The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.

How to Fight a High Level Necromancer

MeldingMelding Registered User regular
Necromancers

iMxCrq4l.jpg

The jerk mages that like to make moving corpses.

Normally, I wouldn't write a guide on how to fight a nercomancer, as like most human enemies shooting them with bullets is really all you need, but necromancers can be a tricky lot. Most necromancers are classified as Wizards, as they have studied the arcane to unlock the magical abilities. Typically those with innate magical abilities aren't connected to the elemental death, those who bargain for power often want flashy impressive abilities, or subtle abilities to manipulate people from the shadows. Necomancy isn't really either of these. That is, until you're real good at it.

A skilled necromancer is never unarmed when near death, and if they know anything about teleportation or pocket dimensions, they are never far from death. The ability to summon corpses from either a pit they dug, or a smelly sack they carry is when you know you've stepped in it big with necromancers. But even these tend to fall to several bullet wounds, it's the ones who don't that we will be discussing.

Like most wizards necromancers are typically in search for extending their lives, and like most other wizards undeath isn't a super attractive idea unless they can obtain true lichdom. Otherwise the odds of eventually being overpowered by another wizard and forced into service is too high. If there is something wizards hate more than being dead, it's being in the service of others. But, in the heat of battle, we don't always make the best choices. When faced with immediate death, the clever and power necromancer tends to come to a rare insight, something doesn't have to be completely dead for you to start trying to re-animate it, and they focus their abilities inward in effect becoming a half undead abomination and legally no longer human.

And that is where this guide comes in.

Now it is important to remember that a being like this is neither alive or undead, but both. This means things that magically slay living things can't kill it, nor do things that utterly destroy undead. But things that harm either one? Works here. The reasons aren't fully understood, but the thinking is if if the effect can't fully destroy a thing it's just going to fail even if it could destroy part.

In this state, their magical abilities are dampened, not removed however, as they are focusing basically all of their arcane power into keeping themselves alive and animated. The side effect however is they're likely using this power to turn themselves into the most powerful undead they can spontaneously, typically a vampire. this means they just turn themselves into a pretty powerful physical threat, and since full undeath hasn't set in they're not under normal rules. Sunlight has no effect, silver is only marginally better than metal, and god is still in like with them.

Extreme damage can stop such a creature, but, it must be done in rapid succession as both the innate abilities of the undead creature and the necromatic magics are attempting to repair the former necromancer. the best way to deal with them we've found is something to break concentration, such as a flash bang, and then massive head trauma. This will typically kill the living side of them, and since the undead side isn't fully formed after a few minutes of it mindlessly trashing around, it falls over.

If flash bangs aren't available, your best bet becomes tiring it out. Magic is a finite supply in any area, running down any reserves and artifacts of power they have on hand will eventually cause the necromancer to lose the power to animate themselves, and since they never fully turned undead, they will die a mortal death. The exception however is the innately magical tied to the elemental death. They can sustain this indefinately, however this will likely just keep them alive and not keep them strong so they can still be worn down, you just need to finish them off.

Don't be fooled by them faking their death, burn any self animating necromancers. Even if you've taken them apart in the fight, they could be very crafty actors.

If you are also a wizard, then you should know Wizard Duels are still fair game at this point, but remember that physical assault is still a legal means of attack.

«13456

Posts

  • NaphtaliNaphtali Hazy + Flow SeaRegistered User regular
    Wizard duels like this one, you mean?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cZqRzHnI8s

    Of course, I don't think this would work against a necromancer.

    Steam | Nintendo ID: Naphtali | Wish List
  • MeldingMelding Registered User regular
    Naphtali wrote: »
    Wizard duels like this one, you mean?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cZqRzHnI8s

    Of course, I don't think this would work against a necromancer.

    It is actually one of the written rules "weapons do not count as spells"

    And now i know why.

  • Raijin QuickfootRaijin Quickfoot I'm your Huckleberry YOU'RE NO DAISYRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    Does the necromancer have nards?

  • MeldingMelding Registered User regular
    Does the necromancer have nards?

    i mean, they're human, so sometimes?

  • Raijin QuickfootRaijin Quickfoot I'm your Huckleberry YOU'RE NO DAISYRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    Melding wrote: »
    Does the necromancer have nards?

    i mean, they're human, so sometimes?

    What are the nards AC? I have a Thac0 of 11 and rolled a 15 on my luck attempt.

  • MeldingMelding Registered User regular
    Melding wrote: »
    Does the necromancer have nards?

    i mean, they're human, so sometimes?

    What are the nards AC? I have a Thac0 of 11 and rolled a 15 on my luck attempt.

    I would imagine that it would be thac0 of 12 but with like a -6 to hit. i'm not very good with second edition adnd

  • SCREECH OF THE FARGSCREECH OF THE FARG #1 PARROTHEAD margaritavilleRegistered User regular
    just hit em in the head with a big hammer

  • STATE OF THE ART ROBOTSTATE OF THE ART ROBOT Registered User regular
    Just fucking punch him until he is dust

  • STATE OF THE ART ROBOTSTATE OF THE ART ROBOT Registered User regular
    Inquisitor wrote: »

    I loves me some Rush but boy was Caress of Steel not good.

  • BahamutZEROBahamutZERO Registered User regular
    Do. Not. Underestimate. Wizards.
    Some scoff at the dangers presented by hordes of slow, stupid undead minions, thinking they can wade through lesser foes to dispatch the controlling necromancer. These are generally the same sorts who assume dragons will chivalrously land and have a sporting, honorable 5-on-1 melee to the death. I once met a necromancer known as "Fishy," in some strange circumstances that are not relevant to this anecdote. He mainly specialized in reanimating and controlling large numbers of weaker undead such as skeletons and zombies, but he had a few nasty tricks up his sleeves that greatly multiplied their effectiveness. Such as a wand of short range group teleportation. While a large mob of skeletons are often little threat to a large monster or skilled and well-equipped group of fighters when they attack in the conventional manner, twenty skeletons appearing simultaneously out of thin air in a pile on top of you tends to change the odds a fair bit.

    BahamutZERO.gif
  • MeldingMelding Registered User regular
    Wizards are effectively the most dangerous mortals around. Except for Mega Steve, but we Do Not Talk About Mega Steve.

    I once saw a wizard rip a man out of normal time, effectively aging him instantly to a mummy then resurrected the mummy with the knowledge of the ancients making a store clerk a super mummy in minutes.

    it was awesome, and I would recommend that wizard for parties if he hadn't written himself out of existence accidentally.

  • PiptheFairPiptheFair Frequently not in boats. Registered User regular
    Melding wrote: »
    Wizards are effectively the most dangerous mortals around. Except for Mega Steve, but we Do Not Talk About Mega Steve.

    I once saw a wizard rip a man out of normal time, effectively aging him instantly to a mummy then resurrected the mummy with the knowledge of the ancients making a store clerk a super mummy in minutes.

    it was awesome, and I would recommend that wizard for parties if he hadn't written himself out of existence accidentally.

    time mages man

    fucking time mages

  • MeldingMelding Registered User regular
    PiptheFair wrote: »
    Melding wrote: »
    Wizards are effectively the most dangerous mortals around. Except for Mega Steve, but we Do Not Talk About Mega Steve.

    I once saw a wizard rip a man out of normal time, effectively aging him instantly to a mummy then resurrected the mummy with the knowledge of the ancients making a store clerk a super mummy in minutes.

    it was awesome, and I would recommend that wizard for parties if he hadn't written himself out of existence accidentally.

    time mages man

    fucking time mages

    I think he was actually a space wizard? or maybe i witnessed the origin of The Time Wizard (fuck you Time Wizard)

  • ChicoBlueChicoBlue Registered User regular
    I'm a tie mage.

    Some wizards have spell slots, I have spell knots.

  • MetalbourneMetalbourne Inside a cluster b personalityRegistered User regular
    If I sacrifice all my flesh to become a lich and I still have lyme disease I'm gonna be pissed.

    Uh, I mean uhhh
    I'm asking for a friend

  • MeldingMelding Registered User regular
    If I sacrifice all my flesh to become a lich and I still have lyme disease I'm gonna be pissed.

    Uh, I mean uhhh
    I'm asking for a friend

    I don't think lyme disease affects the undead?

    I'm not a doctor though. People just assume I am because I sign my first initial.

  • ChicoBlueChicoBlue Registered User regular
    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for long range attacks?

    A bow tie knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for fast travel?

    A Full Windsoar knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for contacting the planes that should never be contacted?

    An Eldritch knot.

  • BrainleechBrainleech 機知に富んだコメントはここにあります Registered User regular
    Melding wrote: »
    Does the necromancer have nards?

    i mean, they're human, so sometimes?

    To quote a female undead in wow
    Their real, Not mine but they are real.

  • PinfeldorfPinfeldorf Yeah ZestRegistered User regular
    edited April 2017
    ChicoBlue wrote: »
    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for long range attacks?

    A bow tie knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for fast travel?

    A Full Windsoar knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for contacting the planes that should never be contacted?

    An Eldritch knot.

    What does a tie mage say when he doesn't want to do something you ask him to do?

    I'd rather knot.

    Pinfeldorf on
  • FiendishrabbitFiendishrabbit Registered User regular
    Pinfeldorf wrote: »
    ChicoBlue wrote: »
    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for long range attacks?

    A bow tie knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for fast travel?

    A Full Windsoar knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for contacting the planes that should never be contacted?

    An Eldritch knot.

    What does a tie mage say when he doesn't want to do something you ask him to do?

    I'd rather knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use to fix his computer?

    An E-deity knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use to turn up the heat?

    A Kelvin knot

    "The western world sips from a poisonous cocktail: Polarisation, populism, protectionism and post-truth"
    -Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden
  • ChicoBlueChicoBlue Registered User regular
    To be a tie mage your alignment must be Chaotic, because all tie magic is knotty by nature.

  • RadiusRadius Registered User regular
    Naphtali wrote: »
    Wizard duels like this one, you mean?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cZqRzHnI8s

    Of course, I don't think this would work against a necromancer.

    God, I hate this movie

    My friend wanted to watch this and when this scene happened I stood up and ejected the movie from the VCR and placed it in his trash can.

    Everyday we stray further from God's light
    Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
  • FiendishrabbitFiendishrabbit Registered User regular
    "To be, or knot to be. Tie is the question"

    "The western world sips from a poisonous cocktail: Polarisation, populism, protectionism and post-truth"
    -Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden
  • LalaboxLalabox Registered User regular
    I love

    these threads

  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    Even if you are a Wizard you should be careful when it comes to Necromancers. In a fight between Wizards it often comes down to who is the nastiest, most brutally underhand bastard and Necromancers have had a lot of practice at that.

    When it comes to Necromancers, take no risks. Fight mean.

  • Indie WinterIndie Winter die Krähe Rudi Hurzlmeier (German, b. 1952)Registered User regular
    people underestimate the usefulness of skeletons as undead minions

    wY6K6Jb.gif
  • Indie WinterIndie Winter die Krähe Rudi Hurzlmeier (German, b. 1952)Registered User regular
    edited April 2017
    to illustrate:
    1. Brittle: Upon being hit the skeleton explodes into hundreds of pieces of bone. Everyone within 10' of the skeleton take damage equal to the hit points of the skeleton. If the skeleton had 5 hit points everyone takes that damage.

    2. Savage: This skeleton has two claw attacks that does 1d6 points of damage. If both claws hits in the same round it rends for additional 1d6 damage.

    3. Frenzy: Once combat begins this skeleton descends into a frenzy of brute fury. Each round the skeleton is active in combat its damage increases by 1 Die. In round 1 it does 1d6, round 2 2d6, round 3 3d6,etc. The damage resets to 1d6 if the skeleton is not engaged in combat for 1 round.

    4. Armor-Plated: This skeleton has had metal plates fused onto its bony frame. For each plate fused onto the skeleton it grants +1 to armor class and 5 hit points. Each 5 points of damage the skeleton takes one metal plate is destroyed and its armor class is reduced by -1.

    5. Cackling: This skeleton emits a loud maddening cackle. Those within 30' find it hard to concentrate. All acts of concentration like spell-casting, thief skills, etc require a wisdom check to maintain your train of thought.

    6. Unholy: This skeleton bones are covered in sinister glyphs and swirl with profane arcana. This skeleton is immune to all damage except positive energy. Holy water, cure spells, potions of healing etc can be used to harm this skeleton.

    7. Tar: This skeleton is covered in tar. Any hit by a melee weapon has the potential to be stuck to the skeleton. Any successful hit requires a strength attribute check or be stuck to the skeletons body.

    8. Host: The rib cage of this skeleton is fused together to form an intricate prison. Small creatures can be housed inside the rib cage. If attacked in combat the rib cage has 50% chance of shattering and releasing what is inside.
    d4 Random Rib Cage Inhabitant
    1. 1d6+2 Crawling Hands
    2. 1d4+1 Homunculus
    3. 2d6 Zombie Pixies


    9. Spike: the skeleton is covered with bony thorns up to an inch long. The bony spikes allow the skeleton to inflict as much damage as a normal skeleton wielding a weapon. Further, each time the skeleton hits or is hit, 1d3 spikes explode in a bonespray, inflicting 1d4 points of damage per spike in a 5-foot radius.

    10. Obsidian: An obsidian jewel is embedded in each skeleton’s forehead. Many also have blackened bones, as though they have been burned. An obsidian skeleton regenerates by absorbing life energy - When reduced to 0 hit points, it collapses and becomes inert for full one round. The next round, the obsidian jewel in the skeleton’s forehead glows brightly as it regenerates, turning to ash all vegetation in a 10-foot radius Living creatures in the radius must make a successful saving throw vs. spell or suffer a -3 penalty to their next initiative roll. The next round, the skeleton rises, restored to full hit points. Striking the skeleton while it is inert or regenerating has no effect, nor does it delay the regeneration, nor are measures such as turning or holy water effective. Only the destruction of the jewel can stop its regeneration. The jewel is AC 4 and has 6 hit points (which do not regenerate); it is vulnerable to holy water. During melee, the jewel can be struck with a called shot. Dispel magic causes the skeleton to collapse and prevents regeneration for one round per level of the caster. Unless the jewel is destroyed during this time, the regeneration starts again.

    Indie Winter on
    wY6K6Jb.gif
  • ChicoBlueChicoBlue Registered User regular
    Evil tie mages are sometimes referred to as neckropemancers.

  • SanderJKSanderJK Crocodylus Pontifex Sinterklasicus Madrid, 3000 ADRegistered User regular
    I don't mean to alarm you all but I've been told that necromancer despise punning. You are attracting his evil gaze, and may already be in grave danger.

    Steam: SanderJK Origin: SanderJK
  • FiendishrabbitFiendishrabbit Registered User regular
    edited April 2017
    Weird. I've always heard that a good joke raises your spirits.

    P.S: Though I guess necromancers prefer more advanced humor. They're always so cryptic.

    Fiendishrabbit on
    "The western world sips from a poisonous cocktail: Polarisation, populism, protectionism and post-truth"
    -Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden
  • cB557cB557 voOOP Registered User regular
    Dear Monster Guide, when trying to kill a necromancer, would you recommend trying to sneak past a their undead forces entirely, or taking out some of their forces on your way to them?

  • Dark Raven XDark Raven X Laugh hard, run fast, be kindRegistered User regular
    Final Fantasy has taught me that casting life giving, curative or holy spells on undead critters causes them harm, is this true?

    Oh brilliant
  • BedlamBedlam Registered User regular
    b2zo2Y8.jpg

    Got 99 problems but a lich aint one.

  • UrielUriel Registered User regular
    You just gotta kill the necromancer by surprise in one shot to make sure he doesn't self reanimate right?

    Just get a good sniper in the area, perhaps with some kind of magic sensitive telescopic sight on a nice high powered rifle.

  • Donovan PuppyfuckerDonovan Puppyfucker A dagger in the dark is worth a thousand swords in the morningRegistered User regular
    Final Fantasy has taught me that casting life giving, curative or holy spells on undead critters causes them harm, is this true?

    Phoenix Down potions can be very useful as an offensive weapon, yes.

  • FencingsaxFencingsax It is difficult to get a man to understand, when his salary depends upon his not understanding GNU Terry PratchettRegistered User regular
    Final Fantasy has taught me that casting life giving, curative or holy spells on undead critters causes them harm, is this true?

    Phoenix Down potions can be very useful as an offensive weapon, yes.

    Phoenix Down is not a potion, it is a feather.

  • HobnailHobnail Registered User regular
    Would it be appropriate to hit a necromancer with a truck

    Do you like my photos? The stupid things I say? The way I am alive? You can contribute to that staying the same through the following link

    https://www.paypal.me/hobnailtaylor
  • UrielUriel Registered User regular
    How effective would industrial farming equipment be at chewing through an undead horde?

  • ButlerButler 89 episodes or bust Registered User regular
    ChicoBlue wrote: »
    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for long range attacks?

    A bow tie knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for fast travel?

    A Full Windsoar knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use for contacting the planes that should never be contacted?

    An Eldritch knot.

    What sort of knot does a tie mage use to erase himself from someone's memory?

    A Forget Me Knot

Sign In or Register to comment.