Speak with the Dead
- Type
- spell
- Syntax
cast 'speak with the dead' <corpse>cast 'speak with the dead' <shade> guide <target>cast 'speak with the dead' <shade> haunt <target> <object>- Lag
- 1.0 rounds
- Cost
- 80 mana
- Classes
- spirit scholar (32)
- Spheres
- spirit
- See also
- shroudsight
The spirit realm is filled with the ghosts and shades of those who once lived, representing a valuable source of information for those learned enough to tap it. Such a mage may use the speak with the dead spell to communicate with these wraiths, or convince them to assist her.
By casting the spell on a corpse, the scholar may attempt to contact the spirits to seek out who slew the person whose body it is. As this function channels the very memories imprinted on the spirit world by the violent death itself, no specific shade need be present to use it. If successful, the adept will learn who the killer was, and possibly which way they left and when.
The mage may also cast this spell on a particular shade, visible by shroudsight. If this is done with the 'guide' argument, the phantom will attempt to seek out whoever is specified, leading the mage to the target. If this is instead cast with the 'haunt' argument, the ghost may haunt a victim specified by the mage. In this case the scholar will need an object once held by the target, or else the shade will have no power over him. Haunted targets will be distracted by the supernatural event, suffering a penalty to their skills until the shades eventually dissipate.
Primary Attributes: Charisma, Wisdo.