Spell Reference All Spells

Create Undead

6th-level · Necromancy

Source 5e 2024 Rules

Casting Time
1 Minute
Range
10 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Components
V, S, M
Material Component

one 150+ GP black onyx stone for each corpse

Source Information
Combat Reference
Target
1 creature
Description

You can cast this spell only at night. Choose up to three corpses of Medium or Small Humanoids within range. Each one becomes a Ghoul under your control (see "Monsters" for its stat block). As a Bonus Action on each of your turns, you can mentally command any creature you animated with this spell if the creature is within 120 feet of you (if you control multiple creatures, you can command any of them at the same time, issuing the same command to them). You decide what action the creature will take and where it will move on its next turn, or you can issue a general command, such as to guard a particular place. If you issue no commands, the creature takes the Dodge action and moves only to avoid harm. Once given an order, the creature continues to follow the order until its task is complete. The creature is under your control for 24 hours, after which it stops obeying any command you've given it. To maintain control of the creature for another 24 hours, you must cast this spell on the creature before the current 24-hour period ends. This use of the spell reasserts your control over up to three creatures you have animated with this spell rather than animating new ones.

At Higher Levels

If you use a level 7 spell slot, you can animate or reassert control over four Ghouls. If you use a level 8 spell slot, you can animate or reassert control over five Ghouls or two Ghasts or Wights. If you use a level 9 spell slot, you can animate or reassert control over six Ghouls, three Ghasts or Wights, or two Mummies. See "Monsters" for these stat blocks.

Slot Level Progression
Base
6th
1 target
Slot
7th
1 target
animate or reassert control over four Ghouls
Slot
8th
1 target
animate or reassert control over five Ghouls or two Ghasts …
Slot
9th
1 target
animate or reassert control over six Ghouls, three Ghasts o…

About Create Undead

Create Undead is a Level 6 level spell from the school of Necromancy.

This spell has a casting time of 1minute , and a range of 10.0 ft (3 m) . It has a duration of Instantaneous.

Spell Details

Complete details

Complete details about this spell:

  • At Higher Levels: If you use a level 7 spell slot, you can animate or reassert control over four Ghouls.

Casting Tips

1 tips

Consider these tips when casting this spell:

  • Tactical Use: High-level spell with game-changing potential. Reserve for climactic moments or major plot points.

School of Magic: Necromancy

Learn more

Necromancy spells manipulate life force, death, and the undead.

Related Spells

Other similar spells you might be interested in