Excelsior!

Posted: September 20, 2012

My name is Zznaf, and I am a necromancer currently studying in the College of Dynamics.

Before I go any further, I must put up front that “Zznaf” is not my given name, rather a name that I’ve chosen for myself. It’s more than just a nickname, so don’t let me catch you calling me by that other less fitting moniker! And yes, this was tough on my krewe to remember, too, at first. They got used to it with enough ear tweaking.

Why did I choose this name? I’m not one who does anything part-ways. If I’m going to walk in the footsteps of greatness like Master Snaff, my name needs to reflect this. Sadly, apart from the name and some of my more handsome physical features, I can’t claim to have all that much in common with my late hero.

To start with, I’m an unfortunate necromancer. Despite this, I can’t claim to have that much in common with necromancers, either. I’m neither secretively dark, nor infatuated with the working of rigamortis. In fact, I’m really not a fan of the whole death thing at all.

They tell you that you can be anything you want to be. Don’t fall for it. I’ve tried to work against nature to become something else. Really, I have.

I joined the College of Dynamics despite the fact that most my creations can hardly stand upright, much less work the miracles that Master Snaff’s inventions did. I am genius, I assure you… just… not the golemancer genius that he was. So, Engineer is off the list.

I tried to steep myself in education of other types of magics. Elemental powers appear to loathe me, though I’ve committed no crime against them. The methods behind the mind powers of the Mesmer, while being in line with some of Master Snaff’s amazing mind control, continue elude me. Lamentably, I end up slathering curses or diseases all over the place while attempting to summon flame or inflict mind wrack.

While necromancy would probably not have been Master Snaff’s first choice of profession, in all his wisdom, I’d imagine that he would advise me to make the best of what I have. And so that is what I have chosen to do, in the name of science and glory.

I am Zznaf. This is my story.