Lore
The Magic of Imarel - by T.A. Saunders ©2009, revision v2.9, 12.16.14
Sometimes a spell-caster will opt to specialize in a certain primary sphere of magic. In the case of necromancers and illusionists, this specialization is both very popular and yields very powerful spells that only an individual schooled in advanced studies and concepts of that particular sphere can attain. The drawback to being focused in one area of study is, the loss of access to other general sorts of spells that might otherwise prove useful in a given situation.
By and large all specialist casters follow the same regulations and ranks of wizard advancement, with notable exceptions and changes listed below for the necromancer and the illusionist specialists:
Necrolyte
The necrolyte knows a few basic cantrips and perhaps one spell. A potential necromancer is an necrolyte for the first year of their training and must wear robes stolen from a grave for that year, never washing or mending them regardless of their condition.
Dark Savant
The dark savant has proven their commitment to necromancy and has progressed to their second year of study. They know several basic spells, including the ability to Speak with the Dead and to Raise Undead. They also are given dust gray colored robes which they must sleep in an occupied grave with as part of the ritual of passing into this rank. One often remains a dark savant for several years as they advance in the necromantic arts.
Dread Servant
The dread servant is a student who has advanced through basic studies and is learning advanced necromancy. These students know some advanced necromantic spells and have mastered a casting method and are knowledgeable in various topics of occult lore and knowledge. The Defiler is in their final years of study and will soon take their Test of the Damned. Dread servants wear charcoal gray robes with a single lighter gray glyph on the lapel.
Death Minion
The Death Minion rank is the necromancer's version of a journeyman mage. The necromancer in question does not travel the world seeking knowledge as the mage does, but rather must endure indentured servitude to the necromancer tutoring him or her for one to five years, depending on the generosity of their master and how fast they learn. Death Minions wear robes similar to a dread servant, but have instead a black glyph on the lapel.
Necromancer
The title of necromancer is reserved for those who have completed their servitude to the satisfaction of their instructor and are granted said title. Most halt their progression at this point, wishing to ply their skills and profit from them somehow. Necromancers are not required to wear any sort of robe, unless their affiliation with a particular group requires it.
Arch-Vile
The arch-vile is a most committed individual to the study of the dark arts and mastery over Death itself. They are necromancers who have, rather than halting their studies, have continued to delve into the deep mysteries of the dark and have learned powerful spells. Some have invested their time and effort to pursuing a High Sphere of Magic.
To that end, arch-vile are ranked by Circle which number 1st through 7th (7th being the most powerful). Each Circle advancement requires that arch-vile to be tested by his peers at a School of Magic.
Defiler
Those who have attained the rank of defiler number perhaps a few dozen in the entire world. These individuals are vastly knowledgeable in advanced necromancy and have mastered a High Sphere of Magic as well. Many of these individuals go on to become Shadowmancers.
Like arch-magi, defilers are ranked by Circle, which number 1st through 7th (7th being the most powerful). Each Circle advancement requires the scion to be tested by his peers at a School of Magic.
Arch-Defiler
The number of arch-defilers on Imarel is unknown; such masters of necromancy are secretive as their fellows often seek to kill them to attain the knowledge they themselves no doubt murdered to attain. It is said, Skaryn, the lich lord of Miroa is an Arch-Defiler of considerable and devastating power. Were a defiler powerful enough to seek recognition of this title, it is assumed that presenting the School of Magic with an item, or the remains of another suspected Arch-Defiler would be proof enough to achieve the title.