ithout doubt, it is to be acknowledged that the beings here known as Inconnu form the greatest part of the Ranks of the Disciples of Arawn, being as they are bound to his service by their very nature. Yet one will sometime see Saracens so called, as their homeland holds too an historied Store of arcana necromantia; and indeed, even common Britons may chance upon greater teachings than those which Occupy most of their kin.

Let us then consider for a moment these races so honored.

Qualities of the three Bloodlines which serve Arawn in fair Albion.

Know that beyond mere appearance, people of the same Race exhibit similar tendencies in physique and intellect; and although these traits can in time vary greatly between members of differing professions (or be heightened through mystical concentrations and enchanted objects as detailed elsewhere), those individals who pursue a common Path up the Mountain of experience can expect to arrive at the same Pinnacle of development with their peers. Thus, the difference between a Briton necromancer and an Inconnu necromancer is less than, for example, that between a Briton necromancer and a Briton paladin (which should surprise no one).

A Briton disciple observes from afar his well-meaning but less-enlightened contemporaries in Cotswold Village.

The Common Briton

We first turn our attention to the Briton, as the common native of Albion provides an excellent standard of comparison being neither particular Gifted in any area nor suffering from any specific Detriment. Possessed of an adequate mind and well-suited to any task, Britons find themselves drawn to many professions; only rarely does one follow the True path of necromancy. (Indeed, it is far more common for such a one to be ensnared on the False path of the so-called "Arawnites" – may their accurséd tongues be torn from their vacuous heads and Wrapped around their eyes that their words may only Blind themselves!)

Common heritage provides the Briton with some small resistance to the crushes and slashes such as might occur on any farm, as well as a natural resistance to Matter-oriented attacks as may reflect nature's destructive ire.

A Saracen necromancer begins the summoning of a servant in Preparation of releasing souls to Arawn.

The Dexterous Saracen

Upon first observation of a Saracen, one might suspect that the slightly smaller frame in comparison to the Briton may indicate some general Lack in prowess. This would be true in a sense, as the Saracen is neither quite so Strong nor as Hardy as Briton stock (at least in these northern climes); the falsehood would be clear, however, upon seeing the Saracen's uncanny precision in form and activity. While this Admirable trait plays little role in the the most common types of mêlée – for indeed the Briton-swung sword strikes more soundly and just as swift – place within the Saracen's hands a dagger and you will See (or Feel, depending upon your standing with said Saracen) what delicate labyrinths of pain can be etched into a bodily form. This same Dexterity serves the necromancer just as well if not better, for it allows the physical Gestures which focus Arawn's power to be completed more quickly.

Generations of warfare have inured Saracens to the slashes and thrusts common to the weapons of their lands, just as the desert winds have accustomed them to a greater heat.

Leaving Caer Gothwaite in the light of dawn, an Inconnu pauses to consider what fate may come.

The Sinister Inconnu

Having now reflected upon those humans favored with the Insight to walk the gravestone path, we turn to the natural necromancer, Arawn's own, the Inconnu. Physical aspects of the Inconnu clearly signify their Subterranean origins, the pale skin unaccustomed to the Sun and the large light-absorbing eyes being the most obvious. Aside from these somewhat superfluous externalities, however, the corporeal form is not terribly remarkable in what it displays: more dexterity than the Briton, yet not so much as the Saracen, while being slower than both in gross activity; the solid Constitution of the Briton, but without the strength. What is it then, which marks those of Arawn as chief in the Dark Arts? Quite simply it is their native Intelligence, for this is the very foundation of magical power.

Survival in the Underground has brought out in the Inconnu an ability to withstand such crushes and piercing thrusts as happen when rocky walls collapse, while also bringing out an ability to shrug off bursts of heat as are not uncommon in certain areas. Additionally, service to Arawn has acquainted the race with an especial insight into the workings of Spirit, allowing attacks of that nature to be somewhat blunted.

These, then, are the Chosen ones – Briton, Saracen, Inconnu. What of the other races? Are they lesser? No, they are yet worthy, and may in the passing of time come to the Dark Wisdom, even if they are presently unable either by aptitude (as the otherwise mighty Half Ogre) or attitude (as the otherwise adept Avalonian or the most worthy Highlander). For in time, all souls perceive Arawn's truth.

Qualities Demonstrated during Activity

A summarization of the similarities and differences between the bloodlines may be presented as such, with note upon Which characteristics tend to be enhanced in those brought to Arawn's discipleship:

Of course, variations do occur, and it is not an indication of the Times of Tribulation should one cross the path of a necromancer uncommonly Strong, or exhibiting some other oddity. In all cases, however, the traits shown At the End are the lowest to be seen; service to Arawn demands no less.

Qualities Demonstrated under Duress

In a similar fashion, each race's ability to withstand maltreatment resulting from varying physical effects (which tend to be concentrated on a Specific point of contact) and magical effects (which tend to damage the individual as a Whole) may be put thus:

For reasons expressed in another place, these racial gifts of heritage and happenstance are of little concern to the Walker in the Spirit.

A Spirited Race

Given the racial predilections, it is not uncommon to hear the Uninitiated pose questions comparing the bloodlines and their relative success in practicing the Necromantic arts. Let us consider and in consideration answer two of these questions, these two in particular being the most common:

"Which race is best suited to necromancy?" This question is easily answered, for the Inconnu are intimate with the Dark powers and are uniquely gifted in those areas which a Necromancer values highly. As a result of this uncommon bond between Race and Profession, most necromancers are Inconnu, and most Inconnu are necromancers.

"Which race makes for the best necromancer?" Although nearly identical to the previous question, it is yet different and worthy of consideration, for we must ask ourselves what the Best Necromancer may be.

In truth, the best necromancer is the One who, in the application of mundane skills and magical spells to a Situation, transforms enemies into corpses and corpses into obedient servants, spreading throughout the lands the Peace of Arawn. The best necromancer is a Fearsome force either solitary or in the company of others, and can be counted upon always when Death draws near.

The Best necromancer, it is certain, can be a member of Any race.