The Instrument of the Dead

The flute is perhaps the most useful instrument a necromancer could possess as it allows him/her to summon the spirits of the dead without the need of a long fancy ritual. According to instructions the flute is to be made of either elder wood or bamboo. The elder wood flute is used to summon all the spirits of the dead within range when it is played. The bamboo flute on the other hand has the name of a deceased person carved into its side and can only summon that individual. The same sort of location must be chose for the performance regardless of which flute is to be played. It must be quiet, free of people, and relatively isolated. Along with the flute the necromancer should bring summoning incense and a censor, a iron knife, anointing oil, and possibly an offering for the dead.

To use the instrument, the necromancer should start playing at a slow speed. I have been reassured that one does not need to be able to actually carry a proper tune. Gradually the necromancer should increase the speed of his/her playing until it reaches a fever pitch. During this time he/she should be thinking of their intent to contact the spirits of the dead. Eventually the spirits or spirit should arrive drawn by the combination of noise and summoning incense. At this point playing should be stopped and the necromancer should negotiate with the spirit(s) for information or the performance of a task. If it is the first time they have been summoned then they should be given an offering as a sign of friendship but not asked for anything. To dismiss the spirits they should first be told that business is done, then the flute should be played again. This time however the necromancer should start playing at a fast pace and gradually get slower until they stop. The process of playing the flute is similar to invoking sylphs to increase or decrease the wind. If any of the spirits does not leave when dismissed and starts causing trouble, standard banishing procedures should be followed.

Please note that as normal for necromantic operations, the summoning should be performed during full dark.