Sword of Darkness (Wizard Spell)

This spell creates a jet-black sword that radi­ates a palpable aura of evil. The sword can appear anywhere within the range of the spell. When cast, the wu jen targets the spell on one creature. Thereafter, the sword can attack only that creature. The wu jen must concentrate on the actions of the sword, causing it to strike as if he held it in his own hand (nonproficiency penalties do not apply).
On a successful hit, the sword temporarily drains the creature hit of 1-3 levels or Hit Dice. Appropriate hit points, fighting ability, spell levels, and level powers are lost. The sword itself causes no physical damage. A creature reduced below 0 level or Hit Dice is slain. In 1–3 days, the spirit returns as a kuei (undead). Lost levels are regained 1-3 turns after the sword of dark­ness disappears, provided the character has not died; however, lost spells are not regained. These spells must be memorized again before they can be cast.
The material component for this spell is a katana or long sword worth at least 20 gp, which is shattered against a stone.
Notes: Common in oriental settings; other­wise, very rare.
Kuei: AC -4; MV18; HD 3 to 6; THAC0 17 or 15; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6, 1d8, 1d10 or 1d12; SA possession (3/day); SD Requires magical weapon to hit +1 (3HD), +2 (4HD), +3 (5HD) or +4 (6 HD) immune to ESP, charm, enchant­ment, illusion, and water-based spells and normal cold and fire; magical cold and fire inflict half damage; MR 10%; AL Any; SZ M (5'-6'; ML Elite (14); XP1,000+1,000/HD over 3.
This non-corporeal undead uses its victim's body to complete some task left undone in life. While in control the kuei uses its own abilities, not those of the host. The possession can be broken by the death of the host, the completion of the task, or by magics able to drive out pos­sessing spirits. The host has no memory of ac­tions taken under the kuei's influence.
Category:Wizard Spells
Category:Spells from Wizard's Spell Compendium
Category:Spells