L^: i4	-	R#: (1/2")*	-	D^: 1*
C^: v.s	-	CT: 4	-	S^: S
A^: One creature	-	-	-	-

Effect: When this spell is cast, the illusionist creates the illusion of the most fearsome thing imagined,
simply by forming the fears of the subiect creature's subconscious mind into something which its conscious mind can visualize
-- the most horrible beast. Only the spell caster and the spell recipient can see the phantasmal killer,
but if it succeeds in scoring a hit, the victim dies (from fright).

The beast attacks as a 4 HD monster with respect to its victim.
It is invulnerable to all attacks, and it can pass through any barriers, for it exists only in the beholder's mind.

Saving Throw: The only defense against a phantasmal killer is an attempt to disbelieve, which can be tried but once,
or slaying or rendering unconscious the illusionist who cast the spell.
Note that the saving throw against this spell is not standard.
The subject must roll three six-sided dice (3d6) and score a sum equal to or less than its intelligence ability score in
order to disbelieve the apparition. The dice score is modified as follows:
 
 

Condition*	Modifier
Complete surprise	+2
Surprise	+1
Subject previously attacked with this spell	-1
Subject is an illusionist	-2
Subject is wearing a helm of telepathy **	-3 plus the ability to turn the phantasmal killer upon its creator if disbelieved

*Note that magic resistance and wisdom factors also apply,
magic resistance being checked first to determine spell operation
(or -1 to -5 on dice if spell resistance is as that of a dwarf, gnome, etc.),
and then wisdom bonus applies as a minus to the dice roll to match or score less than intelligence.

** If the subject of the attack by a phantasmal killer succeeds in disbelieving and is wearing a helm of telepathy, the beast can be turned upon the illusionist, and then he or she must disbelieve it or be subject to its attack and possible effects.

DMG: If the affected individual is somehow brought to an unconscious state, the spell can not do harm.

Phantasmal Killer: This spell is powerless
against an unconscious creature, and if a
creature affected by the spell is rendered
unconscious, the spell can do no more
harm.
(Imagine #29)
 

By Peter Aronson.