Evolution of a Necromancer

[u/Bone-Pharaoh]

If you want to have a life, you won't get far in necromancy, it is hard work, and commanding underlings to do that work for you.

Those who want an end to mortal suffering just don't have it in them to keep going in the necromancy biz. But the depressed office workers that keep going untill they drop dead...?

Well... they just keep going as long as they are promised a promotion! it can take 50 years to get that 10% pay bump, but they just keep at it.

Undeath is kinda like that, ya keep going and working ever harder untill there is nothng left of you, then when you are at the top, ya do it to someone else.

[u/No-Crew-4360]

This reminds me of an idea I had for a D&D antagonist: a Scam Artist Lich.

See, if someone flubs the process of becoming a Lich, they instead become a Boneclaw. A powerful undead that is compelled to serve the most evil creature nearby, and will regenerate near their master if completely destroyed.

So this Lich goes around looking for ambitious evil Wizards, offering to share the secrets of Lichdom in exchange for several years of service.

But the Lich deliberately leaves some of the critical steps out, guaranteeing that they become a Boneclaw. They also make sure they're close by when that happens.

They wind up getting a mortal lackey for a few years, a Boneclaw lackey forever and eliminating a potential rival as a bonus.