Raise dead ... on a horse?

[0-hr]

Well, that certainly trivializes death to an even more extreme level.

 

[AuraSeer]

1. Will raise dead even work on an animal (or is there a more appropriate Druid spell out there)?

The spell's target is "dead creature touched." That's any creature, including animals. The only types that can't be raised are constructs, elementals, outsiders, and undead.

As has been pointed out, the more important question is whether the horse wants to return. That's a DM call. Personally I'd be lenient, and have it always return unless it was mistreated.

2. Would it be likely that a cleric would be insulted and/or refuse such as request because it is an animal?

That depends on the cleric, of course.

In certain game worlds, there may be clerics who see divine resurrection as Something Special. These are the type who require a special quest before they deign to raise your buddy, and they might very well be offended at the thought of "wasting" such a blessing on an animal.

On the other hand, the followers of a deity of Trade would likely be more mercenary about the whole idea. By making the appropriate donation you become eligible for one raise on the target of your choice. If you're rich enough to buy the spell for your pet ferret, they're not going to refuse your money.

3. Would a raised horse still be servicable as a mount afterwards?

Sure. When a creature with no class levels is raised, it loses one point of Constitution. The worst that would happen is that it'd lose a few hit points, and have slightly less stamina for long journeys.

Oddly enough, all the horses in the MM have odd Constitution scores. This means that you could raise them once without affecting the ability score modifier; in game terms they'd be exactly as effective as before they died.

 

[drnuncheon]

Raising plants has some serious implications, since some plants can be harvested for very valuable wood. Imagine chopping down a redwood (or some huge fantasy tree), selling the timber, and then raising it and doing it again. With the right kind of luxury wood, you could make something of a profit.

ObNitpick: You'd need ressurrection, because raise dead doesn't replace any missing parts.

And, of course, the tree would have to want to come back.

J

 

[Stalker0]

I totally allow it. I think its great is roleplayinig his relationship to the horse so well, taking the time, money, and effort to do so. I would have the horse happily come back.

 

[Tom Cashel]

If this thread raises the harm-horse, then let's beat it to death again. We can probably go through the whole process a couple more times before July...

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

I'm willing to admit... if a Cleric casts Harm on a horse, the poor horse deserves a save.

 

[Tom Cashel]

John Ashcroft asked me to tell you that you'll be transgressicuted to the broadest extent of the law if you hijack this thread.

[Harm needs no save, punk!]

 

[Hygric]

Re: Re: Raise dead ... on a horse?

As has been pointed out, the more important question is whether the horse wants to return. That's a DM call. Personally I'd be lenient, and have it always return unless it was mistreated.

I would make it rather unusual for an NPC to want to come back. Most of them would be to busy enjoying their rewards in the afterlife. They would need a strong motivation to come back.

 

[Khorod]

Assuming you remember anything since dying when you're raised, a character might deal with it fine. You're horse might be psychotic.

Imagine bringing back your faithful steed, homicidal, suicidal, refuses to eat, doesn't like pine-needles...

 

[Kamard]

ObNitpick: You'd need ressurrection, because raise dead doesn't replace any missing parts.

And, of course, the tree would have to want to come back.

J

I am pretty sure if I got cut down and rendered into logs, theres no way I'd be coming back from...err...tree heaven?