Animate Dead Lecture by Querthose

[Fallen]

The following is a lecture given by Querthose concerning the spell of Animate Dead (740). The log of this event was originally posted on the Official Boards.

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>l
[The Heart of the Art]
This giant chamber is carved from a large hulk of marble and has been fashioned
into the shape of a humanoid heart. You also see a jagged passageway and a
faintly glowing crystal sphere hovering in the middle of the chamber of its own
accord, oddly, humming with the same pace as the swinging of the hatchets.
Also here: Plenty of folks.
Obvious paths: none

Querthose recites:

"The workshop will have four parts"

Querthose recites:

"Part One: I will lecture on Animate Dead"

Querthose recites:

"This will include both basics and advanced tips"

Querthose recites:

"Also, I will be telling you how to determine the most powerful creature you
can animate"

Querthose recites:

"The second part of the workshop will be a lecture by Mekthros Savius on
Scroll Infusion"

Querthose recites:

"The third part will be a brief lecture by me on Minor Summoning and
Illusions"

Querthose recites:

"And the fourth, and final part, will be guild training by volunteer
Illusion masters"

Querthose softly says, "Now, some thank yous are in order."

Querthose softly says, "I would first like to thank the Rone Academy for
graciously donating half of the cost of those kits."

Querthose softly says, "And for purchasing town criers in three cities."

Querthose softly says, "And for volunteers who have been leading people here."

Querthose softly says, "Without them, this would never have been possible."

Querthose softly says, "Secondly, I would like to thank the proprietor of the
Heart of the Art, Gryntier."

(Lots of people applauding Gryntier.)

Querthose bows to Gryntier.

Gryntier smiles.

Querthose softly says, "He has graciously allowed us all to use this space and
has opened up this area, which was previously not open to the public."

Speaking softly to Gryntier, Querthose says, "Many thanks."

Gryntier says, "Anything to further knowledge of the Art."

Querthose softly says, "I would like to thank the Lady Acidfire for donating
time and silver to putting free locks on those kits."

Querthose softly says, "And I would like to thank the volunteer Illusions
Masters who will be giving their time to instruct others."

Querthose softly says, "The Art of Sorcery finds strength in individuals, but it
also finds strength in numbers."

Querthose softly says, "Now, I will begin on Animate Dead."

Querthose softly says, "First, please keep in mind that everyone here is at a
different level of experience with the spell."

Querthose softly says, "So I will be starting at basics, which will invariably
bore some of you."

Querthose softly says, "And I will be going into more advanced work, which will
invariably confuse some of you."

Querthose amusedly says, "Such is the nature of lecturing to a diverse group."

Querthose softly says, "Oh, I am Querthose Mallick Faendryl."

Querthose coughs.

Querthose softly says, "In case you did not know that already."

Querthose softly says, "I am an independent researcher on Necromancy and a
practitioner of the Art."

(Querthose bows slightly to the crowd)

(Querthose pulls out some notes and begins reading)

Querthose softly says, "Animation requires some amount of time and effort before
the Necromancer ever casts the actual spell."

Querthose softly says, "The spell is powerful, resting at the thirtieth level of
the Sorcerer circle.

Querthose softly says, "It also requires a substantial investment in material
components."

Querthose softly says, "To begin with, a Necromancer must purchase a pestle, a
mortar, at least one vial, and two flasks from the local Alchemist shop."

Querthose softly says, "And no, flasks that are not purchased from the alchemist
will not work. They are not able to keep your components fresh enough."

Querthose softly says, "And, as anyone here who has attempted animating knows, a
failed animation is rather...painful."

A pained expression crosses Querthose's face.

Querthose softly says, "These materials are not cheap, but they are reusable."

Querthose softly says, "I suggest all of you invest the silvers into acquiring
them."

Querthose softly says, "As for the rest of the components, each animation will
require one vial of troll blood, one vial of sea water, one moonflower, and one
gem."

Querthose softly says, "Seawater that is suitable for animation is only
available in three of Elanthia's cities."

Querthose softly says, "The Landing, River's Rest, and Solhaven."

Querthose softly says, "The North Dock of the Landing, conveniently a drop point
for Spirit Guide is one place."

Querthose softly says, "Glok's Pier in Solhaven is another."

Querthose softly says, "And, unfortunately, I am not familiar with the
particular area of River's Rest with seawater."

You say, "At the drawbridge, you can collect suitable water."

Querthose softly says, "Because you cannot always run back to these areas,
flasks are necessary for storage."

Querthose softly says, "To get water, stand in these areas, and COLLECT the
WATER WITH your VIAL."

Querthose softly says, "Then pour the vial into your flask."

Querthose softly says, "Water can be mixed from different places, so don't
concern yourselves with that."

Querthose softly says, "Each flask will hold up to twenty vials of water."

Querthose softly says, "For those like me who use the spell consistently, three
or four flasks of water at any given time may be a good idea."

Querthose softly says, "I generally have three."

Querthose softly says, "Moonflowers are the trickest component."

Querthose softly says, "They can only be foraged, they do not generally grow
openly."

Querthose softly says, "They also only grow at night, and Icemule is the only
place in Elanthia where appropriate flowers can be found."

Querthose softly says, "The best area for collection is the Abandoned Farm, over
the snowbank by the South Gate."

Querthose softly says, "Follow the trail past the snowbank to the Arch, enter
the Arch, and then feel free to search the Garden, the Orchard, and the Field."

Querthose softly says, "Be aware, however, that the Orchard and Field have Tree
Spirits roaming about."

Querthose softly says, "They are not generally very helpful when you are on your
knees digging through the ground."

Querthose softly says, "So I suggest hiring a Ranger."

Querthose softly says, "First because we should not have to be digging in the
ground."

Querthose softly says, "And secondly because we should not be putting ourselves
in danger."

Querthose thoughtfully says, "I do suggest, however, keeping the ranger alive."

Querthose thoughtfully says, "At least until you have collected all you need."

Venrath says, "I would point out that Desorceri stocks moonflowers inexpensively
in his Icemule shop."

Querthose softly says, "In fact, right now four or five stores around Elanthia
do."

Querthose softly says, "Feel free to purchase them."

Querthose softly says, "I have found that trading spells for fifteen minutes of
foraging is a successful tactic."

Querthose softly says, "They can be bundled for safe and easy storage."

Querthose softly says, "Saltstone brings up a good point. You can forage for
moonflowers in a few areas of Icemule, but if you need more than just a few, the
Abandoned Farm is the best place."

Querthose softly says, "Troll Blood is the most complicated of the components."

Querthose softly says, "Any troll blood will do, but not all blood is made
equally."

Querthose softly says, "The power of the troll you harvest blood from will
directly affect two things: the power of the creatures you can animate and the
length of time your spell will last."

Querthose softly says, "At any rate, I have done limited research into the
effects of different types of troll blood in animation."

Querthose softly says, "Lord Tsoran, a famous cartographer, developed a very
interesting numerical system for comparing us to our enemies."

Querthose softly says, "It goes from 1-100."

Querthose softly says, "A creature assigned a 1 is about the equivalent, in
strength, to someone who has visited their trainer once."

Querthose softly says, "100 would be equivalent to someone who has visisted
their trainer 100 times."

Querthose softly says, "Troll King blood is the most powerful blood commonly
available, with Troll Kings being assigned a number of 63."

Shereza asks, "What is the most powerful uncommonly available?"

Speaking softly to Shereza, Querthose says, "Troll Princes, or some such
creature, that have only been seen as of late once or twice."

Shereza says, "I was under the impression that troll princes were on par with
troll kings but that it was the queens that had the power."

Querthose softly says, "Ahh, perhaps that was it."

Shereza says, "I was unsure if there were any more powerful than the queens."

Querthose softly says, "I have never seen them."

Querthose softly says, "But only heard of them."

Querthose softly says, "I know of no one who has that blood."

Querthose softly says, "Tsoran has assigned each troll a number. You should
check his maps to research individual trolls."

Querthose softly says, "At any rate, the more powerful the troll, the more
powerful your animate can be."

Speaking to Querthose, you say, "To clarify: the more powerful the troll you
harvest blood from, the more powerful your animating abilities are."

Querthose softly says, "However, if you do not have enough necromancy training,
it will cost you in duration."

Querthose softly says, "You will find your can only keep the animate bound to
you for a short amount of time."

Querthose softly says, "If you are animating creatures Tsoran has assigned lower
numbers to, using, say Troll King blood, will give you a boost."

Querthose softly says, "You will find yourself able to animate a creature that
is the equivalent of 3 or 4 trains more powerful than with blood of trolls
closer in power to your animate."

Shalla asks, "Querthose are you required to kill the troll yourself? or can
you hire an elder sorcerer to take it for you?"

Speaking softly to Shalla, Querthose says, "You are not."

Querthose softly says, "A sorcerer who has visited their trainer 44 times and
has no necromancy training will find, with troll king blood, that they can
animate a creature about six or seven equivalent trainings below them."

Querthose softly says, "That same sorcerer, if they used a troll about an
equivalent of thirty trainings will find themselves animating at about nine
equivalent trainings below them."

Querthose softly says, "The first example will not be able to hold on to their
animate for long, however."

Querthose softly says, "And the second will be able to hold onto it for much
longer."

Querthose softly says, "So it is a judgement call."

Querthose softly says, "You must make."

Querthose softly says, "Generally speaking, using a troll with an equivalent
number of trainings to your lessons in Necromancy is a good idea."

Querthose softly says, "If you want a decent duration."

Querthose softly says, "But if you need a specific animate, that may not be
prudent."

Wakahashi quietly asks, "What is the range in duration?"

Querthose softly says, "Five minutes to several hours."

Querthose softly says, "Now, once you have selected a troll type, you must go
hunt one."

Querthose softly says, "Kill it, but be sure that it is bleeding."

Querthose softly asks, "If there are no open wounds, how are you going to get
the blood?"

Querthose softly says, "I find this part rather...enjoyable."

Querthose softly says, "At any rate, if you have access to animation crystals,
which I will get to in a moment, spread them onto the corpse."

Querthose softly says, "Blood Burst is the easiest spell to rely on for creating
bleeding wounds."

Querthose softly says, "Putting animation crystals on the troll body will act as
a powerful form of preservation."

Querthose softly says, "The body will remain in an undecayed form for ten
minutes."

Querthose softly says, "Allowing you ample time to fill up your flasks."

Desmonique asks, "Can blood be collected while the subject is still alive?"

Querthose softly says, "Unfortunately no."

Querthose softly says, "It must be dead."

Querthose softly says, "But the death empowers the spell, it does not impede
it."

Querthose softly says, "I suggest investing in Minor Sanctuary scrolls."

Querthose softly says, "Unlock and infuse them to prepare for this."

Querthose softly says, "Cast the sanctuary spell and you will be free to fill
your flasks in safety."

Querthose softly says, "To get the blood, hold your flask and your vial."

Querthose softly says, "Then simply COLLECT the BLOOD FROM the TROLL WITH YOUR
VIAL."

Querthose softly says, "Pour the vial into the flask."

Querthose softly says, "Fill as many as you need."

Querthose softly says, "Again, I suggest filling a few."

Querthose shrugs.

Querthose softly says, "It is important to note that trolls that are undead
cannot be harvested for blood."

Querthose softly says, "Don't bother."

Querthose softly says, "Elemental trolls, such as stone trolls, can, however."

Querthose softly says, "As it stands, Stone Trolls are now the second most
powerful trolls in Elanthia."

Querthose softly says, "Remember that Troll King limbs that have spawned into
new Troll Kings are not as powerful as their original."

Querthose softly says, "Do not use them for your blood."

Querthose softly says, "If a troll king seems too easy...it probably is."

Querthose winks.

Querthose softly says, "And you should move on."

Querthose softly says, "Now, animation crystals are necessary for animation."

Querthose softly says, "A Necromancer is also an Alchemist."

Querthose softly says, "Once you have collected your components, it's time to
head back to your lab or your home and begin creating crystals."

Querthose softly says, "To do so, pour one vial of blood and one vial of water
into your mortar."

Querthose softly says, "You must use your vial to measure out the appropriate
amount from your flasks, do not try to pour the flasks right into the mortar."

Querthose softly says, "Then put ONE moonflower into the mortar."

Querthose softly says, "Be sure you don't put a whole bundle in."

Querthose softly says, "Once you have started mixing, you'll end up destroying
the bundle."

Querthose mutters under his breath.

Querthose darkly says, "Not enjoyable."

Querthose softly says, "Now then, take your pestle and begin to PUSH the
MOONFLOWER WITH your PESTLE, around the mortar."

Querthose softly says, "Trying to break it down a bit."

Querthose softly says, "It will turn into a mash."

Querthose softly says, "Then just PUSH the MASH WITH your PESTLE until it has
turned into solution."

Querthose softly says, "It must be a solution, or it will not work."

Querthose softly says, "When are you done, simply cast Dark Catalyst at the
solution."

Querthose softly says, "The spell will speed up the reaction."

Querthose softly says, "And in a few minutes, you will notice that the solution

Querthose softly says, "They are easy to store, fortunately."

Querthose softly says, "But they are not reusable."

Querthose softly says, "You need one batch of crystals for each animate."

Querthose softly says, "I suggest having a few on hand at any time."

Querthose softly says, "The last thing you'll need before you can start
animating is a gem."

Querthose softly says, "The gem acts as a focus of your magic."

Querthose softly says, "Without it, the magic is not directed properly, and the
animation will not succeed."

Querthose softly says, "The higher quality the gem, the more potent your magic
will be."

Querthose softly says, "Crude gems will not allow all of the magic into the
animate."

Querthose softly says, "This is another judgement call."

Querthose softly says, "The better the gem, the longer lasting the spell."

Querthose softly says, "If you are animating a creature at the limits of your
power, you may want to invest in a nice gem."

Querthose softly says, "I keep diamonds and emeralds on hand for animation."

Querthose softly says, "If you are animating a creature that is well within your
range of power, however, you won't need such an expensive gem."

Querthose softly says, "Bards that sing to gems will yield gems that are better
able to focus your magic."

Querthose softly says, "The gem does not affect how powerful a creature you can
animate."

Querthose softly says, "Only how long the spell will last."

Querthose softly says, "The gem is also not reusable."

Querthose thoughtfully says, "For the most part."

Querthose softly says, "The gem left over will be hollow."

Querthose softly says, "No merchant will purchase it."

Querthose amusedly says, "But a thief in your pockets will not realize it is
hollow until too late."

Querthose amusedly says, "Thus I curse my hollow gems."

Querthose amusedly says, "And anyone who ends up with a hollow gem in their hand
has clearly been in my pockets."

Querthose softly says, "Also, that witch of the golden key will accept the
hollow gems for donations."

Querthose sneers.

Shereza asks, "Can you put things in them?"

Querthose softly says, "No."

Querthose softly says, "So you can purchase deeds with them as though they were
not hollow."

Querthose softly says, "I am rather amused by this."

Querthose softly says, "Those are the two major uses of hollow gems."

Querthose softly says, "Now, as a note, if you fail an animation cast."

Querthose softly says, "The gem will explode."

Querthose softly says, "Often taking your hand with it."

Querthose softly says, "So be aware of that."

Querthose softly says, "It is important to know your animation limits so you can
avoid this."

Querthose softly says, "I will help you learn that."

Querthose softly says, "Okay, now, you've got your gem, you've got your
crystals."

Querthose softly says, "But you still haven't chosen an animate."

Querthose softly says, "You could be like me and spend countless hours on the
field experimenting, losing hands, and losing gems."

Querthose softly says, "Or, I could just help you skip all of that."

Querthose softly says, "Assuming you are trying to animate creatures."

Querthose softly says, "There is a limit to how powerful a creature you can
animate will be."

Querthose softly says, "It is based on a few things. The first is the quality
of the crystals you have created."

Querthose softly says, "That is based on the blood you used versus the number of
lessons of necromancy you have."

Querthose softly says, "This is why using blood from a troll that is too
powerful leads to a shorter duration. The crystals are of lower quality."

Querthose softly says, "Let me rephrase that for a moment, the power of the
blood versus the power of the target creature is what matters."

Querthose softly says, "Using powerful blood to animate a creature that isn't
very powerful will help. Using weak blood against a powerful creature will
hurt."

Querthose softly says, "The other factor is your knowledge of Necromancy."

Querthose softly says, "This is the primary factor."

Querthose softly says, "Your animating potential runs on a relative scale to
your power."

Querthose softly says, "If I were to use Tsoran's scale again, I would say that
it goes from ten Tsoran "levels" below your own."

Querthose softly says, "Up to 26, in theory."

Querthose softly says, "Though I have not verified if that 26 is really
possible."

Querthose softly says, "That was 26 Tsoran "levels" above your own."

Querthose softly says, "With no knowledge of Necromancy, assume your animation
power at a creature that is the equivalent of ten trains below your own."

Querthose softly says, "For those of you with training, however, it is a bit
more complicated."

Querthose softly says, "I have worked out a formula that utilizes Tsoran's
scale."

Querthose softly says, "The scale that allows you to compare us to our enemies."

Querthose softly says, "Of course, this is magic, not math."

Querthose smiles.

Querthose softly says, "But I've found that this is easier to understand for
most people."

Querthose softly says, "Take the number of lessons of necromancy you have had,
then reduce it by twenty."

Querthose softly says, "Divide those remaining lessons by five."

Querthose softly says, "Subtract ten from that number."

Querthose softly says, "So take that number and add it to the number of times
you have seen your trainer."

Querthose softly says, "If that number was, say, -6, add -6 to your visits to
your trainer."

Querthose softly says, "Then take that number, six below your visits, and that
is as high as you can animate."

Querthose softly says, "You cannot truly equate a creature's power to this
scale."

Querthose softly says, "It's just a tool this cartographer has given us, and I
have chosen to use it in my explanation."

Querthose softly says, "There is an addendum to this, however."

Querthose softly says, "Recall that I mentioned that the power of troll blood
can influence things."

Querthose softly says, "If you are animating weaker creatures with more powerful
blood, you will find that you can animate a creature more powerful than this
formula would suggest."

Querthose softly says, "Assume an increase of 1-4, as you move from your visits
to your trainer numbered in the thirties to your visits in the fifties."

Querthose softly says, "If you were to use Troll King blood."

Querthose softly says, "Other blood requires more testing, and I'm afraid my
knowledge is limited."

Querthose softly says, "Just be aware."

Querthose softly says, "For those of you using Troll King blood who have visited
your trainer over fifty times, you will find my formula 100% accurate."

Querthose softly says, "For those of you who have not yet, you will find your
abilities a bit off ."

Querthose softly says, "My apologies."

Querthose softly says, "But use that formula as a guide and do some testing to
determine how powerful you can go."

Querthose softly says, "Now, back to the real world."

Querthose softly says, "And away from these abstract numbers."

Querthose waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.

Querthose softly says, "What these numbers mean is simple. If you have a
negative number, you can only animate creatures less powerful than you."

Querthose softly says, "If you have a positive number, you can animate creatures
more powerful than you."

Querthose softly says, "For instance, I can animate a creature that is the
equivalent of five training visits more than my own."

Querthose softly says, "Most will be animating at about ten below their own."

Querthose softly says, "Don't get too concerned about this, however, I will talk
more about it later."

Querthose softly says, "Now, once you have a general level of power in mind, you
must select an actual creature type."

Querthose softly says, "I have separated our enemies into three different
categories: Casters, Natural Weapon creatures, and Swingers."

Querthose softly says, "Many enemies will be a combination."

Querthose softly says, "Many will not."

Querthose softly says, "When choosing an animate type, you should consider which
categories it is in."

Querthose softly says, "Creatures that rely primarily on spells that seek to
overcome a victim's defenses with sheer magical power are casters."

Querthose softly says, "Unfortunately, if you are like most sorcerers, your
animate will end up being quite a bit less powerful than your foes."

Querthose softly says, "They will likely not be able to overcome the defenses of
creatures you are hunting."

Querthose softly says, "These are not ideal animates for hunting."

Querthose shrugs.

Querthose softly says, "I would not, for instance, rely on a Shan Cleric for
much aid."

Querthose softly says, "Or even a Shan Wizard."

Querthose softly says, "However, animates have uses above and beyond direct
combat."

Querthose softly says, "If your animate, in life, knew magic, it will recall
those spells in death."

Querthose softly says, "You are its master, and it will obey your command."

Querthose softly says, "It will cast any spells on you that it can."

Querthose softly says, "So casting creatures can be good for providing that
magic."

Querthose softly says, "Creatures that cast strength, thurfel's ward, mobility,
spirit shield, and resist elements, for instance, can be quite handy."

Querthose softly says, "During the animation, a creature could easily give you
hours of these spells."

Querthose softly says, "So be aware of what spells creatures cast."

Querthose softly says, "Shan Rangers, Emaciated Hierophants, Hunch Backed
Dogmatists, Shan Clerics, and the like can be quite useful."

Querthose softly says, "Now, animates that use spells like Boil Earth and Spike
Thorn can still be helpful in battle."

Querthose softly says, "Don't dismiss these outright."

Querthose softly says, "They can take out creatures more powerful than
themselves."

Querthose softly says, "But generally speaking, they're not as effective as
weapon using animates."

Querthose softly says, "Creatures that rely on natural weapons, like their claws
or their teeth are another type."

Querthose softly says, "Frankly, most creatures, no matter how large the claws,
can't compare to a claidhmore."

Querthose softly says, "I find these creatures are generally a waste of time."

Querthose softly says, "Some can attack more often in a short period, but you
don't tend to see as much damage."

Querthose softly says, "Finally, weapon using creatures."

Querthose softly says, "These are your power houses."
Querthose softly says, "A well prepared Necromancer will be ready with one of
three weapon types."

Querthose softly says, "Weapons to give to their animates."

Querthose softly says, "Claidhmores are the ones I suggest most often."

Querthose softly says, "I used to take Shan Warriors out into the Stronghold
armed with a claidh."

Querthose amusedly says, "It was rather fun."

Speaking to Querthose, Kisanthra asks, "You just offer the creature a
claidhmore? They will drop whatever they are holding?"

Speaking softly to Kisanthra, Querthose says, "Good question. Merely tell your
animate to drop the weapon in its hand, then drop your claidhmore, and tell the
creature to pick it up."

Querthose softly says, "With a claidhmore even a creature that is substantially
less powerful than what you are hunting, can be devastating."

Querthose softly says, "You can purchase claidhmores in weapon shops."

Querthose softly says, "Now, some creatures cannot be hit by a mere claidhmore."

Querthose softly says, "They require magically infused weapons."

Querthose softly says, "For this, the Landing backroom of the weapon shop sells
Naginatas."

Querthose softly says, "They are naturally the equivalent of a weapon that has
been enchanted by a wizard four times."

Querthose amusedly says, "But they are not yet magical."

Querthose amusedly says, "So you can cast elemental blade on them."

Querthose softly says, "They will flare and have the power of a weapon that has
been enchanted by a wizard eight times."

Querthose softly says, "And will hit creatures that can only be struck by
magical weapons."

Querthose softly says, "Quite useful."

Querthose softly says, "Now, if you are hunting the undead, neither of these is
an option."

Querthose softly says, "I suggest buying a polearm and investing in Holy Blade
scrolls."

Querthose darkly says, "Actually, I suggest not hunting the Undead."

Querthose darkly says, "It is an affront to my Lord."

Querthose reaches out and touches a writhing serpent symbol.
Querthose softly says, "But if you must hunt the undead, get a polearm, get it
blessed, and give it to your animate."

Querthose softly says, "Those are the three creature types. You are generally
better off with the weapon users."

Querthose softly says, "Do not concern yourself as much with the relative power
of a creature for animation, concern yourself with its hunting style and
spells."

Querthose softly says, "Remember, my Shan Rangers demolished Illoke Shaman."

Querthose softly says, "That is what I meant earlier when I said not to concern
yourself with a negative animation potential."

Querthose softly says, "Now, once you have gone through all of this and have
chosen an animate type, it is time to actually animate."

Querthose softly says, "Kill the creature in question."

Querthose softly says, "Do not wound the body."

Querthose softly says, "This is where Necromancy comes in handy."

Querthose softly says, "Any wounds the body has will remain when it is
animated."

Querthose softly asks, "And what good is an animate with no right arm?"

Querthose softly says, "Pain Infliction is your best bet."

Querthose softly says, "It will kill the body without leaving unsightly marks."

Querthose softly says, "It's Necromancy, but that doesn't mean it has to be
unsanitary."

Speaking to Querthose, Kisanthra asks, "If a creature regenerates itself in
life, will it do it in death?"

Querthose softly says, "Yes it will."

Querthose softly says, "Disease tends to take too long."

Querthose softly says, "But it would have the same results."

Querthose softly says, "So that's another option."

Querthose softly says, "Once it is dead, get your animation crystals."

Querthose softly says, "SPREAD the CRYSTALS ON the CREATURE."

Querthose softly says, "Make sure you get from head to toe."

Querthose softly says, "Which brings me to an important point. The creature in
question MUST have a body."

Querthose softly says, "And it must be a body that sustains itself and does not
require elemental energies to do so."

Querthose softly says, "Your spell will not provide the necessary elemental
energies."

Querthose softly says, "If it needs an outside source to survive, it is useless
to you."

Querthose softly says, "Nothing noncorporeal."

Querthose softly says, "And before you ask, phase wears off when a creature
dies."

Querthose winks.

Querthose softly says, "No Tree Spirits, no Fire Elementals, No Steel Golems."

Querthose softly says, "Corporeal undead are suitable, as they have bodies that
can sustain themselves."

Querthose softly says, "So once you have spread the crystals over the creature,
pull out your gem of choice."

Querthose softly says, "And merely cast your spell at the creature."

Querthose softly says, "One of three things will happen at this point."

Querthose softly says, "The magic will filter through the gem, and the gem may
shatter."

Querthose softly says, "This is a failure."

Querthose softly says, "Sometimes the creature is beyond your ability."

Querthose softly says, "Sometimes you merely didn't manage to channel quite what
you needed that time."

Querthose softly says, "If you can sense the margin of your failure, it means
you just did it improperly that one time."

Querthose softly says, "Feel free to try again with another gem, if you still
have a hand."

Querthose smirks.

Querthose softly says, "If you find that you cannot sense the margin of your
failure, this creature is beyond your skill."

Querthose softly says, "Keep in mind that while Tsoran has given us a number to
assign groups of beings, individual beings will vary."

Querthose softly says, "Just as we do."

Querthose softly says, "It may be that this particular Hierophant is too
powerful, but that the next one will be weak enough."

Querthose softly says, "Now, if you are within your power, the body will slowly
rise."

Querthose softly says, "And the animation will be successful."

Querthose softly says, "The body will be under your control."

Querthose softly says, "If it is a spell caster, let it stand idle for a bit."

Querthose softly says, "Its brain remembers to spell the body up."

Querthose softly says, "Give it time to do so."

Querthose softly says, "It is running on reflexes at this point, but those
reflexes matter."

Querthose softly says, "And they're good reflexes."

Kkorrik says, "If you're close in skill to a creature, appraising it before you
decide to try to animate can give you a rough idea if it's tough or weak
comparitively."

Querthose nods to Kkorrik.

Querthose softly says, "It is an imperfect, but sometimes helpful measure."

Querthose softly says, "Now, it may happen that in your travels you will come
upon a dead adventurer."

Querthose softly says, "Say I am walking along, and I come across a dead
Mekthros."

Querthose amusedly says, "The citizens of Solhaven have struck again."

Querthose softly says, "I am a sorcerer, I am above dragging."

Querthose softly says, "I do not lift."

Speaking softly to Mekthros, Querthose says, "Nothing personal."

Querthose softly says, "If this body wants to get back to town, it can take
itself."

Querthose amusedly says, "With my help, of course."

Querthose softly says, "For this I suggest pulling out a poor gem."

Querthose softly says, "Animating a fellow adventurer is just as animating a
creature, but it is easier."

Querthose softly says, "You will find that you can animate adventurers who far
exceed your own power with the right investment in Necromancy."

Querthose softly says, "Also, keep in mind, something I didn't mention before,
shells, coral, and jewelry will not work for this spell."

Wakahashi quietly asks, "Can we command the adventurers to spell us up also?"

Querthose softly says, "Unfortunately not."

Querthose softly says, "Though I'm not sure I'd want a Mekthros casting spells
at me."

Querthose softly says, "Even an animated one."

Mekthros says, "Indeed not."

Umbrello asks, "Sorry, I came late...is the purpose of animating adventurers
primarily for rescuing?"

Querthose nods to Umbrello.

Querthose softly says, "Or tormenting."

Querthose softly says, "Not literaly, of course."

Wakahashi quietly asks, "So we can make the Adventurers just walk ta town?"

Querthose softly says, "Yes."

Querthose softly says, "You can command them to walk or just to follow."

Alfalas asks, "The spell is not refreshable?"

Querthose softly says, "No,it is not."

Querthose softly says, "And a body animated once cannot be animated again."

Wakahashi quietly asks, "Then we just dismiss em?"

Querthose softly says, "Oh just tell it to die."

Licel asks, "A body can only be animated once?"

Speaking softly to Licel, Querthose says, "As far as I know, though I have not
tested this."

Querthose softly says, "Creature bodies cannot be animated again."

Rhellium asks, "Do creatures retain their special attack abilities once
animated?"

Speaking softly to Rhellium, Querthose says, "They do."

Querthose softly says, "A creature will remember all of its forms of attack."

Querthose softly says, "It will attack precisely as it did in life."

Querthose softly says, "Thus your control is limited. Like I said, it is
running off of reflexes."

Querthose softly says, "Some creatures, you will find, will not be willing to
cast spells or use any fancy attacks."

Querthose softly says, "That is the nature of that creature. It may one day
change."

Speaking to Querthose, Kisanthra asks, "Can an animated thing get... killed...
again in combat? Or will it fight on through most any wounds as it's dead?"

Querthose softly says, "It will die, it will be attacked."

Querthose softly says, "Venrath reminds me to point out that once lifekeep is
already on someone, crystals will not work."

Querthose softly says, "But crystals do function as lifekeep, even if you don't
animate them."

Querthose softly says, "Finally, we get to hunting with an animate."

Querthose softly says, "The first step to hunting with an animate should be to
spell them up."

Querthose softly says, "You have access to many spells that can be cast upon
others."

Querthose softly says, "Use them."

Alfalas asks, "Theres also no way to tell how long the animate will last?"

Querthose softly says, "The use of elemental detection will tell you how long
the spell will last, approximately, yes."

Querthose softly says, "Cast it on yourself."

Querthose softly says, "Once your animate has spelled itself up, if applicable,
and has been spelled up by you and given a weapon of your choosing, you are
ready."

Querthose softly says, "Now, unfortunately it can be cumbersome ordering
animates around."

Querthose softly exclaims, "You, Csestairi, attack that Lunatic!"

Querthose softly says, "It has dramatic effect."

Querthose softly says, "But it's often more time than you have."

Querthose softly says, "My animates are taught to respond to simple commands."

Querthose softly says, "In fact, I merely point to a target and say "a
lunatic"."

Querthose softly says, "And it knows what to do."

Querthose softly says, "When I enter into a room, I utter my simple command
immediately."

Querthose softly says, "Then focus on my own attacks."

Querthose softly says, "You should set something up that is simple like this."

Querthose softly says, "Simple, scripted instructions. It knows precisely how
to respond, as though you were in a play."

Querthose softly says, "I'd also suggest teaching it that the sound "f" means to
follow."

Querthose softly says, "They must be reminded to follow you after they have been
given a different order."

Querthose softly says, "When actually hunting with an animate, you will need to
adjust your tactics."

Querthose softly says, "For many, this will be a relief."

Querthose softly says, "It keeps things interesting."

Querthose softly says, "Remember that your claidhmore-wielding Shan Ranger is
just like a claidhmore-wielding dwarf."

Querthose softly says, "Learn to hunt like it."

Querthose softly says, "Wait for creatures to lower their guard before disabling
them."

Querthose softly says, "When they have, remove a leg."

Querthose softly says, "Cast your itchy curse to lower defenses and force them
to drop shields and weapons."

Querthose softly says, "Use unbalance to stun them and push them violently onto
the ground."

Querthose softly says, "E-wave to pin them, allowing your animate easier access
to their neck."

Querthose softly says, "Make sure you cause blood loss."

Querthose softly says, "Else you will not learn from the kill."

Querthose softly says, "And your trainer will not be pleased."

Querthose softly says, "If you have caused blood loss and damaged it otherwise,
even if your animate kills it, you will find you are learning more about your
skills."

Querthose softly says, "I like to use unbalance and then one shot of mana
disruption."

Querthose softly says, "Then let my animate do the rest of the work."

Querthose softly says, "It saves me mana."

Querthose softly says, "It lets me hunt longer for treasure."

Querthose softly says, "Or lets me finish a hunt, if I find I have mana problems
normally."

Teekka asks, "Can the animate carry treasure?"

Teekka asks, "A disk?"

Querthose softly says, "Yes, but it will interfere with its ability to attack."

Querthose softly says, "It can hold one or two items."

Querthose softly says, "But generally you want one to be a weapon."

Querthose softly says, "They cannot have disks."

Umbrello asks, "You can command an animate to ambush a body part?"

Querthose softly says, "And they cannot be told how to attack."

Querthose softly says, "They will attack as they would have in life."

Querthose softly says, "This is part of the consideration for your selection of
an animate."

Querthose softly says, "A Shan Ranger gives you mobility, but it will try to use
spells sometimes during battle."

Querthose softly says, "Those spells likely won't do much good against the
creatures you are battling."

Querthose softly says, "A warrior will attack constantly, which is more reliable
and deadly."

Querthose softly says, "But it won't provide resist elements and mobility."

Querthose softly says, "Use your discretion."

Speaking to Querthose, Kisanthra asks, "Can you animate more than one thing at a
time? Can I have an army following me?"

Speaking softly to Kisanthra, Querthose says, "If I cannot, you certainly
cannot."

Querthose softly says, "The spell is too draining."

Querthose softly says, "We cannot bind more than one body to us at a time."

Speaking softly to Kisanthra, Querthose says, "Don't be greedy."

Querthose softly says, "The last bit is about guarding."

Querthose softly says, "If you do not feel like commanding an animate to attack
particular targets, you can tell it to guard you."

Querthose softly says, "In theory, anything that attacks you will be a target
for your animate."

Querthose softly says, "The animate will attack as it sees fit."

Querthose softly says, "Unfortunately, many creatures do not know how to guard
appropriately."

Querthose softly says, "You'll have to test your creature to see if it can."

Querthose softly says, "And you'll have to determine if you want it to guard or
to focus on a creature of your choosing."

Querthose softly says, "The nice thing about a guarding animate is that it will
continue to attack new creatures while you are stunned or bound."

Querthose softly says, "At times when you cannot direct it to keep attacking."

Querthose softly says, "Otherwise, an animate will cease to attack when it has
killed its target."

Nymaar quietly asks, "Can you command the animate while stunned or bound?"

Querthose softly says, "No."

Querthose softly says, "You command it as you do your eye or a demon."

Querthose softly says, "The same restrictions apply."

Querthose slowly empties his lungs.

Querthose softly says, "That was lengthy."

Querthose softly says, "My summoning lecture will not be nearly so, I assure
you."

Querthose softly says, "I would like to open the floor for questions and tips
from other Necromancers."

Alfalas asks, "How well will an animate follow you?"

Speaking softly to Alfalas, Querthose says, "Very well, they will follow great
distances."

Querthose softly says, "But the animate will not be any faster in death than it
was in life, keep that in mind."

Querthose softly says, "I have found slow creatures like Troll Kings unsuitable
because of their speed."

Venrath says, "An observation..."

Venrath says, "That demons make excellent squires if you wish to carry multiple
weapons for your animate."

Querthose softly says, "If the demon can follow you to your hunting ground."

Querthose softly says, "Animates, incidently, can go into any hunting ground."

Querthose softly says, "Unlike demons."
Umbrello asks, "When does hunting with an animate become efficient and useful?
Assuming your trained once per train?"

Querthose softly says, "That's a broad question."

Querthose softly says, "I find it always useful."

Querthose softly says, "It will depend on what you're hunting and what you're
animating."

Umbrello says, "I just havent heard too much, or seen people hunting with
animates."

Querthose softly says, "Remember the relative power of the animate isn't that
important. It can be much weaker than you and still effective."

Querthose softly says, "Many people don't know quite how to use them."

Querthose softly says, "Or how to animate."

Querthose softly says, "Thus the workshop."

Querthose softly says, "To further answer your question, seventy lessons in
Necromancy will allow you to animate at about your own power."

Wakahashi quietly asks, "Animates like demons in lawlessness?"

Querthose softly says, "Fortunately not."

Querthose softly says, "You can take your decaying troll throughout town."

Querthose softly says, "Demonic summoning as a practice concerns people more
than animated bodies."

Speaking to Querthose, Kisanthra asks, "Can you use scarabs for animation?"

Speaking softly to Kisanthra, Querthose says, "You cannot."

Shereza asks, "Do animates that cast elemental wave hit or miss you and those in
your group?"

Querthose softly says, "Focused Implosion will stun your animates on occasion."

Querthose softly says, "It does not work well with animates."

Querthose softly says, "Elemental wave, including major wave, will not hurt your
animate."

Querthose softly says, "Nor you if the animate casts it."

Querthose softly says, "Tangleweed is likewise safe in both directions."

Querthose softly says, "Nature's Fury is not."

Querthose softly says, "Companions, if directed to, will attack animates."

Querthose softly says, "Tremors is not safe."
Querthose softly says, "Cone of Lightning will strike animates every time."

Querthose softly says, "The high level bardic spell, Song of Disruption, is not
safe."

Teekka asks, "Will animates attack each other?"

Querthose softly says, "Yes."

Querthose softly says, "If you tell them to."

Querthose softly says, "Animated limbs are safe."

Querthose softly says, "Quake is safe."

Shereza asks, "Would I be correct in assuming that animates casting spells like
elemental wave will hit people not in your group the same as if you cast the
spells?"

Querthose softly says, "Yes."

Speaking to Querthose, Auriia asks, "Did we try maelstrom on the animates?"

Querthose softly says, "It is safe, I believe."

Querthose softly says, "It's been a while since I tested."

Querthose softly says, "Alright everyone, thank you for your time."

(Lots of people applauding and thanking Querthose)