This spell enables the spellcaster to assume the form of an undead creature, with all of the attendant abilities, for the duration of the spell. By means of assume undead form, spellcasters can turn themselves into any type of undead they are familiar with of 8 HD or less that they could possibly turn if of six levels lower in experience than their current level.
Hence a 7th-level priest could assume the form of a skeleton, zombie, ghoul, shadow, or wight, and an 8th-level priest could assume any of those forms as well as that of a ghast. The only difference in abilities between spellcasters using assume undead form and true undead creatures is that no victims can arise as undead creatures as a result of a spellcaster's attacks while assuming the form of an undead creature. Hence if the spellcaster assumes the form of a wight and then drains all of the life energy levels of an opponent, the opponent does not later arise as a half-strength wight under his or her control.
While in undead form, the caster cannot use spells or employ any other granted powers, spell-like abilities, or other special abilities. Intelligence, and Wisdom are unchanged, but otherwise the spellcaster acquires the strengths and weaknesses of the assumed form including immunities to certain spells, if any. Any hit points lost while in undead form are not regained upon reversion to the original form.
originally from powers and Pantheon page 78
Comments