Children of Maalpherus

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The Children of Maalpherus are zombies created by the priesthood of the god of disease and plague. As the corpses animated by the priests often come from those who have angered the god, these zombies are usually in even worse condition than others. The bodies are often missing large amounts of flesh, hair, and even some limbs (though there is a practical limit due to movement and attack purposes). They, like most undead, are immune to sleep, charm, hold, death magic, poisons, mind affecting spells, and cold-based spells. Crushing and piercing weapons cause no damage, and slashing weapon damage is regenerated at the rate of one hit point every two rounds. They cannot regenerate damage caused by fire, acid, or energy spells such as magic missile, lightning bolt, etc. A vial of holy water inflicts 3-10 hp damage (non-regenerative) on these creatures. Children of Maalpherus are most often found in swamps, sewers, and other disease-ridden places.
In addition to the normal damage caused by these zombies, there is a 25% chance that the individual struck will also become infected with some sort of disease (determined by DM). Because of their strong tie to the powers of their god, the Children of Maalpherus are more powerful than normal zombies and so are turned as spectres. To create such a zombie, a priest of Maalpherus must first cast cause disease on a corpse. Then, within 24 hours, the priest must cast an animate dead spell (which affects only the one corpse).
Category:Creatures
Category:Dungeon Magazine Creatures