Create Undead Minion

The caster of this spell creates a form of undead. The type of undead created depends upon the level of the caster and the condition of the subject. The spell can be cast on a living or a dead human, demihuman, or humanoid of small to man-size. The individual must have died within 24 hours, and the body must be in good shape. Only a ghoul can be created from a dead subject.

Living subjects become more powerful undead minions, transforming into a type of undead given on the table, depending on the casting priest's level. A caster can create any type of undead on the

table, up to the level limit. Thus, a 18th level priest can create a ghoul or a ghast as easily as a wraith. An undead creature created by this spell does not retain character abilities.

The transformation into an undead creature takes the full turn of the casting time to be complete. A living subject receives a saving throw vs. death magic negate the spell. If the spell is interrupted or dispelled before the casting is complete, the subject is rendered unconscious for a turn and returns to normal at the end of that turn. The undead creature created is under the complete control of the caster. If the controlling priest is later killed, the undead minion must make a successful saving throw vs. death magic or perish as well. Surviving undead become free-willed.

The components of this spell are the holy symbol of the caster, dirt from a graveyard, and the fingernail of one of the forms of corporeal undead listed on the table above.

Notes: Granted by death gods such as Bane and Cyric of the Forgotten Realms setting.

DM Note: The DM should treat the casting of this spell with respect to living creatures as a ritual transformation performed by an evil priest to turn a helpless victim into a minion, not as a spell cast in combat against an active and resisting foe.