Skeleton Horde

Casting Time:

1 hour

Range:

Self (1-mile radius)

Components:

V, S, M (A humanoid heart stuffed with precious gems worth at least 5,000 gp, which the spell consumes)

Duration:

Until Dispelled

When you cast this spell, the heart used as the material component crumbles to dust and 10d10 skeletons appear in random spaces within 1 mile of you. These skeletons might dig their way out of existing graves, assemble from scattered bone fragments, or even form magically from the dust. Once formed, the natural state of the horde is to wander about, attacking any other creature on sight.

While the spell persists, you can use your action to issue a general order (e.g. attack the castle, protect me, etc.) to the entire skeleton horde. They will attempt to fulfill your orders to the best of their collective abilities, but are limited by their intelligence and lack of skills. Once you have issued this order, you cannot do so again until after your next long rest. Once the order has been completed, the skeleton horde returns to its wandering state. While a skeleton is on the same plane of existence as you, it can magically convey what it senses to you.

This spell ends if you cast it again or use your action to end the spell. When the spell ends, all skeletons animated by it are instantly destroyed, turning to dust.