True Necromancer

[redkobold]

The Wizard specializing in Necromancy sucks he does not get access (I seem to remember) to the better create undead spells. I envisioned an npc villian I created a while back as a wizard necromancer but had to change him to a cleric to have the spells I wanted him to have. I would advise going the godless cleric route and maybe later add a few levels of wizards with a necromancy focus. I am also interested in the Green Ronin Necromancer core class but have not seen it yet.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Li Shenron]

...maybe my problem is that I want a character with access to undead-creation necromancy spells AND undead rebuking WITHOUT her being a cleric.

If such a character does not exist at all, I'll have to build up a PrCl for her from scratch; still, I'd like to find if there is a known source somewhere with such a class. That would make my DMing easier, since at least I'd take for sure that someone has playtested it.

 

[ConcreteBuddha]

The Wizard specializing in Necromancy sucks he does not get access (I seem to remember) to the better create undead spells.

Research the better Create Undead spells as a wizard. Why not? It might not be possible with the current rules (I'm too lazy to look it up right now).

To heck with the rules! You are the DM, maybe this wizard is on the cutting edge of Necromantic research, and has figured out a way to get arcane versions of high level divine necromancy spells...

Do I think that's overpowered? Not at all. Arcane Necromancy spells tend to be the negative energy direct damage spells. A few created wraiths and skeleton lords isn't going to overpower a necromancer. In fact, I don't see why they didn't get these spells to begin with.

 

[skymage]

there is a prestige class in the sword and sorcery book hollofaust city of necromances called the animator. he specalizes in the creation of corporeal undead, and gains the spell like abilty to create corporeal undead. it's just like the spell create undead except you can only make gouls ghast and wights. he also has the ability to turn or rebuke undead. the reason being that he is not divine he can chose one or the other cause he is not gaining the power from a god, but he can never destroy or command undead.

best of all it's meant for arcane spell casters. so if you have the money and enjoy the scared lands then you might want to check out hollowfaust.

it's got some great prestige classes in it as well as a few good spells and a very cool story behind the city.

 

[Xarlen]

I don't have Relics and Rituals with me, but I believe the Crypt Lord has the ability to rebuke undead, as well as get an undead familiar, and some other death powers. Must be a necromancer.

Also, you might want to check out Necromancy: Beyond the Grave. Some interesting stuff in there. There's one prestige class that allows a necromancer to change creatures; graft parts onto them. Like say having a zombie with a Carrion Crawler tentacle for an arm. Very scientist to me.

 

[raidou]

another option: Horned Harbringer?

In Faiths and Avatars, there is a PrC called the Horned Harbringer which grants the Death domain at 1st level. This would give you Animate Dead as a 3rd level domain spell, and you can get into the class as soon as 5th level as a wizard/necromancer. Assuming you have Spectral Hand and Vampiric Touch already, you could jump into True Necromancer one level later. In the end, you can still reach 9th level spells this way.

I've been using this path to True Necromancer in my campaign (mostly for humanoid worshippers of their various death deities). I switched the Crown of Horns requirement to a pilgrimage to a specific monstrous shrine (either way this requirement involves setting up some sort of quest). The imagery of antlered humanoid necromancers still gives my players the shivers.

best,

-eric