Campaign Design - Spells: Journey of Soul Retrieval

Journey of Soul Retrieval (adapted from the Shaman's Handbook)
Conjuration (Healing)

Level: Druid/Spirit Shaman 5
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Touch

Target, Effect, or Area: Dead creature touched

Duration: Instantaneous

Saving Throw: None (see text)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)

This shamanic ritual is similar to the raise dead spells, except it is more complex and more dangerous. The caster performs the ritual over the body of the dead creature, then sinks into a deep trance. The caster's spirit travels out from the Material World and into the realms of the dead to retrieve the creature's spirit and return it to life. The subject's soul must be free and willing to return, as per raise dead. If the subject does not wish to be restored, the spell automatically fails.

The caster must overcome a challenge in the Spirit Realm in order to restore the subject to life. Generally, this challenge has a Challenge Rating equal to the level or Hit Dice of the subject, although the DM may modify the challenge as necessary. The challenge may be overcoming a spirit of the Challenge Rating, figuring out a puzzle or trap, or something else developed by the DM. if the shaman overcomes the challenge, the subject's spirit is free to return to life, as if a raise dead spell were successfully cast upon it.

Material component: Rare herbs and incense worth at least 500 shillings.

Focus: A drum or other musical instrument.

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