Can a Necromancer be Good in Dungeons and Dragons (DD)?

The role of a necromancer in the Dungeons and Dragons (DD) universe can be as complex and rich as the game itself. The answer to whether a necromancer can be good in DD depends significantly on the edition of the game and the interpretation of the necromancer's character.

The Evolution of Necromancy in DD

In earlier editions of DD, the key necromancy spells to create undead creatures were inherently evil. These spells were often used for nefarious purposes such as raising and controlling undead. However, with the transition to the 5th edition, things have shifted. Now, no spells have alignment components, meaning anyone can use them as desired, without necessarily adhering to an evil philosophy.

Despite this, the practice of necromancy itself might be considered taboo or evil in certain societies within the game. The magic of necromancy focuses on manipulating life and death forces. Healing magic can be considered a form of necromancy, as spells like Cure Wounds and Damage Wounds are essentially the same spell, just used differently for healing or harming.

Roleplaying a Good Necromancer

One possibility to portray a good necromancer is in a society that embraces the use of necromancy and integrates it into daily life. For example:

A town has a Necromancer responsible for maintaining the graveyard, preparing the dead for their afterlife. deceased individuals can be reanimated for a period to work off outstanding debts. mandatory military tours include a period after death to ensure the service is completed.

Another interesting scenario involves a detective who uses necromantic magic to help solve murders, combining magical means with non-magical methods to gather information.

Adjusting Spell and Roleplay

To play a good necromancer in a 'standard' setting, you simply need to roleplay them as such. Not all necromantic magics are inherently evil. For instance:

A medium who communicates with spirits can be considered a necromancer. The focus is on manipulation rather than control or exploitation. You might adjust the nature of a spell so that instead of a necrotic blast, spirits flow out and injure a foe. Use necromancy sparingly and incorporate it into your character's lifestyle and magic usage, avoiding spells that are truly 'mean' and focusing on the manipulation of life energies.

In conclusion, a necromancer can indeed be good in DD. It all comes down to how you use their abilities and the society and setting in which they operate. Whether through a magical society that embraces the art of necromancy or through ethical and moral choices within the game, a good necromancer is possible and can provide a fascinating and engaging character for your Dungeons and Dragons campaign.