Skyrim mod gives necromancers new spells that can transform slain enemies into ghostly allies

Some of Desolation's spells in Skyrim.
Credit: Darenii on Nexus mods.

Some of Desolation's spells in Skyrim.
Credit: Darenii on Nexus mods.

Modders have put an awful lot of effort into making sure Skyrim has continually evolved and expanded in the years since it was first released into the world.

Many have focused on changing the game by adding new questlines, fresh dungeons, and plenty of cosy player homes to it, with a few even going as far as giving the Dragonborn the ability to upgrade their shouts or summon NPCs by yelling their names.

If you’re looking for something to spice up your latest magically-themed foray into Tamriel and don’t fancy wielding spells modelled on Geralt of Rivia’s Witcher signs, a recently released mod might be worth taking a look at.

Feel like unleashing an array of powerful necromantic hexes next time you drop into Skyrim?

The mod in question is called ‘Desecration’, and is the latest work of prolific modder Darenii, formerly known as Norive. Many of their previous projects have added an array of new incantations to the game aimed at all kinds of different magical characters, including those who love nature and those who can’t stop staring towards the cosmos while they wait for Starfield.

This time, they’ve decided to concentrate on those witches and warlocks who prefer to pursue a darker arcane path, putting together a pack of destruction and conjuration spells ideal for powerful necromancers.

The main contingent of this blasphemous bundle is made up of an array of “Necrotic” fire spells, which specialise in dealing damage to the magicka pools of opponents, making them ideal for solving intra-mage conflicts, though they also temporarily reduce the damage inflicted by all enemy weapons, so don’t be afraid to try them on other foes.

That said, perhaps the most interesting aspect of these unique hexes is reserved for those who’ve also installed another of Darenii’s works, called ‘Ascension’, and taken the “Necropolis” perk, which will allow them to temporarily resurrect every enemy they kill as as a “Necrotic Spirit” that’ll fight at your side.

If you prefer to have more control over your summons, the pack also includes a couple of new conjuration spells that manifest either a special “Necrotic” variant of vanilla Skyrim’s flame atronach or a massively powerful “Necrotic Flame Monarch”.

If you want to get your hands on the tomes, scrolls or staves imbued with any of this malevolent magic, you’ll either need to head for Falion’s house in Morthal or hunt for draugr and necromancers. You can also pay a visit to Halldir’s Cairn to unearth a unique sword and spell tome.

Regardless of whether your Dragonborn is now trying to casually ask someone what the fine is for necrophilia in this part of Tamriel, make sure to follow us for more updates on The Elder Scrolls 6 and the interesting world of Skyrim modding. You can also check out our mods of the month for April 2023.