In the enigmatic world of Baldur’s Gate III, the art of necromancy captivates the minds of those who dare to wield its forbidden power. Among the countless subclasses that beckon, one stands apart as the epitome of necromantic prowess: the Death Domain Cleric. Embracing the unholy union of death and divinity, this potent build unlocks a myriad of abilities that will leave your enemies quivering in terror and your allies marvelling at your mastery over the ethereal realm.
Unveiling the mysteries of undeath, the Death Domain Cleric possesses an arsenal of necromantic spells that cripple their foes and summon forth undead minions to their aid. With each fallen enemy, their power grows, for the divine spells they cast empower their undead thralls, making them formidable allies on the battlefield. Furthermore, the ability to channel negative energy empowers their attacks, dealing devastating damage to those who stand in their path.
Beyond combat, the Death Domain Cleric’s influence extends to the very fabric of life and death. They can wither the life force of their enemies, draining their vitality and potentially ending their existence prematurely. This ability, coupled with their mastery over undead creatures, grants them unparalleled control over the battlefield, allowing them to manipulate the tides of battle to their advantage.
The Ultimate Necromancy Build for Beginners
Necromancy is a powerful school of magic in Baldur’s Gate 3 that allows you to control the undead. This build is perfect for beginners who want to experience the dark side of magic.
The Warlock: Master of the Dead
The Warlock is the best class for a necromancy build. They have access to a wide range of necromancy spells, and their Eldritch Invocations can further enhance their undead minions.
Invocations
- Book of Ancient Secrets: Adds two spells to your spellbook: Animate Dead and Create Undead.
- Grasp of Hadar: Deals 1d6 necrotic damage to a target and pulls them 10 feet closer to you.
- Tomb of Levistus: When a creature dies within 10 feet of you, you can cast Animate Dead on their corpse without using a spell slot.
Spells
- Animate Dead: Creates a zombie or skeleton from a corpse.
- Create Undead: Creates a more powerful undead creature, such as a ghoul or wight.
- Blindness/Deafness: Blinds and deafens a target, making them more vulnerable to your attacks.
- Ray of Sickness: Deals 2d8 necrotic damage to a target and makes them nauseated.
- Vampiric Touch: Deals 3d6 necrotic damage to a target and heals you for half the damage dealt.
Feats
- Necromancy Adept: Increases your damage with necrotic spells and gives you advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened by undead.
- War Caster: Allows you to cast spells with somatic components even when you are wearing armor.
- Tough: Increases your hit points by 2 per level.
Spells and Cantrips
As a necromancer, your spellcasting abilities are paramount to your success. The following spells and cantrips are essential for any advanced necromancer:
Cantrips
- Toll the Dead: A versatile damage cantrip that scales well throughout the game.
- Chill Touch: Deals necrotic damage and gives you a chance to inflict vulnerability on the target.
- Spare the Dying: Can stabilize downed allies at a distance.
Spells
- Summon Shadowspawn: Conjures a shadow creature that can attack your enemies or protect your allies.
- Create Undead: Raises undead minions from fallen enemies, providing additional combat support.
- Vampiric Touch: Deals necrotic damage over time and heals you for half the damage dealt.
- Bone Armor: Enhances your defenses by coating you in bony armor.
- Animate Dead: Summons a more powerful undead companion that can fight alongside you.
Choosing the Right Spells and Cantrips
The specific spells and cantrips you choose will depend on your playstyle and party composition. However, the recommended spells listed above provide a solid foundation for any necromancer build.
Mastering the Symphony of Bones: Optimizing Spellcasting and Invocation
Shaping the Necromancer: Character Customization
The creation of your necromancer begins with choosing a race and background. For optimal necromantic abilities, Half-Elf and Drow offer bonuses to Intelligence and Charisma, respectively. Additionally, consider the Criminal background for proficiency in Stealth and proficiency with poisoner’s kits.
Commanding the Undead: Necromancy Spells and Invocations
As a necromancer, your spellcasting list will revolve around summoning and controlling the undead. Essential spells include Animate Dead, which raises corpses as your undead minions, and Command Undead, which exerts control over existing undead creatures. Furthermore, invocations like Fiendish Vigor and Aspect of the Death Domain enhance your necromantic power by granting resistance to necrotic damage and summoning temporary hit points.
Unveiling the Ritual Invocation: Bone Mastery
At level 3, necromancers gain access to the Bone Mastery ritual invocation, a transformative power that unlocks three distinct abilities:
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Bone Shield | Summons a shield made of bones that grants resistance to non-magical physical damage. |
| Bone Spear | Creates a magical spear of bone that deals necrotic damage and can cause the target to bleed. |
| Raise Skeleton | Animates a skeleton to serve as your undead minion. |
Bone Mastery empowers necromancers with defensive, offensive, and summoning capabilities, making it a crucial invocation for any necromancer seeking to harness the true power of undeath.
The Art of Commanding Undead: A Guide to Summoning and Controlling
Subclasses
Within the domain of necromancy, two subclasses beckon necromancers to delve into their mysteries: the Grave Cleric and Wizard of the School of Evocation. Grave Clerics, disciples of the Raven Queen, possess potent necromantic abilities, using their spells to sow fear in their enemies and bolster the resilience of their allies. On the other hand, Wizards of the School of Evocation, known for their mastery over elemental forces, can enhance their undead minions with powerful transmutations and shape the flow of battle through strategic spellcasting.
Equipment and Spells
To harness the power of necromancy, necromancers must seek suitable equipment and spells. The Staff of Power, a legendary artifact, grants the bearer potent necromantic abilities, while the Robes of the Archmage enhance the caster’s spellcasting prowess. Spells such as Animate Dead, Ray of Enfeeblement, and Vampiric Touch form the core of a necromancer’s arsenal, enabling them to summon undead minions, weaken their enemies, and drain their vitality.
Tactics and Strategies
Necromancers excel in attrition warfare, using their undead minions to overwhelm their opponents. Positioning is crucial, as undead minions can be vulnerable to area-of-effect attacks. Necromancers should prioritize summoning and protecting their powerful minions, such as Shadows and Wights, while using spells to support their allies and hinder their enemies. Additionally, necromancers should consider investing in feats such as Magic Initiate or Ritual Caster to expand their spellcasting capabilities.
Debuffing Opponents
Necromancy spells are particularly effective at debuffing opponents. Spells like Ray of Enfeeblement reduce the target’s Strength, making them easier to hit and deal less damage. Hold Person incapacitates targets, rendering them vulnerable to attacks. Blindness/Deafness deprives the target of their senses, making them easier to control and take down. The table below provides additional examples of useful debuffing spells:
| Spell | Effect |
|---|---|
| Bane | Reduces the target’s saving throws |
| Bestow Curse | Curses the target with a negative effect, such as disadvantage on a specific skill check |
| Hex | Hexes the target, causing them to take extra damage from your attacks |
Synergizing Necromancy with Other Classes: Unlocking Hidden Potential
Multiclassing for Enhanced Abilities
Combining necromancy with other classes can unlock a wide range of benefits. Consider the following multiclassing options:
Wizard (Necromancer)
- Animate Dead: Summon powerful undead minions that can deal significant damage and tank incoming attacks.
- Finger of Death: Unleash a devastating spell that kills most enemies instantly, making it an exceptional finishing move.
- Wail of the Banshee: Deal heavy necrotic damage to a large area, crippling enemy formations.
Sorcerer (Shadow Magic)
- Hound of Ill Omen: Conjures a loyal celestial dog that grants temp HP and deals psychic damage to nearby enemies.
- Eyes of the Deep: Shares sight with allies, providing an advantage in combat and exploration.
- Gift of Alacrity: Boosts initiative for the party, increasing their chances of getting the first strike.
Warlock (The Fiend)
- False Life: Grants temporary hit points, making the warlock more resilient.
- Hellish Rebuke: Deals fire damage to enemies who come too close, deterring melee attacks.
- Darkness: Creates an area of magical darkness, providing concealment and advantage on attacks for the warlock.
Comprehensive Stats and Combat Proficiency
By multiclassing, necromancers gain access to additional stats and combat proficiencies that can complement their necromancy abilities.
| Class | Stats | Proficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Wizard | Intelligence | Quarterstaff, dagger, dart |
| Sorcerer | Charisma | Dagger, dart |
| Warlock | Charisma | Simple weapons |
Gear and Equipment for the Aspiring Necromancer
Equipping oneself for the dark arts of necromancy requires careful consideration. The following items will enhance any aspiring necromancer’s capabilities:
Weapons
- Staff of Withering: Absorbs or restores Hit Points when damaging undead foes.
Armor
- Robes of Whispers: Increases the percentage of damage absorbed by the wearer’s temporary Hit Points.
Accessories
- Amulet of the Damned: Increases the potency of negative energy spells, such as Inflict Wounds and Circle of Death.
Tomes
- Necronomicon: Grants powerful necromancy spells, including Animate Dead and Finger of Death.
Misc
- Holy Water: Effective against undead enemies but harms the necromancer.
- Skeletal Parts: Used to craft powerful necromantic items.
Reagents
| Reagent | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ectoplasm | Increases the duration of necromancy spells. |
| Necromantic Dust | Enhances the damage of necromancy cantrips. |
Strategies for Every Encounter: Using Necromancy to Overcome Challenges
1. Crowd Control
Necromancy spells like “Create Undead” and “Summon Skeletons” can create minions to distract and engage multiple enemies, giving you an advantage in combat.
2. Area Denial
“Cloud of Undeath” and “Wail of the Banshee” create persistent areas of damage or debuffs that can block enemy movement or impair their abilities.
3. Ranged Attacks
Summoned undead like Wraiths and Spectres can attack from a distance, allowing you to stay out of melee range and target specific enemies.
4. Buffing and Healing
Necromancy spells like “Animate Dead” and “False Life” can provide your party with temporary hit points, buffs to damage, or healing.
5. Mobility and Stealth
“Misty Step” and “Invisibility” allow you to reposition or move undetected, granting you tactical advantages in combat.
6. Necromantic Vulnerability
Enemies with vulnerabilities to necrotic damage, such as undead or aberrations, take increased damage from necromancy spells, making them prime targets.
7. Synergy with Other Schools
| School | Synergy |
|---|---|
| Conjuration | Summon more undead for increased crowd control. |
| Evocation | Combine necrotic damage with fire or cold damage for devastating effects. |
| Enchantment | Use charm spells to control enemy undead and turn them against their allies. |
The Path of the Dark Arts: Ethical Considerations for Necromancers
The Weight of Life and Death
Necromancers wield immense power over the boundaries of life and death. This power carries a heavy ethical burden, as manipulating the dead can have profound consequences for the living and the departed.
Balancing Power and Morality
Necromancers must navigate the delicate balance between using their abilities for good and succumbing to the temptations of dark power. Ethical considerations should guide their choices, ensuring that their actions do not harm the innocent or defile the sanctity of the dead.
Respect for the Deceased
Summoning and controlling the dead requires a deep respect for the departed. Necromancers should treat the remains with dignity, ensuring that they are not desecrated or exploited.
Consent and Boundaries
Resurrecting individuals without their consent violates their autonomy and potentially traps them in a state of undeath. Necromancers should obtain consent before performing any form of necromantic ritual.
Dual Nature of Necromancy
Necromancy has both positive and negative applications. It can be used to heal the sick, communicate with the dead, or protect from evil. However, it can also be used for malevolent purposes, such as raising undead armies or manipulating the minds of the living.
Personal Beliefs and Values
The ethical approach to necromancy varies greatly depending on personal beliefs and values. Some necromancers view their abilities as a tool for doing good, while others embrace the darker aspects of their power.
| Ethical Considerations | Considerations for Necromancers | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respect for the Deceased | ||||||||||||
| Treat remains with dignity and respect. | ||||||||||||
| Consent | ||||||||||||
| Obtain consent before resurrecting individuals. | ||||||||||||
| Boundary Lines | ||||||||||||
| Avoid exploiting or defiling the dead. | ||||||||||||
| Dual Nature of Necromancy | ||||||||||||
| Acknowledge both positive and negative applications. | ||||||||||||
| Personal Beliefs and Values | ||||||||||||
Guide ethical approach based on personal beliefs.
Necromancy and the Game’s Lore: Exploring the Secrets of FaerûnIn Faerûn, the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, necromancy is a forbidden art associated with dark powers and ancient evils. The Cult of BhaalOne of the most notorious necromantic factions is the Cult of Bhaal, a group of cultists who worship the Lord of Death. They seek to unleash Bhaal’s power upon Faerûn and establish a reign of terror and decay. The Thayan EnclavesThe Thayan Enclaves are a collection of cities dominated by Red Wizards, who are infamous for their necromantic experiments. They view life as an expendable resource, using necromancy to create undead armies to further their political and military goals. The Shadow of ElturelThe once-glorious city of Elturel has been plunged into the Nine Hells, and its citizens have become trapped in a realm of eternal torment. Necromancy plays a sinister role in this tragedy, as the denizens of the Nine Hells raised an undead army to invade and conquer Elturel. The Mysteries of UnderdarkThe labyrinthine Underdark is home to numerous necromantic creatures and necromantic cults. The drow, a race of dark elves, have a particularly deep affinity for necromancy, using it to control undead minions and gain power in their subterranean society. The Lich-King OrcusOrcus, the Demon Prince of Death, is the most powerful necromancer in all of Faerûn. His undead legions spread chaos and destruction throughout the realms, and his presence alone is enough to send fear and despair into the hearts of the living. The Myrkul Deathnight FestivalNecromancy is not entirely taboo in Faerûn. In some cultures, the Myrkul Deathnight Festival is celebrated, during which necromancers can openly practice their art and summon the undead to honor the Lord of Bones. The Dead ThreeIn Faerûn, the concept of death is often associated with the Dead Three: Myrkul (Lord of Bones), Bhaal (Lord of Death), and Jergal (Lord of the Dead). Together, they oversee the realms of the dead and influence the practice of necromancy. Dispelling the UndeadNecromancy is not without its weaknesses. Clerics and paladins can use their divine powers to turn and dispel undead, while certain spells and weapons are specifically designed to combat necrotic energy. The Right of the LivingWhile necromancy can offer power and control over life and death, it is important to remember that it comes at a price. The undead are not truly alive and their presence can corrupt and deprave the living. The living must always be wary of the consequences of meddling with the dead. Advanced Necromancy Techniques: Pushing the Boundaries of the ArtNecromancy, the manipulation of the undead, is a powerful and forbidden art in Baldur’s Gate 3. While many dabble in its basics, only a select few truly master its advanced techniques. These experts push the boundaries of necromancy, unlocking abilities that defy the limits of mortality. 1. **Blood Sacrifice**: Channel the life force of fallen allies to empower your spells, enhancing their potency and scope. 2. **Bone Construct**: Create formidable companions made of the skeletal remains of defeated enemies, bolstering your party’s combat abilities. 3. **Death Grip**: Control the corpses of your slain foes, turning them into deadly marionettes at your command. 4. **Finger of Death**: Summon a powerful undead spirit that can devastate your enemies with a single touch. 5. **Animate Dead**: Raise the recently deceased as powerful undead warriors, commanding a legion of loyal servants. 6. **Vampiric Touch**: Channel necrotic energy to drain the life force of your targets, healing your wounds and weakening your opponents. 7. **Create Undead**: Transform living humanoids into mindless undead thralls, expanding your control over the battlefield. 8. **Summon Skeleton**: Call forth an endless horde of skeletons that swarm your enemies, overwhelming them with sheer numbers. 9. **Wall of Bones**: Erect a wall of dense bones to shield your allies from harm, disrupting enemy movements and blocking projectiles. 10. **Soul Cage**: Trap the souls of slain creatures within a powerful vessel, draining their life essence and using it to enhance your own abilities. This advanced technique requires meticulous study and a deep understanding of the arcane arts.
Best Necromancy Build for Baldur’s Gate 3Necromancy is a powerful school of magic in Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing you to summon undead minions, control the dead, and drain the life force of your enemies. Necromancers are a great choice for players who want to play a support role, as their spells can provide significant crowd control and healing. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best necromancy build for BG3, including race, class, feats, and spells. RaceThe best race for a necromancer is the Drow. Drows have a natural bonus to Charisma, which is the casting stat for necromancy spells. They also have a racial ability called Sunlight Sensitivity, which gives them advantage on saving throws against being blinded by sunlight. This is a useful ability for necromancers, as many of their spells require them to be in close proximity to their enemies. ClassThe best class for a necromancer is the Wizard. Wizards have the most versatility of any class, and they can access a wide range of necromancy spells. They also have the highest spellcasting ability, which means that they can cast more spells per day than any other class. FeatsThe best feats for a necromancer are Magic Initiate (Necromancy) and Ritual Caster (Necromancy). Magic Initiate (Necromancy) allows you to learn two necromancy cantrips and one necromancy spell, which can give you a significant boost to your spellcasting ability. Ritual Caster (Necromancy) allows you to cast find familiar as a ritual spell, which can give you a valuable scout and combat companion. SpellsThe best necromancy spells for BG3 are: animate dead, create undead, vampiric touch, and finger of death. Animate dead allows you to summon undead minions to fight for you. Create undead allows you to create more powerful undead minions, such as ghouls and ghasts. Vampiric touch allows you to drain the life force of your enemies, healing yourself in the process. Finger of death is a powerful instant-kill spell that can be used to take down even the strongest enemies.
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