Spectral Summon

Death is one if not the hardest element to control, let alone master. Being a Necromancer means being constantly in contact with the spirits of the dead. Restless beings, stuck between earth and afterlife. Angry and vengeful. Always ready to tear into any arrogant Mage who thinks themselves to be a Master.

— Helenia on Death Magic

Ghouls, skeletons and all sorts of creatures of the night. That is what most people will think off when hearing about Necromantic Summons. And while it is true that most Necromancers use corpses to do their bidding, those are only one part of their arsenal.
There are those unfortunate souls that remain stuck between the Mortal Plain and the afterlife. Spirits that for whatever reason have not been granted access to the land of the dead. To normal man and mage, they remain invisible, unable to interact with anything unless it is the time of the Blood or Corpse Moon. With the right spell, however, they can become a powerful asset.

Effect

As soon as the spell is cast, the air in the area will turn icy cold. Plantlife will start to lose its colour, seeming dim and drained. Then an ethereal howl manifests itself as a thin sheet of fog beings to crawl around the caster. Soon figures will emerge within it. Pale and gaunt. Mere caricatures of the men and women they once were.
Then one of three things will happen. One, the mage is strong enough to maintain control over them, meaning they will serve him for whatever purpose they have called them. Two, the mage can't maintain control but is not overwhelmed. The spirits will simply disappear. Three, the mage loses control and can't withstand the pressure of the spirits. They will then be assaulted and dragged into the mist. Their soul will from then on be trapped like the others.
If successful, the Necromancer now has a horde of spirits to command. A force that can easily cause terror and kill those of weaker mind or heart.

Requirements

A strong grasp over the Element of Death is needed to even attempt a Spectral Summon. Neither the Mana requirements nor the casting are difficult obstacles to overcome. A somewhat large reservoir of Mana is required however if one wished to keep the spell active for any reasonable amount of time.
By far the most important aspect, however, is a strong mind. One needs to be able to withstand the rush of hundreds of ethereal voices and thoughts and force their will upon them.

Why are these spirits so angry? They aren't all malicious, are they?
No, not all of them. But think about it. Being trapped between worlds. Unable to interact with anything other than howling creatures for centuries. Only able to truly feel the world when summoned to be someone's slave. After a while their good parts just disappear.

— Yensid & Helenia

Related Discipline

Elemental Magic
Death Magic

Related Element

Death

Effect Duration

up to 1h

Effect Casting Time

3mins

Level

Mage

By order of the High Council and in accordance with the five Temples, it has been decided that a ban is to be placed over Mana Manipulation using the Element of Death, otherwise known as Necromancy.
Any attempt at performing and/or studying said arts will be met with harsh punishment. The art is too dangerous, too corrupting to be allowed access to.
Anyone being found guilty of a studied attempt will be banished from the Arcane Hierarchy. Their mana will be sealed and all personal belongings confiscated. Any Necromancer is to be immediately executed and their remains destroyed.

by zephyri