Staff of Skulls: This staff, usable by all classes, animates skeletal or cadaveric remains with the command word "Arise!" (1 charge). Animated skeletons or zombies are under the command of the staff wielder (see animate dead). If the staff should change hands, control of the undead goes with it. Skeletons or corpses need not be complete, but those lacking parts will, of course, have their actions and mobility impaired. Such animation is permanent, lasting until the undead have been destroyed.

Twenty-five percent of these staves have secondary functions which can be triggered by all generalist mages and most specialists, except Enchanters, Illusionists, or Transmuters. These greater staves can mend broken bones (see bone growth) or reattach severed limbs (see graft flesh) to a wounded and living subject. They can also be used offensively to attack the bones of the victim (see bone blight or throbbing bones (WH)). Each of these four secondary functions draws one charge and requires a successful attack roll in combat if the subject is unwilling.

These staves are sometimes topped by a small ivory skull or hewn from the thighbone of a giant creature. Both versions of these staves can be readily enchanted (or recharged) by a necromancer of 12th level or higher. (900 XP for lesser; 3,500 XP for greater staff.)