Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 soccerlgw1987 Aug 01, 2014 8:50:07	Some friends and I are going to try D&D for the first time, starting with the new 5e version. I am wanting to create a Drow Dread Necromancer (goal of amasing a horde of undead as well as controlling them). However, I am not sure where to start. I believe this character would be a wizard, but I am a bit confused. When I look at the free starter rules on D&D site, it seems most of the necro abilities for raising undead are under the cleric class. Any help explaining which class would be the Dread Necro is much appriciated. Would it be best to simply wait for the August 19th release of the core handbook before I make this character?   At the same time, I am also confused on which feat to take (should one even be taken at lvl 1?).   We are a group of 6, with 3 of us going to try our luck as DM at different times.
#2 kanageddaamen Aug 01, 2014 9:12:36	The cleric's Raise Dead is to bring people back from the dead, rather than creating undead. You will most likely want to be a Wizard.  In the Player's Handbook, there will be Necromancy Arcane Tradition (in the basic rules, there is only the evoker) The main spell you will be using will be Animate Dead (a 3rd level spell), which is not in the basic rules, but will be in the PHB. The Necromancer Arcane Tradition should make it so you can animate aditional undead with your spell, have them have more HP than other wizards' undead, and allow you to animate humanoids and Giants up to Huge in size. However, none of this information will be freely available, you will need the Players handbook which is out in just a couple of weeks.
#3 BoldItalic Aug 01, 2014 9:19:44	If you haven't played D&D at all before, start with simple characters and play a few sessions first, using the basic rules, just to get used to how the game operates. Play a straightforward wizard. It's fun.   Then, if you still want to make a drow necromancer, you will need the Players Handbook.
#4 soccerlgw1987 Aug 01, 2014 9:28:46	Thanks for the responses!   I have the PHB pre-ordered; when it releases I'll look at the Necromancer Arcane Tradition with more detail.   Doing a "sample" game is a good idea, something we have not thought of. We can use the 5 pre-generated characters from the starter guide.   Our first play through is scheduled over labor day weekend. Hopefully by that time, we will all be prepared!
#5 DM_HEEGZ Aug 01, 2014 9:31:45	The PHB should release early on August 8th (one week from now) for a game store that is part of the Wizards Play Network. If you have one nearby you can pick up the book in a week and get started.    If I wanted to make a drow necromancer I would go the wizard route and take the specialty subclass of necromancer. Details will be in the PHB, and there may be some feats, and definitely more spells to support this class.    Ideally you would learn D&D using a basic class before going with a specialist necromancer type. But I say play what you want and have a blast with it. You can learn the game and have fun while doing so with your PC concept. All the while you can read about other PC types you could play once you've had your fill with your necromancer. Good luck!   [edit] We cross posted. I have played the starter set wizard pregen and he was a fun elf for me to play. I highly recommend it as he is well built and an elf race to boot.