Strength of the Damned
(Alteration, Necromancy)

Range:  0
Components:  V, S, M
Duration:  3 turns per level
Casting Time:  1 turn
Area of Effect:  Person touched
Saving Throw:  None

This is a variant of the 2nd-level strength spell. Unless otherwise noted it mimics the effects of strength. This spell can only be cast on a willing recipient.
This spell utilizes a creature's own life force, temporarily binding it with negative material plane energies, channelling the resulting energy flow to produce unholy strength in the spell recipient. Strength gained is based upon class as follows:

	Class	Strength Gain
	Warrior	1d10 points
	Wizard	1d6 points
	Priest	1d8 points
	Rogue	1d8 points

All character classes, not just warriors, have the chance to jump into exceptional Strength ratings as if they were warriors providing that this spell gives the recipient greater than 18 Strength. Warriors, on the other hand, are allowed to advance as high as 19 Strength through the use of this spell.
The recipient of the spell will undergo a minor change in appearance as well while the spell's duration is in effect. Bright, white, pinpoints of light will glow in the centres of the subject's eyes as a result of the large quantity of negative plane energy that is being utilized to augment the character's Strength.
At the end of the spell's duration, the recipient will experience a terrible backlash from the exertion upon his life energies and the terrible experience of such close contact with negative material plane energies. As the spell's duration ends, the recipient must make a saving throw versus death magic. Success means that he takes only 2d8 points of damage. Failure indicates that the life force of the character was damaged greatly and the character takes 2d8 points of damage and also loses one life energy level (experience level, Hit Dice, etc.).
Creatures without Strength ratings receive a bonus of +2 to attack and damage rolls on all attacks.
The material component for this spell is a bit of bone from a giant skeleton or a pinch of vampire dust.

