Bone Dance
This spell temporarily animates the physical
remains of a human, demihuman, or humanoid. Bone
dance forges a mystical link with the newly made
undead creature, enabling the caster to mentally control its movements, just as a master puppeteer manipulates the actions of a wooden puppet.
The skeleton or zombie animated by this spell is
incapable of carrying out any independent actions — the wizard must mentally command his or her undead
puppet to walk forward, pick up a sword, strike an
opponent with it, and so on. While the caster concentrates on maintaining the bone dance, he or she may
not speak, cast other spells, or actively engage in
melee. The spell occupies the greater part of the caster's attention.
The skeleton or zombie created by this spell conforms to the normal variety described in the Monstrous Compendium. It is
compatible with (can be affected by) other necromantic
spells that affect undead, and the creature may perform all of the simple actions outlined in the Skeletal Hands spell. If directed into combat, it fights as a regular skeleton (even if it still has some flesh on its bones).
When combined with Spectral Voice, bone dance can
make for an effective decoy, a menacing bluff, or at
least a ghastly form of entertainment. When augmented by Corpse Link, a dancing cadaver may serve as
an effective (and ultimately expendable) scout that
can work beyond the immediate visual range of the
caster.
Normally, the bone dance progresses for the duration of the spell or until the caster loses concentration. The dance also ends prematurely if the caster
causes the skeleton to move beyond spell range or
out of direct sight (certain divinations, such as corpse
link or Clairvoyance, may lift this hindrance). The bone
dance may be destroyed in combat, or broken by a
successful dispel magic.
The caster must manipulate the puppet (material component) with both hands
to choreograph the bone dance.
[Complete Book of Necromancers]
School: Necromancy
Level: 3
Rarity: Common
Level: 3
Rarity: Common
Range: 10 yards/ level
Components: S, M
Duration: 3 turns/ level
Casting Time: 3 rounds
Area of Effect: Special
Saving Throw: None
Components: S, M
Duration: 3 turns/ level
Casting Time: 3 rounds
Area of Effect: Special
Saving Throw: None
an intact skeleton or corpse and a small, crude puppet
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