Encyclopaedia Arcane: Necromancy Beyond The Grave

Encyclopaedia Arcane #MGP1002

by Matthew Sprange, Anne Stokes

Fiction Fantasy

Genres: Role Playing Games

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who don't know me, I'm an avid table-top role-player/game master...and for those who do know me, you know that there are two types of character I typically gravitate towards: the super-devout, noble Paladin protector, and the power-hungry, ever-knowledge seeking Necromancer. And it is in the name of that second character archetype that I read this supplement, and I absolutely love it. It perfectly fills in the gaps that are missing from the standard 3rd/3.5 edition D&D low-level Necromancer as well as providing a number of wonderful options for the mid- to high-level Necromancer (and I don't really think it would be that hard to adapt it to 5th edition). Quite honestly, I consider this supplement to be absolutely vital for an aspiring Necromancer in any campaign, or even one-shot game.

The artwork ranges from fair to decent, and I especially appreciate the little sidebar storyline excerpts that follows the story of Peron, Gudge, and Arathriell. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to increasing my number of Encyclopaedia Arcane supplements in the future.

Never forget, of course, that power comes with a price. You'll know what I mean when you see the potential side effects from channeling too much negative energy.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The descriptions were fitting of a book on Necromancy, well written and it's easy to imagine and visualize the spells. There are bits of flavor and stories interspersed throughout that were fun. Anne Stokes did at least some of the art, including the cover.

The spells were actually good and interesting. I didn't really like the prestige classes though, but it was nice to see that spellcasting continues if one pursues them. The feats were ok I guess, but there were too many penalties suffered if one uses them. The writer's notes stated the feats were the best part, but I'm not so sure. There are a few creatures listed and they were decent additions.

I liked it quite a bit. It wasn't overly long for a book like this, but not too short either.

[Brendan Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having traveled from 5e back through the annals of history, to the "perfect" version of D&D in my humble opinion, these books, this whole collection in fact, is a must-have! They breathe new life, and provide lore and rules aplenty for the avaricious, and omnivorous DM to utilize and format to his will. You will find plenty of goodies and "Rule of Cool" style play within the pages of these supplementary tomes of lore.