The Black Skull of Mastery is a special artifact item in Remixed Dungeon that allows the Necromancer class to advance to the Lich subclass.

The Black Skull of Mastery is an ancient artifact that serves as both a class advancement item and a powerful quest artifact. It is dropped by the Lich boss specifically for players of the Necromancer class and allows them to achieve true mastery of necromancy by transforming into a Lich.

• Type: Mastery Item / Artifact
• Stackable: No
• Class Restriction: Only usable by Necromancer class
• Action: “Necromancer” - Opens subclass selection window
• Sprite: Uses image index 19 from artifacts.png

• Dropped by the Lich boss in the Necropolis level
• Only drops for players who are already playing as a Necromancer
• Represents the pinnacle achievement for the Necromancer class

• When used by a Necromancer, opens the subclass selection window
• Allows advancement to the Lich subclass (HeroSubClass.LICH)
• Transforms the character with significant stat and ability changes
• Reduces Strength by 2 points but doubles maximum skill points
• Triggers mastery effects (sound, animation, particles)

• Strength Penalty: -2 Strength points
• Skill Boost: Double maximum skill points
• Class Change: Becomes the Lich subclass
• Special Message: “Became a Lich, at the cost of %d Strength”

• Obtainable only by defeating the Lich boss as any class to unlock Necromancer, then playing as Necromancer and defeating Lich again
• Represents the highest progression path for Necromancer class
• The STR penalty requires careful equipment management
• The doubled skill points provide significant advantages in skill usage

• Java Class: com.nyrds.pixeldungeon.items.necropolis.BlackSkullOfMastery
• Parent Class: MasteryItem
• Implementation: Extends MasteryItem base class
• Mastery Item: Awards mastery badge when picked up by appropriate class

• Information source: Java Classes BlackSkullOfMastery.java and MasteryItem.java
• Mechanics verified from source code analysis
• STR penalty and skill point changes confirmed from MasteryItem.choose()

• Lich (Mob) - Boss that drops this item
• Lich (Subclass) - The subclass unlocked by using this item
• Necromancer Class - The class required to use this item
• Soulbringer - Alternative name for this artifact
• Black Skull - Related but different item for non-Necromancer classes
• Mastery Items - Other items that grant subclass advancement
• Artifacts - Other special items in the game
• Necromancy - Related game mechanics