Necromancy v.s. Thanatotic Science

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Introduction: Dynamic vs Static Magic

Why is the article being written?

Excellent question, the answer isn't so simple, but here goes. Since the birth of the game, over twenty-one years ago, the art of necromancy has fascinated one or more of the characters and they're players. Now we have come to a place were defining necromancy becomes absolutely necessary.

Why you ask? Because necromancy like all the mystical arts evolves. Originally, White Wolf conceived of a linear set of powers, a clan discipline for the Giovanni clan of vampires. In the 2nd edition, it evolved for the first time. Suddenly, necromancy was defined as being a static form of magic, as well as a discipline. I use the word "static" to differentiate the two distinct, but parallel ways in which the human race and its correspondent supernatural cousins use the building blocks of creation, magical force.

Static magic is a systematic and unchanging. The student who learns this method of bending reality to their will does so by learning paths of magic which are quick and dirty recipes for dealing with situations immediately. Paths have five stages or powers, which begin with a level one effect and max out at level five. The first steps on a mystical path are usually sensory effects or cheap trick, essentially cantrips. While level five effects are so powerful that they can easily be defined as miracles.

The other half of static magic, rituals, are slow and usually complicated recipes with step by step instructions that must be cast precisely the same way, each and every time. Rituals require considerably more time, a quiet place to cast, considerable concentration and physical ingredients. Time is the key factor in figuring out whether something should be a path power or a ritual. The effects of rituals are longer lasting, more complicated and in some instances more powerful that equally ranked path powers.

What is Necromancy?

According to Dictionary.com the following definition describes necromancy.

Word Origin and History for Necromancy

The word is a noun (n.)

c.1300, nygromauncy, "divination by communication with the dead," from Old French nigromancie "magic, necromancy, witchcraft, sorcery," from Medieval Latin nigromantia (13c.), from Latin necromantia "divination from an exhumed corpse," from Greek nekromanteia, from nekros "dead body" (see necro- ) + manteia "divination, oracle," from manteuesthai "to prophesy," from mantis "prophet" (see mania ). Spelling influenced in Medieval Latin by niger "black," on notion of "black arts." Modern spelling is a mid-16c. correction.

Related words: Necromantic.