All clerics can exert control over the undead and some dæmonic beings, causing them to flee and/or cower. Evil clerics can opt instead to compel the submission and service of these foul creatures. In either case, the cleric must do the following:

• Stand before the undead (within 30 feet)
• Speak boldly a commandment whilst displaying a holy symbol

The referee must cross-reference the cleric’s turning ability (TA) with the Undead Type to determine the cleric’s chance of success. The referee may ask the player to roll a d12 to determine the outcome, or the result may be fixed. The results are as follows:

• d12 score equal to/less than the number indicated: T (turned)
• d12 score greater than the number indicated: NT (not turned)

Undead Turning Definitions:

The following definitions apply to Table 13:

• NT (not turned): the undead are beyond the cleric’s power to affect.
• T (turned): 2d6 undead are compelled to cower/flee for 1 turn unless attacked.
• D (destroyed): 2d6 undead are exorcized/destroyed, crumbling to dust.
• UD (ultimate destruction): 1d6+6 undead are exorcized/destroyed, crumbling to dust.

N.B.: Clerics of above-average charisma (15+) are more commanding; hence, their chance-in-twelve of success is improved by one (+1); e.g., a 4-in-12 chance becomes 5-in-12 (see Chapter 3: Statistics, charisma).

Frequency of Undead Turning: This ability can be used a number of times per day equal to the character’s TA; however, the cleric can make but one attempt per encounter unless a second wave of undead arrive.

How to Turn Multiple Undead Types: If multiple kinds of undead are met in a single encounter, only one d12 roll is required. The same result is applied to each Undead Type. Those of the lowest Undead Type are affected first, unless the sorcerer specifically targets a single creature, in which case only that creature potentially is affected (e.g., if a vampire stands at the fore of a pack of zombies, the cleric might step forth, holy symbol raised, and speak a commandment of abolishment, pointing a holy symbol directly at the vampire).

Evil Command of Undead: A cleric of Evil alignment may opt to exercise control over the undead on a successful turn undead check. Such undead remain under the sorcerer’s sway unless turned or commanded by another sorcerer of equal or greater turning ability. Up to 2 HD of undead per TA level can be controlled. If a Neutral cleric attempts to command undead, then he or she will have turned to a darker path, submitting to Evil and no longer of Neutral alignment; consequences may ensue.