What Classes Can Become Necromancers?
In the world of fantasy, necromancy is a powerful and often feared form of magic that allows practitioners to control and manipulate the dead. But what classes can become necromancers, and what are the key characteristics of each?
Direct Answer
In D&D, the School of Necromancy is one of the 20 possible mancer types that can be learned by a player character. Warlocks, Wizards, and Paladins are the three classes that can become necromancers, but they require different approaches and prerequisites to achieve this goal.
Warlocks
Warlocks make okay necromancers, but they will most likely still fling around eldritch blasts instead of relying on a small army of minions supported by various other spells like other classes would. Avoid using magic or weapons that deal Fire or Frost damage when facing necromancers, as they usually have resistances to these types of damage.
Wizards
Wizards, on the other hand, are the most straightforward necromancers. With the School of Necromancy, they can raise an extra undead and halve the cost of Necromancy spells. They can also create more hit points and damage modifiers for the undead. To achieve this build, players can choose the School of Necromancy in the Wizard class and focus on spells that assist in raising the dead.
Paladins
Paladins are a more challenging case, as they need to earn the trust and approval of a mentor to become necromancers. This requires them to complete five levels of Necromancy (to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch death) and have a near-death experience. Once they achieve this, they can use their divine magic to raise the dead and command them to serve them.
Other Classes
Other classes, such as Sorcerers, Bards, and Rangers, can also become necromancers, but it requires additional setup and planning. Animate Dead is a crucial spell that allows necromancers to turn bones and corpses into skeletons and zombies. With this spell, necromancers can create an army of undead minions to fight for them.
Necromancer Subclass
The Necromancer subclass is particularly useful for Wizards and Paladins, as it allows them to maintain control of up to 4 skeletons or zombies with a single casting of Animate Dead. This subclass is also useful for Warlocks, as it allows them to turn 2 piles of bones and/or corpses into skeletons and/or zombies with a single casting of Animate Dead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while not all classes can become necromancers, Warlocks, Wizards, and Paladins have the potential to master this dark and powerful form of magic. To become a necromancer, players must first choose the right class, earn the trust and approval of a mentor, and master the spells and abilities necessary to control the dead. With practice and patience, necromancers can create an army of undead minions to serve them, making them formidable opponents in combat.
Table: Necromancer Classes and Their Abilities
| Class | Abilities | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Warlock | Raise undead, control zombies | Earn trust of a mentor, avoid using magic or weapons that deal Fire or Frost damage |
| Wizard | Raise undead, halve Necromancy spell cost, create hit points and damage modifiers for undead | Choose School of Necromancy, focus on spells that assist in raising the dead |
| Paladin | Raise undead, earn trust and approval of a mentor, near-death experience | Complete 5 levels of Necromancy, have a near-death experience |
Note: The table above highlights the key abilities and requirements for each class to become necromancers. The abilities listed are not exhaustive, but rather a selection of the most significant and useful ones.