Spurring the Beast of War
Cost: Varies
Target: War machine
This spell is a heightened version of [[Walking War Machine]]. Necromancers also call it Onyx Reanimation. Spurring the Beast of War animates an undead war machine. Most of the rules for Walking War Machine apply, but a necromancer needs both Medicine and Craft (Fire) at 4 or higher even to attempt such fantastic creations. Each roll in the construction attempt represents two full days of work, and the spell costs four motes for each success on the construction roll.
Deathlords use this spell to create their "bonestriders," casting it in such a way that the completed mechanism does not take on its own life but responds perfectly to an attuned rider. Nor have the shrewd Deathlords ignored the possibilities of other undead weapons to be "worn" or piloted by their Abyssal and ghostly servants. See the boxed text for traits of a typical necromantic war machine; add the attacks you consider appropriate.
Onyx Animation Horror
Motivation: Destroy!
Attributes: Strength 6, Dexterity 2, Stamina 5; Charisma 0, Manipulation, 0, Appearance 1; Perception 3, Intelligence 1, Wits 4
Virtues: Automaton: never fails Valor checks, never makes others
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 2, Dodge 4, Martial Arts 4, Melee 3, Resistance 3, Stealth 1
Join Battle: 6
Soak: Variable, but at least 4L/8B
Health Levels: Each success on the preliminary Craft roll provides two -0, two -1 and three -2 health levels; also, one -4 and one Incapacitated health level, as normal.