Bell of Bones
Chalk cast a spell at the oncoming orcs. Nothing happened. The wizard scratched his head a moment as the creatures sprang upon the adventurers.
“Losing your touch?” Valance asked with a grin as he sent a large spider after one of the monstrous humanoids. The spider appeared to bit the orc, but to no avail.
“It looks like I am not the only one!”
“Would you two knock it off, these things are overtaking us!” barked Koram as he swung his Crystal Sword at a menacing orc.
This magic item appears as a stylized skull, much like that of an orc or similar creature with a clapper made from a similar bone, when sounded, this strange device makes almost no sound.
Benefit: When rang this odd necromantic device summons 1d8 skeleton monsters, such as orcs, goblins, etc to fight for the ‘ringer’ of the bell. These creatures are much like standard skeletons except that they have 2+4 HD and that to the opponents of the ‘ringer’ they appear as flesh and blood adversaries and may cause spells to be cast that do not affect the undead but would otherwise charm or befuddle the living.
Usable by: Anyone.
A most interesting item. Does the ringer of the bell get to choose what sort of skeletons appear or is this random? It sounds like the skeletons have to be humanoid (human, orc, etc.) or are things like kobolds, gnolls or bugbears possible?
I was wondering how to do this and I would make the skeletons random, but all that appear of the same type when I use this.
I’m thinking that whatever skeletons appear would be dependant on what’s buried nearby. This would normally be humans but in (say) gnome country one would get gnome skeletons. Also, the locals might not be very happy with someone messing with their departed loved ones. Getting caught with one of these might be hazardous to your health!