# Gaunt

### by Rob McDonald () on 5/10/96

## From the Spellbook of Grymryck the Outsider

### Human, Necromancer (Philosopher), 17th level

Level
  2
School
  Necromancy, Alteration
Sphere
Range
  30 yards
VSM
  V, S, M
Dur
  Special
CT
  2
AE
  One creature
ST
  Neg.

### Spell description

The GAUNT spell causes the subjected creature to undergo a horrible transformation into a pale, emaciated, corpse-like version of itself - its skin will become gray-white and shrink to become stretched tautly over its skeleton, muscle mass will disappear, its eyes will become lusterless and seem to protrude from thin eyelids, etc. This change takes place in but the single round after which the GAUNT spell is cast. The process is painless, and may be unnoticed by the victim unless he is able to see his reflection or some exposed part of his body, or he may find his clothing and armor are mysteriously loose-fitting...
Despite the creature's apparent condition, the metamorphosis is entirely cosmetic. All the its attributes remain unchanged, such as mass, general size, etc., as do its abilities. The subject will not feel any less healthy or youthful. A creature with a measurable Charisma (or Comeliness) will find this score effectively lowered to 3, as observers will most likely take the afflicted as one of the walking dead. The GAUNT spell is not illusory, and touch will not dispel it; only the caster, a REMOVE CURSE or DISPEL MAGIC may end the spell. Unwilling recipients receive a save vs. spell to avoid the effect.
The material components are an old dead leaf and a few pieces of dried parchment, which are crumbled into dust and blown into the air in the direction of the intended recipient.
Note that this spell can be an effective tool in extorting information or help from an individual, who may be easily convinced he is now undead, or who simply wishes to be returned to normal. It is also especially effective when combined with other spells (like REEK or TOOTH AND NAIL, qqv.), which can create quasi-undead that can not be turned, fight and cast as living creatures, etc., quite a surprise to the casual and careless undead hunter...