedly.
Much like the aforementioned Bone Weavers, blood magic too can be used to create powerful offensive and defensive abilities to suit your needs. As Death Knights have exploited blood Magic to regenerate their wounds sustained in battle, so too can this power be turned into a powerful plague that will leach and cripple your foe into submission.
Vampirism and the curisoity of the San’layn
While the common term ‘Vampire’ does little justice to these enigmatic and powerful individuals, the San’layn, sometimes known as ‘Darkfallen’, are powerful undead creatures, formally pathetic Blood Elves of Kael’thas Sunstrider’s doomed campaign upon Ice Crown, risen in service of the Scourge.
Though their associations with the common mythology has led many to underestimate them, these individuals are both cunning as they are dangerous. With the ability to raise the dead and act as chief commanders for the undead hordes, combining blood scrying and Bloodstone teleporters, the San’layn were merciless and extremely difficult to pursue or out-manoeuvre in battle.
However, not all the rumours of ‘Vampires’ were without complete merit, individuals among the Vrykul of Stormheim have been discovered possessing the power of the ‘Vampyr’ within sealed tombs, showing the very tangible opportunity for anyone to seize this knowledge for themselves.
Accordingly, the utility of manipulating blood magic is both a mighty asset, but also a tool that commands respect above all. From the useful defensive and offensive spells to the mighty San’layn, the power of blood magic can be a decisive and potent tool in your arsenal.
The Era of the Scourge
I can hardly claim to speak upon the matter of Nerormancy without paying due diligence to the ultimate pioneer and practitioner of our great art in greater detail, the Scourge.
While the initial goal of the Scourge was to facilitate the invasion of the Burning Legion, the Scourge seized its own destiny and transformed Necromancy into the powerful tip of its spear, cutting deep and sewing putrid seeds in the wounds of its enemies. Carving an empire from the desecrated lands of Lordaeron to the peak of Icecrown, the Scourge transformed all whom stood against it, heralding a new dawn for the opportunities for aspiring Necromancers.
Under the Scourges influence, Necromancy flourished to new heights, with the numerous innovations under the Scourges tutelage demonstrating the devasting capabilities of our art, alongside Necromancies scalability into developing untold creations of destruction.
A key highlight of the Scourge was it’s well organised and applied command structure, through which the great powers under their commands was applied with precision and effectiveness, strangling opponents’ ability to respond, and assimilating them into the service of the Scourge. So too shall you model your conduct, move with meticulous intent, and leave nothing to chance, through this you shall secure your dominance and further your position.
The Plague, a decisive means to an end
The legacy of the Plague, hardly something I should have to clarify, is undeniable and a pinnacle of Necromancy and a testament to our art, as the world still reels and buckles under the weight of the Plagues accomplishments.
While the Plague had its roots in the abortive invasion by the Burning Legion during the Third War, the tireless work of the Scourge in transforming this ‘blight’ into a weapon of unparalleled destruction is undeniably worthy of praise.
The Plague, while simple in its conception, is highly crafted and perfected for it’s given task. Designed to strip the life of Humanity of this world and replace it with willing servants into the Scourges will, the practical applications of such a potent tool for Necromancy cannot be laboured enough. From securing loyal foot soldiers to infiltrating densely populated urban areas, you can still utilise the Plague to great effect to those who are unsuspecting.
While the cursed ‘Forsaken’ have seemingly improved upon this perfection, one should not let nostalgia prevent further study or use of this vital tool during your work. Many contaminated areas with the original strain can still be found within the Plaguelands, here you should look to securing your own samples for your research.
Lichdom
While many have tried, with few getting close to such power, fewer still have ever truly reached the position of ‘Lich’ in the field of Necromancy. Most were bound and created by the Lich King himself, through granting unimaginable power to only the very best of his subordinates. A Lich can command the most powerful of Necromantic spells and reanimate, or construct, the most supreme of undead minions into their service.
The Lich is undead in every sense of the word, shedding the shackles of a frail mortal vessel. Through the separating of their souls into powerful vessels, known as Phylacteries, a lich can live in perpetuity and immortality, it’s former physical form no longer beholden to mortal afflictions.
Should in the, unlikely, event of a Lichs physical form failing, their soul will return to the Phylactery it was bound too, abiding its time, and regenerating their corporeal physical form. Providing the Phylactery remains secured, truly killing a Lich is but a futile gesture against such power.
Lest your hubris cloud your judgement, while the promise of such possibilities through Necromancy are no tale, only through exercised restraint and diligence can you contemplate such a path. But mark well in your heart that should you fixate upon this idea and become short-sighted, you will surely fail in your pursuit, for only a few in a generation have completed such a journey.
Seizing your destiny
To those dedicated individuals who have stayed the course and walked the path to this point you have sincerely earned my reverence, for few will have the talents or the fortitude to seize their destiny in such an exquisite school of magic.
Necromancy is the final and only meaningful chapter you will pen, your destiny written and guided by your actions as you pursue this path with meticulous intent. The complacent will fail, and the hubris will be blinded to their weaknesses, for without careful attention to the words I’ve implored you to hold close to your heart, you will surely perish in your languished labours.
Above all else, guard your knowledge and secrets well. While I have sacrificed much, ceding more the most, through the knowledge I’ve penned, I feel to inspire great power in others you must put aside yourself to achieve this end. Let the knowledge I’ve illuminated to you light your journey, so that you may see the stepping stones before you, lest your passions blind you and leave you in folly.
from me