What Can Necromancers Summon? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of what a necromancer can summon is a cornerstone of the lore surrounding this fascinating and often feared magical discipline. At their core, necromancers are masters of life, death, and undeath, wielding power over the very essence of being. Their summons aren’t limited to just mindless undead; they can range from simple skeletons to powerful demons and even the spirits of the departed. The specific creatures and entities that a necromancer can call forth depend greatly on their personal skills, the nature of their magic, and the specific setting or universe in which they exist. Generally speaking, however, necromancers can summon a wide variety of undead creatures, spirits, and, in some cases, even entities from other planes of existence.

Types of Summons

Undead Minions

The most common type of summons for a necromancer are undoubtedly undead minions. These creatures are reanimated corpses, often animated by dark magic and bound to the necromancer’s will. The variety of undead summons is vast, with some of the most frequently encountered being:

• Skeletons: Animated skeletons are the most basic form of undead, often serving as expendable cannon fodder in a necromancer’s army. They are generally weak individually but can be overwhelming in numbers.

• Zombies: These decaying corpses are reanimated through necromantic magic, characterized by their slow movement and rotting flesh, often possessing a surprising amount of physical strength and durability.

• Ghouls: These creatures are often depicted as more feral and ravenous than zombies, with a hunger for flesh that drives their actions. They can be faster and more agile than other types of undead.

• Vampires: While not strictly undead in some lore, vampires are sometimes subject to a necromancer’s control, particularly in cases where the vampire is dormant or in a weakened state. Necromancers can sometimes even animate a vampire’s corpse during the day, when they are at their most vulnerable.

• More powerful undead: Depending on the necromancer’s power and knowledge, they might be able to summon more powerful forms of undead, such as liches, wraiths, or even skeletal dragons. These require more advanced skills and rituals.

Spirits and Souls

Beyond simple undead, necromancers also hold sway over the spiritual realm. They are able to interact with, control, and summon various types of spirits:

• Ancestral Spirits: Some necromancers can communicate with and even summon the spirits of the departed. These spirits might offer advice, aid, or, in some cases, even be bound to serve the necromancer.

• Malevolent Spirits: Certain necromancers, especially those with more sinister intentions, can summon malevolent or evil spirits to torment enemies or enhance their own power.

• Demons: In certain settings, necromancers can potentially summon demons by using a necromantic ritual. This usually involves a dangerous bargain or complex incantations, as these entities can be unruly. However, they are a source of significant power and dark boons.

• Angels: While less common, some lore allows necromancers to interact with angels or other celestial spirits, even binding them under certain conditions. However, this is a rare and usually risky practice.

Familiars

Necromancers often have familiars, which act as magical companions. These are not always undead but can sometimes be:

• Undead Familiars: Necromancers can summon an undead familiar, which can aid in various tasks and acts as a link to the necromancer’s powers. These familiars usually manifest in various forms, from skeletal creatures to ghostly entities.

Abilities & Influences on Summons

The specific summons available to a necromancer are dependent on several key factors, such as:

• Skill and Knowledge: A necromancer’s personal skill and knowledge of necromantic arts dictate the complexity and power of the creatures they can summon. More powerful necromancers have access to a broader range of summons.
• Magical Tradition: Different schools or traditions of necromancy might specialize in different types of summons, dictating a specific style of creatures.
• Setting Specifics: The specific rules of magic and lore in a given setting or universe influence what a necromancer can summon. Some settings limit necromancy to only specific types of undead.
• Ethical Stance: A necromancer’s alignment (good, evil, neutral) can affect the nature of their summons. A good necromancer might focus on spirits and ancestral guides, whereas an evil necromancer is likely to favor ghouls and demons.
• Rituals and Sacrifices: Some powerful summons might require complex rituals and sacrifices to be performed correctly.

FAQs about Necromancer Summons

Can necromancers summon demons?

Yes, in many settings, necromancers can summon demons, although this often requires advanced knowledge and potentially dangerous rituals.

What types of undead can a necromancer summon?

Common undead summons include skeletons, zombies, ghouls, and occasionally, vampires, liches, and wraiths. The variety depends greatly on the necromancer’s expertise and the setting.

Do necromancers need sacrifices to summon undead?

While some might, not all necromancers need sacrifices. Some can reanimate the dead through their inherent magic or by manipulating life force energies.

Can a necromancer summon ghosts?

Yes, a necromancer can often summon ghosts or interact with the spirits of the departed, drawing on the power of the soul.

Can necromancers control a vampire?

Yes, necromancers often have some level of control over vampires, particularly animating their corpses during the day when they are most vulnerable.

Can necromancers heal themselves or others?

Yes, some necromancers can manipulate life force energy to heal themselves or their allies.

What is the typical language necromancers use?

Necromancers often speak a specific language of power, often referred to as the Language of Death.

What are the most powerful necromancer abilities?

Powerful necromancer abilities include the ability to commune with the dead, manipulate souls, pull life from an enemy, and shapeshift, among other powerful feats.

Are all necromancers evil?

No, not all necromancers are evil. They can be good, evil, or neutral, using their powers for different purposes, ranging from healing and protection to destruction and domination.

What are the main weaknesses of necromancers?

Necromancers are often vulnerable to poison, but resistant to fire or frost. They also rely heavily on their minions, so if the minions are neutralized, they can be killed easily.

How do you kill a necromancer?

To effectively kill a necromancer, use poison, use abilities that target multiple targets to eliminate their minions, or use direct attacks if they are not protected behind their summons.

Do necromancers have familiars?

Yes, necromancers can summon undead familiars, which act as magical companions and aid in various tasks.

Can necromancers fly or shapeshift?

Yes, some powerful necromancers can levitate and even shapeshift into forms that make them impervious to physical attacks.

Do necromancers need to eat or sleep?

No, many necromancers, particularly powerful ones, are immortal and do not need to eat or sleep and can replenish their energy through meditation.

What do necromancers fear the most?

Necromancers are often fearful of dying and may take extreme measures to extend their lives.

By understanding the various summons and abilities at a necromancer’s disposal, one gains deeper insights into the complex and sometimes terrifying nature of necromancy itself. Whether seen as a dark art or a misunderstood magical discipline, the summoning power of a necromancer makes them a formidable force in any setting.