Behind the Scenes: Necromancer (Working Title)

Happy (late) end of September! Ry here! Now that things are finally cooling down, perhaps we can get out a bit more instead of secluding ourselves inside our homes.

This month, we decided that we would talk about Necromancer, a story that I have been playing with on and off for the better part of a decade. Generously funded by Chocobo, I am able to put in the time needed to see this story come to fruition, and I hope you will all join me.

As many of you know, I have a penchant not only for complicated systems, but for magic. Magic is one of the most interesting concepts one can weave into their story, and I've wanted to tell a story that revolves around various types of magic, primarily necromancy, and how it can be a force for good in the right hands.

Concept

The general concept behind this story is how dark forces can be used as a force for good. There are so many variables that go into whether a concept is deemed bad or good, light or dark, and so on. Religions, cultures, what it means to become an adult, how the genders are represented, and so on. When you add magic to the mix, it can complicate issues, sometimes to such a degree that the line between good and evil blurs.

It's no secret that necromancy is some of my favorite magic depicted in media. Necromancy is traditionally viewed as an evil or dark magic. Those who practice the art typically summon and create undead, enslaving them until they are no longer useful. They create plagues, curse those who would rise against them, and ultimately are in it for themselves.

But what if the person practicing wasn't like that? What if someone saw within necromancy an opportunity to heal, to explain life after death, to build understanding? That's where the idea for this story comes into play.

Characters

After diving into Everyone's a Catgirl, we found that we had a love for epic storytelling. Grandiose adventures, complicated systems, character growth, and most of all, different perspectives.

Which is why, going into this story, it takes place from the perspective of several characters. Much of the story is still in the conceptualizing phases, but there are at least five main characters that I plan to develop within the story, each of them on a completely different walk of life from any of the others.

Ristol Devereau

"Let death beget life." - Ristol.

The main character of the story, and our necromancer. He has extensive experience with the dead, and even butchered his own tutor to bridge his gap of knowledge. Necromancy, regardless of the intent of its user, requires the use of Essence, a type of energy that all living creatures have. It has two states: living and departed. Necromancers can only control departed Essence, and Ristol wants to understand the why. During his journey, he intends to use his art to heal and cure, and is willing to get his hands dirty to do so.

Lorelei Al Duchetta

A witch hunter for hire, Lorelei hunts down what are called Scarlet beasts, creatures tainted by a magical energy referred to as Scarlet. Lorelei is a hurt person, and has a great deal of room for growth as a human being. She has a strong sense of justice, and won't hesitate to use her swords.

Jeremy Tel Bachias

Jeremy is an Archon, one who manages a city's money and priorities. Think of them like a mayor. Jeremy has recently come into his position, and has fought long and hard to reach it. However, his hands are full with a new illness, and is frustrated with the state of affairs. He refuses to let this illness tarnish his reputation.

Kaz Visterias

A member of the Sainthood of the Four, the major religion featured in the story. Kaz is a very young man, recently turned eighteen, and is set to go on a pilgrimage. Of the characters listed thus far, he and Lorelei has seen the worst of what the world has to offer. He is a timid, unassuming, kind young man who wants to preach the word of the Four Saints. It is through him that we will gain understanding as to why the church frowns upon Scarlet and magic in general.

Mira Lauchefort

Mira is a practicing Scarlet Mage who works in the grand city of Bethul. She, like Ristol, wants to help the world through healing arts. Despite her contributions to the church, she receives mixed results from those who practice the religion, and they begrudgingly accept her offer of help.

The Magic

Without spoiling too much, the concept behind this world's magic system is that there was once no magic. Then after an event which introduced Scarlet energy to the world, everything changed. The wildlife, kingdoms, religions, you name it. What was once known is now unknown, and it seems that things are changing every day.

The common populace is still adjusting, and there's no consistent consensus on whether Scarlet should be used in every day life, or if it should be condemned.

Story Goal

The main purpose of this story is explore a world that was changed forever by the introduction of Scarlet energy. Humans had to learn how to adapt to the new energy, control it, contain it, and work around its numerous side effects. Many are neutral to its existence, many more are terrified of it due to its implications in the past, and a select few see an opportunity to either advance their ambitions or to help those in need.

Closing

I love magic. It has the potential to make a good story great, and adds a variable that keeps an audience on the edge of their seat. It can change the law of nature, how a kingdom rules, how a religion builds, and ultimately whether someone lives or dies. I plan to tap into that potential.

I hope you'll all join me in this journey. For those who aren't aware, it can be read right now in the Discord. I have a public google drive document I am updating regularly, and am up to 20k words as of the writing of this post. If you do not wish to visit the Discord, it can be read here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DlQW9Eas11h5DB5f-oqb5ipkEJpAhgo1NtYn81DYnhs/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.u0xzrwtdcrg5

I want to thank Chocobo for funding this. Without him, this project would not be possible. Next time, we'll have art to show you!

See you soon!