User:Gmlent

The Complete Necromancer's Handbook is a sourcebook for the second edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy adventure role-playing game. As part of the DMGR series, the information in this book is intended for use by the Dungeon Master to develop villains and NPCs, and is not recommended for use by player characters.

Contents
The book focuses on developing and playing characters of the Necromancer type of specialist wizard, with some attention given to death priests. Kurtz discusses the moral implications of characters who study the necromantic arts, as well as the way in which societies regard such characters. The book provides new spells for both wizards and clerics(as well as new priest spheres), new kits, and equipment geared toward practitioners of necromancy, as well as new nonweapon proficiencies. Additionally, the book covers organizations and schools for necromancers, as well as discussing ways in which studying necromancy may lead to physical disfigurement of the character. Similarly to the PHBR series of player aid books, The Complete Book of Necromancers includes advice on running a campaign involving necromancers, and provides details on the types of hirelings and retainers such a spellcaster might employ.

Kurtz also provides examples of different types of necromancers, including Kazerabet, a villain character he initially created in the Al-Quadim supplement Cities of Bone, and details the island of Sahu, which was featured in his supplement Ruined Kingdoms.

Publication history
The Complete Book of Necromancers was written by Steve Kurtz for TSR. Published in 1995, the editing was by Matt Forbeck, black and white art by Karl Waller, and color art by Brom, Jeff Easley, and John & Laura Lakey, and Robh Ruppel.

Reception
Rick Swan reviewed The Complete Book of Necromancers for Dragon magazine #222 (October 1995). Swan considered the book an "erudite collection of provocative ideas" and felt that Kurtz "packed the book with sharp insights and clever ideas."