3rd-Level Spells
Bone Dance (Necromancy)
Range: 10 yards/level
Components: S, M
Duration: 3 turns/level
Casting Time: 3 rounds
Area of Effect: Special
Saving Throw: None
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 MM. 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 material component is an intact skeleton or corpse and a small, crude
puppet which the caster must manipulate with both hands to choreograph the bone dance.
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