RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16
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So, I'm currently playing a second-level dhampir Undead Lord cleric in a game, and I'm thinking about third level. The spell that obviously hits me as my best at that level is Lesser Animate Dead. Here's the description:
Animate Dead, Lesser
School necromancy [evil]; Level cleric/oracle 2, sorcerer/wizard 3
EFFECT
Target one corpse
Duration instantaneous
DESCRIPTION
This spell functions as animate dead, except you can only create a single Small or Medium skeleton or zombie. You cannot create variant skeletons or zombies with this spell.
Now, my question here is, since it states that the spell functions as animate dead, and animate dead has a material component (an onyx gem worth 25gp per HD of undead created) does that mean that the lesser version shown here also requires the material component? Or, since it does not show a material component, do I get to make free skeletons (albeit one at a time)?
I'm inclined to think that I DO have to pay the 25gp per HD fee, since the spell description also doesn't show casting time, saving throw, etc., which suggests to me that all of those things (including the material component) are carried over from the Animate Dead level 3 spell description. Can anyone confirm this for me?
That's correct. When a spell description says "as spell X, except as noted above," then all of those spell attributes are the same as spell X.
Which means you gotta pay up.
You do have to use the component since it does say it acts just like Animate dead. Though the fact of it is 25gp onyx per HD really isn't that bad. Getting to be able to summon undead that early is pretty big.
You do have to use the component since it does say it acts just like Animate dead. Though the fact of it is 25gp onyx per HD really isn't that bad. Getting to be able to summon undead that early is pretty big.
Technically the Undead Lord can already summon undead at 1st level, via corpse companion, but yes, it is a great boon to anyone who wants to make a start on their very own Army of Darkness.
Just don't mix up the unholy incantation; it's not "Klaatu Barada Necktie"!
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16
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You do have to use the component since it does say it acts just like Animate dead. Though the fact of it is 25gp onyx per HD really isn't that bad. Getting to be able to summon undead that early is pretty big.
In most campaigns, 25gp onyxes would be no big deal, but we're in a "shipwrecked on a desert island" type campaign so I don't have access to a town, let alone a city, to buy them in. Luckily the DM is being reasonable about it and rolling for me to find an onyx of the right cost when we get treasure, but he could have totally screwed me over if he wanted.