Necromancy

Necromancy is the practice of both communicating, and raising the dead by practical or spiritual means. While once regarded as a regal position used for both trials and divination, it has been outlawed for a host of reasons, not the least being political in nature.

History
Necromancy is considered the 'first art' of sorcery given it crosses the threshold of life and death. The first men did not understand what death was, and so the tribal Necromancers would communicate with the dead in order to obtain information what this life was.

Before the great awakening, Necromancers were held in high regard. It was not uncommon to see a summoner in service of a lord, or a journeyman in walking for one.

Upon the great awakening, however, Necromancers became scapegoats of

Beliefs
According to the first summoners of the Ancients, life was only an illusion given to us as a means to better our standings in the afterlife, the one, true existence.

Life, to their eyes, was simply an illusion brought upon the tactile creations of the forgotten Alchemysts in the time before the ancients. These creations, however resonant in their realities, are no more than a trick of the mind, and death will find you no matter what.

Rankings
Like all trades and practices, Necromancy was once formed under a ranks when it was an official guild. They are:

Apprentice: Backgrounds of apprentice Necromancers are varied. The most common are by blood or kin, of the recently deceased, whose bodies are fresh enough to regain full consciousness. This ritual is common because the recently deceased has been to the land of the dead without their knowing.

Journeyman: Upon their summoning, the apprentice must go their own way. Because of the dangerous nature of this practice, few journeymen last on what is called their "Walkabout", much like the Alchemysts and their Orbian Walks. Since Necromancy is a varied subject that includes both communication and summoning, they will discover here where their strengths lie, and where their destiny awaits.

Summoner: Once the journeyman establishes practice in a hold, he will undergoe the service of the hold as needed, summoning either spirit or he dead. This is the most common title the old Necromancers attained.

Lord Summoner: Highest position of the guild few have attained. Their knowledge and skill on the subject is paramount.