The Dark Arts of Necromancy: Unlocking the Forbidden Magicks of Baldur's Gate 3

Immerse yourself in the shadowy realm of necromancy, a forbidden art that manipulates the very essence of life and death in Baldur's Gate 3. Embark on a perilous journey as you navigate through the treacherous realm of Thay, where the darkest of magicks flourish.

Necromancy in Thay: A Historical Overview

Necromancy has a long and sinister history within the realm of Thay. It emerged as a forbidden art practiced by rogue mages and outcasts who sought to defy the natural order of life and death. In ancient times, Thay was ruled by powerful necromancers known as the Zulkirs, who used their unholy powers to maintain absolute control over the population. Over time, the practice of necromancy became widespread among the Thayans, weaving itself into the fabric of their society.

The Red Wizards of Thay

The most prominent necromancers of Thay are the enigmatic Red Wizards. These powerful wizards are dedicated to the study and practice of necromancy, using their forbidden knowledge to shape the world according to their will. The Red Wizards are feared throughout the realms for their ruthless cunning and their mastery over the undead.

Benefits of Necromancy

Despite its sinister reputation, necromancy offers certain advantages to those who dare to wield its powers. By studying necromancy, you can:

• Control the undead: Summon and command undead creatures to do your bidding.
• Manipulate life and death: Alter the life force of living creatures, healing allies or draining the life of your enemies.
• Gain knowledge of the afterlife: Gain insights into the nature of death and the planes beyond.

Risks of Necromancy

However, necromancy is not without its risks. Practicing this forbidden art can lead to severe consequences, including:

• Moral corruption: The constant exposure to death and decay can corrupt your mind and soul.
• Physical taint: Necromancy can leave a physical taint on your body and spirit, making you vulnerable to attacks from the undead.
• Divine retribution: Deities and other divine beings may punish those who dabble in the forbidden arts.

How to Become a Necromancer

Embracing the dark arts of necromancy is a dangerous and arduous undertaking. To become a necromancer, you must:

1. Seek out a forbidden tome: Find an ancient tome or grimoire that contains the secrets of necromancy.
2. Study the forbidden knowledge: Decipher the cryptic texts and rituals that unlock the power of necromancy.
3. Perform dark rituals: Engage in macabre rituals to bind undead creatures to your will.
4. Accept the consequences: Understand the risks and costs associated with practicing necromancy.

Strategies for Necromancer Builds

If you dare to venture into the shadowy realm of necromancy, consider these effective strategies for your character build:

• Focus on Constitution and Intelligence: These attributes are essential for necromancers, as they enhance their health and spellcasting abilities.
• Choose the Warlock or Wizard class: These classes provide access to powerful necromancy spells and the ability to summon undead minions.
• Master the Thaumaturgy Cantrip: This cantrip allows you to perform minor necromantic feats, such as creating spectral hands or animating objects.
• Acquire the Scourge Aasimar Heritage: This heritage grants you access to the Necrotic Shroud ability, which increases your damage against undead creatures.

Step-by-Step Approach to Necromancy

1. Acquire the Magic Initiate Feat: This feat grants you access to two cantrips and one spell from the Necromancer spell list.
2. Enroll in the College of Death for Wizards: This subclass offers specialized necromantic abilities, such as animating corpses and transferring life force.
3. Obtain the Staff of the Undead: This powerful artifact enhances your necromantic abilities and grants you control over undead creatures.
4. Summon the Shadow of Moil: This 6th-level spell creates a shadowy duplicate of yourself that deals extra damage to undead enemies.
5. Ascend to the Master of Death: At level 14, you can choose the Master of Death subclass for the Warlock class, which grants you immunity to necrotic damage and the ability to control powerful undead creatures.

FAQs on Necromancy

1. Is necromancy legal in the Forgotten Realms?
   - Necromancy is illegal in most civilized societies, including the Sword Coast and Faerûn.
2. Can clerics practice necromancy?
   - Yes, some clerics choose to follow the Death domain, which grants them access to certain necromantic abilities.
3. Is it possible to become a lich?
   - Yes, but it requires a lengthy and perilous ritual that involves sacrificing a living creature.
4. What are the risks of using Create Undead?
   - Undead creatures may turn on their creator if they are not properly controlled.
5. How do I deal with the moral implications of necromancy?
   - The moral implications of necromancy are a matter of personal choice. Some necromancers believe their actions are justified, while others struggle with the weight of their decisions.
6. Is there a way to detect necromancy?
   - Yes, detect magic spells can reveal the presence of necromancy, and the Divine Sense ability of paladins can detect undead creatures.

Call to Action

Whether you seek to delve into the forbidden arts of necromancy or simply wish to understand its dark secrets, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich and immersive experience that will challenge your every choice. Embrace the darkness, forge your path, and discover the true extent of your necromantic powers.

The Anatomy of Necromancy in Thay: A Comprehensive Guide

Table 1: Necromancy Schools in Thay

Table 2: Notable Necromancers of Thay

Table 3: Pros and Cons of Necromancy