Black Skull (Lesser)

The black skull is an undead creature, mostly skeleton-types, although there are a zombie-types as well. Each one has there head seared to give their heads a charred look, which is where they get their name. They are intelligent and many can speak common as well as other languages. That makes them much deadlier than normal skeletons and zombies.

Combat: Due to their intelligence, the Black Skulls can actually use strategy in battle, like ambushes and the like. Although they may carry and use magical weapons, magical items cannot be used. Any healing spells used on the monster result in damage to it, 1/2 of what would be cured. So if a Cleric would heal for 8 points, the Black Skull would suffer 4 points. Cause Wounds spells have the opposite effect, healing 1/2 of what the normal damage would be. Black Skulls attack with two fists or clawed hands for 1d6 points of damage each, or with whatever weapon they carry. They usually wear chainmail armor. To look into the eyes of a Black Skull causes the player to roll a save vs. spell or be hit with the effects of a fear spell. Those who save aren't affected.

Habitat/Society: The Black Skull packs are usually part of a much larger army that's hovering on the fringes of a person's vision. They seemingly come out of thin air, riding with mists swirling at their feet. Many people believe that they originated in the land of Ravenloft, but somehow of spawned to other places. They don't eat, because they don't require it, and each army is extremely loyal to their leader--usually a Greater Black Skull (called a Gigalich).

Ecology: Due to the fact that they are undead, Black Skulls don't really have an ecology. They don't value money or items unless they can be used in battle. So any items found on a Black Skull with be a weapon or piece of armor.