You touch a humanoid skull and imbue it with necromantic energy, transforming it into a small, loyal minion. The skull levitates and is surrounded by a spectral force.

The skull minion has a number of hit points equal to your spellcasting ability score. It has an Armor Class of 10 + your spell casting modifier, a fly speed of 20 feet, and can hover.

It can’t attack, but it can perform simple tasks:

• Scouting: The skull minion can scout ahead in dangerous areas. It has a Stealth skill equal to your spellcasting ability modifier + your proficiency bonus. It can make Dexterity (Stealth) checks to remain unnoticed.
  
  
• Distraction: The skull minion can create a distraction. Any creature that can see the skull must make a Wisdom (Perception) check against your spell save DC. On a failed save, the creature’s passive Perception is reduced by 5 for 1 minute.
  
  
• Message Delivery: The skull minion has the ability to project your voice. You can speak through it in real time, as long as it is within 60 feet of you.
  
  
• Light Source: The skull minion is capable of emitting a 60-foot cone of bright light and 60-foot cone of dim light beyond that through its glowing eyes, serving as a mobile light source. The light shines in a direction you designate.
  
  
• Watcher: The skull minion can keep watch while the party rests. It has a passive Perception equal to 10 + your spellcasting ability modifier. It can’t be surprised and will alert you to any approaching dangers.
  
  
• Fetch: The skull minion can fetch small objects that it can carry between its teeth. It can retrieve an item you can see that isn’t being worn or carried by another creature.

The skull minion can’t speak, but it understands your spoken commands in the languages you know. If the skull minion is ever more than 60 feet away from you, the spell ends and the skull falls to the ground.