Skeleton Mastery

 is a Skill in Diablo II.

Lore
''As the Necromancer's knowledge of the undead improves, he is able to harness and divert more powerful spirits to inhabit the corpses of the recently dead. A Necromancer who possesses this skill is able to raise skeletons and skeletal mages of a much more powerful variety. ''

Synergies

 * Gives synergy to :
 * Raise Skeleton
 * Raise Skeletal Mage
 * Revive

This skill improves the life and damage of Skeletons, Skeleton Mages, and revived monsters, making it useful for any summoning build. It does not need to be used to grant its benefits, as they are applied passively.
 * Receives synergy from : None

Appearance of Skeletons
Points invested in Skeleton Mastery also affect the appearance of Skeletons and Skeleton Mages as they grow stronger. Both types transition through several visual stages until they reach their final appearance. To reflect their increased damage, Skeletons also appear to wield better weapons as more points are invested. Point brackets for these changes are as follows:


 * 0-1 Points : Both types have smooth skulls and lack any body wear. Melee Skeletons wield war picks and sometimes use round, spiked shields.
 * 2-3 Points : Melee Skeletons wield axes.
 * 4-5 Points : Both types sprout horns from their skulls. Melee Skeletons wield spiked maces.
 * 6 Points : Melee Skeletons wield flails.
 * 7 Points : Both types now wear chain mail helmets and tattered leg armor.
 * 8+ Points : Melee Skeletons now wield scimitars. Those that use shields now carry kite shields instead of their usual round kind.