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Why Is Necromancy Evil in D&D?

The perception of necromancy as an evil school of magic in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) isn’t straightforward, but it largely stems from the violation of natural laws, the perceived manipulation of souls, and the inherent dangers associated with undead creation. While the game rules themselves might not strictly define necromancy as inherently evil, its association with negative energies, corruption, and the desecration of the dead often makes it a path favored by villains and feared by most societies. The central problem revolves around consent and control; raising the dead often involves forcing a soul into unwilling servitude, turning what was once a person into a mindless thrall. It is not always the case, but it is the most common view in most worlds of D&D. This act of forcefully reanimating a corpse, often with negative energy, directly clashes with moral and ethical standards prevalent in most settings, resulting in the widely held belief that necromancy is fundamentally evil.

The Core Issues: Desecration and Control

The fundamental problem with necromancy, according to most in-world cultures, is that it disrupts the natural cycle of life and death. It is an act of forcing the deceased back into a state that isn’t living or dead, often by harnessing what is usually referred to as negative energy. This negative energy is not neutral. It corrupts and it is antithetical to life. This unnatural manipulation of the dead is seen as a desecration, both of the body and potentially the soul.

Beyond the act of desecration, the key issue of control often makes necromancy evil. Most methods of creating undead involve some form of binding magic, which forces the soul back into the body or uses the remnants of negative energy to animate it. In either scenario, the undead are often forced to obey the necromancer, removing any agency they might have had. This lack of consent, combined with the potential for cruel and exploitative use of undead servants, is a major contributing factor to necromancy’s reputation for evil. In short, the dead did not willingly give up their autonomy to become zombies, skeletons, or any other type of undead. The act of using them for personal gain or malicious purposes is, therefore, seen as wrong.

The Inherent Dangers of Negative Energy

Many of the spells and rituals that power necromancy draw on what is called negative energy. This energy is often associated with death, decay, and the void. It’s not a clean or benign force. It taints the area it is used in and often results in the manifestation of more negative energies over time. Undead leak this negative energy, corrupting the land and harming those who are exposed to it. The very existence of undead can be a blight on the world, which further casts necromancy in an evil light. This makes it clear that it’s not just an act with potential bad outcomes, it’s the inherent nature of the magic that causes problems.

Necromancy is NOT Inherently Evil (but often attracts evil)

It’s crucial to note that in D&D, the school of necromancy itself isn’t inherently evil. The spells themselves, like healing spells, can be used for good. Similarly, spells that raise the dead could be used to return someone to life or animate skeletons to help with manual labour. The problem lies primarily in how these abilities are used and the consequences of those uses.

The core issue, again, lies in context. Necromancy attracts those with dark intentions. Because many of the easiest necromantic spells focus on manipulating corpses and creating undead, people who are seeking power often see the school as a means to that end. Also, because most of society is horrified by necromancy, anyone who practices it is likely an outcast. Outcasts tend to become more callous and uncaring. So, the association of evil and necromancy often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, though it does not need to be.

The Morality of Intent

The intention behind using necromancy is also important. A cleric using necromantic magic to restore life to a fallen ally is very different from a villain raising an army of zombies to terrorize the innocent. The motivation behind the magic is key to deciding whether the user is good or evil. If a player is making a necromancer character, it’s important to consider their ethics. Are they using the powers responsibly, or are they falling into villainous behavior? This distinction is what the game itself allows for and it is important to remember when engaging with the topic of necromancy in D&D.

FAQs: Further Exploring Necromancy in D&D

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of necromancy in D&D:

Are all necromancers evil? No, not necessarily. While the most common depiction of a necromancer involves an evil character, there are plenty of avenues to make a character who uses necromancy for good or neutral purposes. It comes down to the character’s individual morality and their reasons for practicing the magic.
Is necromancy illegal in most D&D settings? Generally, yes. Most civilized societies outlaw necromancy due to its association with the desecration of the dead and the creation of dangerous undead.
Can undead be good? While rare, a good aligned undead is possible. It often arises when some tragedy has occurred and they become undead for some greater good, even if it is not necessarily their choice. These undead might protect their loved ones from beyond the grave or be in the service of a deity.
Does creating undead always involve enslaving a soul? The process of creating undead sometimes involves binding a soul to the animated body, but some forms of undead creation don’t. In cases where there is no soul present, the undead is then animated by negative energy alone. However, the source of the energy itself often leads to an ethical quandary.
What’s the difference between necromancy and conjuration in D&D? Necromancy manipulates life energy, often associated with death and undeath, whereas conjuration involves the creation or transportation of objects and creatures, often from other planes of existence.
Can undead be healed? Yes, unlike many video games, undead in D&D can be healed by spells such as Cure Wounds. Restoration, First Aid, and Rallying Cry however, damage undead.
Are there different types of necromancy? Yes, there are different sub-schools of necromancy such as those that focus on life and death manipulation, those that focus on negative energy, or ones that focus on raising undead.
What are some powerful undead creatures in D&D? Examples include liches, death knights, and mummy lords, all of which are incredibly difficult to defeat.
Why is negative energy dangerous? Negative energy is associated with death, decay, and oblivion. It corrupts and saps life, making it dangerous for the living.
Who is the god of necromancers in D&D? Velsharoon is one of the main Faerûn gods often associated with necromancy, liches, and the undead. There are other gods who might have some power over these forces in different pantheons.
What races are naturally inclined to necromancy? No race in D&D is inherently predisposed to necromancy; however, some cultures, like that of the Drow, are more tolerant or even accepting of the practice.
Can a necromancer be a hero? Yes, a necromancer with noble intentions can become a hero, using their powers to defend the innocent and fight against true evil.
Why are some spells classified as necromancy? Any spell that deals directly with life force, death, undeath, or negative energy, generally falls under the necromancy school.
What are the risks of practicing necromancy? Aside from the moral implications, necromancy can attract unwanted attention from law enforcement, paladins, and other forces of good. Furthermore, many spells can be volatile, with the potential to harm the caster if not handled correctly.
How can a player make a morally gray necromancer? A player can portray a morally gray necromancer by focusing on themes of loss, sacrifice, and a utilitarian approach to life and death. They might see undead as tools, devoid of sentience, and use them for a greater good even if others find the means unsettling.

By examining the various aspects and nuances of necromancy in D&D, it becomes clear that its reputation for evil is not solely based on the magic itself. The real question lies in how that magic is used, the intentions of the caster, and the consequences of their actions.

Why is necromancy evil in D&D?