t is with a Certain curiosity that I hold now this book Before me, for the writing therein is wondrous strange and most unlike any with which I am familiar. Yet by my Arts, I am able to decipher within it some Pages which seem to concern topics Necromantic and grim; and that being within my demesne I feel beholden to offer Comment thereon.

I can only wonder what dire fate Met the book's author, for it seems incomplete.

That Which May be Found Herein

The great majority of the Book's writings are to me without meaning, seeming concerned with strangeness Unknown to the lands I have visited. These writings I ignore.

That which remains, while sparse, may hope to offer some insight to Those practictioners of the dark arts to whom the tome seems directed.

• Qualities of the three Bloodlines which serve Arawn in fair Albion. These pages offer some insight into the Natures of the Briton and the Saracen, as well as those called Inconnu. (Related pages in the Book – indeed most of the book's pages – seem to insist that a fourth race of "Knowers" excels in Arawn's art to a degree unimaginable; until proof of such a race presents Itself, I withhold both judgement and comment.)
• They are known for Intelligence and Dexterity but rely upon others for Strength. The qualities of those who walk the dark path are discussed, with commentary upon how wondrous Items and Enchantment may improve both Necromancer and the Minion typically found in said one's company.
• When accompanied by Horrific Undead creatures it is best to Understand them. Those of passing frailty may wish Not to look upon this, for within is discussed the walking dead in some detail.
• Beware their rituals of Unspeakable Darkness ere your spirit Be lost. The spells which call a corpse from the Grave and bid it walk are only the beginning of the frightful arcane lore under the command of Arawn's sinister Minister; at your own risk do you peruse.
• Death is augmented with Powers learned on the Battlefields of life. The necromancers who wield Arawn's gifts in Albion's defense (few though they may be!) hone their death-dealing abilities in many ways, some of which methods here documented being more successful than others.
• Their Successes are reflected in a Mastery of Ancient Lore once lost. When certain Trials have been met with victory by the soultorn wanderer whose path crosses Atlantean shores, further powers both beneficient and malefic become commanded.
• Even their least secrets are Not to be trifled with. True, any power-filled grimoire should be approached with a certain caution; yet not every Organ in the necromancer's Body of knowledge is the Black Heart of wailing Despair. Some few leavings of the bloody feast of sacrifice are yet fit for consumption.

Note well that within these pages are Occasionally to be found certain charts not unlike tables of accounting, with numbers and abbreviated labels that defy my not inconsiderable skills of translation. These I present as best I am able, in the hope that some Glimmer of wisdom may illuminate the reader as to their hidden meaning.

Further Commentary

Beyond the scope of this translated book, other scholars have put forth essays of great value and interest to the Practicing necromancer. I have collected these for preservation and presentation in The Well-Read Reanimator, the perusal of which I heartily recommend.

Discussion of subjects necromantic and grim may be heard in Mysterious Whispers. Questions regarding this Book may find answers herein, and comments to the Translator may be given voice. The Forbidden Ones also hold discussion in this place, but of this we do Not speak.

Signed this day and none other,