A spell that transfers life: what level?

[Altamont Ravenard]

At what level would you place a spell that transfers the life energy from one subject to another? The spell would work as Raise Dead but the "material component" is another, living body of the same type (willing or not, unwilling more often that not).

The spell takes some time to cast, so the victim needs to be restrained (tied up). The victim gets a save. If it fails, the victim dies, and the other creature is brought back to life (at 1 hp). If the save succeeds, the spell fails.

If you need more info, don't be afraid to ask.

So, at what level would you place this spell? It's essentially divine, but would you allow it as an arcane necromancy spell?

Thanks in advance.

AR

 

[Nifft]

Sounds just about right for an Arcane Raise Dead (same level or one level higher), of school Necromancy, with descriptor [Evil] if the subject is unwilling.

Also sounds most excellent for A Game of Thrones, the RPG.

-- N

 

[Aeson]

why not just use magic jar. doesn't it work about the same?

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

why not just use magic jar. doesn't work about the same?

Magic Jar transfers minds between living beings. One of those involved in this spell is dead.

This sounds like a heck of a neat spell.

 

[Corlon]

I'd agree with nift, except to not trespass too much on the "healer's" territory, I'd make it one or two levels higher than raise dead

 

[EmeraldRhapsody]

This can permanently give you a strong ,agile and stalwart body (high str dex con) while you retain your other stats.It also means that you have found a way to live forever without the penalties and restrictions of other ways to do this(lichdom).

This is certainly a 9th level spell with high XP cost.A very similar spell exists in expanded psionics handbook (pg. 120) and it is called "True mind switch".
It is a 9th level spell with XP cost: 10000 ,and you basically switch bodies with the target (you do not actually kill him with this spell).If your original body gets killed you lose one level but you otherwise survive the experience.

The exchange is permanent and you cannot be forced to return to your original body by means of dispel psionics antimagic field or any similar effect.

Be carefull with this kind of spells for they can change the balance of any campaign setting pretty easilly.
__________________
The Wizard

 

[Nifft]

Doodz!!! The spell does not transfer brains between bodies!

It's exactly the same as raise dead, except you kill someone (material component: another living critter of the same type).

You keep your old body, but it's less dead. (Or more, depending on your role in the spell.)

-- N

 

[ZuulMoG]

Make it level 7, that's commensurate with Limited Wish (that can duplicate a 5th level spell that's not on the caster's list), but since it has a specific function dropping the XP cost is fair.

And yeah, it's decidedly EVIL, unless someone is actually willing to trade their life for the deceased's.

 

[domino]

I'd also give it a time that after having made a save, the victim is immune to the effects for X length of time.

Else, the person can keep trying to cast with the same victim locked up, until they get it right, or they run out of spells.

 

[der_kluge]

I agree. Necromancy. [Evil]. Level 7 sounds about right. I'd also stipulate that the victim gets a Will save to avoid the effect.