Death armor

Death armor was a rare necromancy spell that surrounded the wizard in an aura that injured creatures upon contact. It could only be cast by necromancers.

Effects
The aura of death armor harmed only those who touched it with their natural weapons, such as grapples, claws, or kicks. Creatures who attacked with other weapons or projectiles, such as swords or fired arrows, would not be affected. This made the spell particularly good against creatures such as animals, as they would quickly scurry away after taking damage. However, if casters tried to make contact with their targets, they would also take damage.

If the caster was slain whilst surrounded by the aura, they would be engulfed by a black explosion of energy, making resurrection more difficult. More experienced necromancers could make the aura last longer.

Components
The spell required somatic, verbal, and material components. The material component, which was a special unguent, had to be applied to the caster's clothes and body before the spell was cast. The unguent was expensive at 300 gp and, once applied, had to be used within 8 hours, or the unguent coating would expire.

History
The spell was invented by the former Chosen of Mystra, Sammaster. Along with many other necromancy spells, it could be found in the Tome of the Dragon.

Appearances

 * Video games
 * Icewind Dale II
 * Neverwinter Nights