On the Importance of Necromany
This is one of a series of letters sent between Souriin Draco and Euvgeni Maryamitrevnavich shortly after 2705:11:4.
Euvgeni,

As you know (probably from Damus or another source), I have been involved in a secret project that I plan to implement in defense of the human lands. It is something that I believe that might make the difference between victory and defeat. The trolls that we have seen teleporting in and out belong to a highly advanced culture, well ahead of us in science and technology. 

We both have seen what an impact such technology can have on a battle. I believe that there are insufficient numbers of trolls to start an invasion – therefore they bring the ogres with them. It seems to me that the trolls do not use excessive magic (even though the ogres might), therefore we must fight them with tools THEY do not understand – in my case, Necromancy.

I have been researching ways to use the human body as a vehicle for a volatile mix that can cause excessive damage and I have been storing these skeletons in a number of secret caches. Now I realize that Necromancy deals with tasteless and even heretical issues, but like any other tool it needs to be used wisely. We are at a point where we will be fighting for survival, and where we’ll need all the tools at our disposal. They will be prepared for all the tools we currently possess. THIS is one of those that give us the edge.

Now I can take care of the research and the magic, but what I cannot do is effectively wield this tool. I’m afraid that my knowledge of large-scale tactics is as limited as my sword expertise, so first of all, I need to know – Will you use this tool I give you?

I will proceed as if the answer was yes (for surely you realize we cannot afford to throw away any advantage). I will then proceed to tell you the advantages and disadvantages of these forces.

Advantages:

  • They neither sleep nor eat – in fact they can be stacked for transport.They ‘see’ clearly in day or night and ignore all illusions and are immune to mind magic.
  • They do not rout or fear anything
  • They are practically immune to all small missiles.
  • They carry out their orders mindlessly, with no concern for themselves.
Disadvantages:
  • They carry out their orders mindlessly.
  • They are unacceptable to the common man.
  • If the explosive skeletons (and we have seen trolls do this) are destroyed, they detonate, whether friendly units are nearby or not. This is difficult with missile weapons, but not impossible.
  • They need a ‘dedicated commander’ to order them. 
From this, one can see that the best use of these units would be to use them at night, in order to attack the supply lines and the encampments of the enemy. Even trolls have to sleep, and all ogres need to eat. These would be best used for shock tactics, and mass destruction (the explosive charge is quite deadly, and capable of destroying building structures).

Now I know you might balk at the idea of using these units, but I believe that they can be extremely useful. If you do not wish to involve yourself in this venture, I will proceed anyway, undirected and without your expert opinion to make it more coordinated. If you do involve yourself, you must tell me in what capacity, and where you would stockpile more units. The stockpiles are protected by the most powerful runes I possess, and if opened by an unknown party anyway, they destroy themselves, so little hazard exists with them being exploited against us.

One way or another, speak to me – tell me what you feel as I value your opinion.

Your friend,
Souriin