The casting of this spell transforms one inanimate skeleton of size M or smaller into a direguard, a skeletal figure with red flames in its eye sockets, wearing black, shadowy, semitransparent armor. (For information on direguards, see the MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM sheets included in the revised FORGOTTEN REALMS Campaign Setting.) The direguard is capable of using its abilities the round following creation and needs no special commands to attack.
The material components of this spell are the holy symbol of the priest, which is not consumed in the casting of the spell, and at least 20 drops of the blood of any sort of true dragon.
Notes: Granted by the evil death god Cyric of the Forgotten Realms setting. The spell is jealously guarded by the clergy of Cyric.
Dire Guard: AC 6; MV 12; HD 4+4; THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg by weapon or 1d6; SA magic missile (1 missile/3 rds. to 70 yds.); SD detect invisible, blink, half damage from S or P weapons, immune to charm, hold, sleep, and cold-based attacks, turned as wraith; AL NE; Int Ave (8-10); SZ M (6' tall); ML Steady (11-12); XP 1,200.