ALAURIUS DEATHBLOOM THE NECROMANCER

Alaurius had always been fascinated with death, and never understood the taboo that surrounded the topic. As he grew into a young man, he took on an apprenticeship with the local gravedigger, soaking up as much knowledge as he could. Alaurius began pouring any tome or scroll that he could get his hands on, curious to a fault about the process of death. It wasn’t until his mentor had passed beyond the veil that Alaurius discovered his innate power of necromancy.

During a routine passing of the grounds, Alaurius came face-to-face with a group of brigands in the midst of breaking into the mausoleum of a local noble master-at-arms. The fiends drew weapons on Alaurius, intent on leaving no witness to their crimes. In a moment of panic, Alaurius raised his hands to protect himself from the steel of the graverobbers blades, and was astonished to feel a wave of power wash over him. In a flash of wicked green light, pure arcane energy arced from Alaurius into the stone room, where the body of the nobleman rose from his tomb. Too stunned to react, the brigands were swiftly cut down with swordplay that seemed more akin to a graceful waltz than combat.

After the events of that night, Alaurius became known as the Deathbloom Mage, and his obsession over knowledge about death only grew. He does not see necromancy as an evil act, as he treats the deceased with the same respect as any living soul. In his work as a gravetender, he often works with locals before they pass, seeking their consent in order to further his research.

Knowing the taboo that the world at large feels for his work, Alaurius is wary of newcomers in town and will hide the fact that he can raise the dead. Adventurers may mistrust him if they feel that Alaurius is withholding secrets, but not a soul in town will speak anything but praises for the man who loves their deceased just as much as they did in life.

How you can use Alaurius in your games:
The party hears rumors of necromantic activity in the region and is hired to investigate by high ranking members of the church. Upon finding the hamlet that Alaurius resides in, they will have to discover proof of his necromancy and decide for themselves if his breaking of taboo and laws warrants their intervention. Alaurius may discreetly reach out to a wizard’s college, seeking information about the process of continuing his undead research, or help with funding. The party may be sent to escort Alaurius so that he may prove his skill to the college before they agree to pursue his research.

The party may see the care that Alaurius takes in caring for the deceased and advocate local authorities to rethink the blanket policies against necromancy. This could lead to social plot hooks of the party having to campaign for undead rights and an ally in Alaurius. Having the Deathbloom Mage as an ally could mean access to unusual or foreign magic items and taboo knowledge that may otherwise be unobtainable.