Is a Ghost Undead in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding yes, a ghost is unequivocally considered undead in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). But the classification of ghosts as undead is just the beginning of understanding these fascinating and often terrifying creatures. In D&D, undead are a broad category encompassing creatures that were once living, but have been animated by spiritual or supernatural forces. Ghosts, with their ethereal forms and lingering ties to the mortal world, are a prime example of this classification. Let’s delve deeper into why ghosts are considered undead and what it means for your D&D adventures.

Why are Ghosts Undead?

Ghosts fit the undead description perfectly. The lore surrounding ghosts in D&D clearly states that they are the souls of once-living creatures. These souls, instead of passing on, remain bound to the material plane or a specific location, often due to traumatic deaths or unfinished business. This connection to their past life, combined with their ethereal nature, is what cements their place within the undead category.

Unlike living creatures, ghosts possess abilities and vulnerabilities unique to the undead. They are often immune to poison and disease, and they can move through walls and objects without hindrance due to their partly ethereal form. Their existence is not sustained by the typical biological needs of the living (they don’t breathe, eat, or sleep), which is a key characteristic of undead.

Ghost Types and Undead Lore

D&D features various types of undead, each with unique characteristics, and ghosts are just one example. Other undead include zombies, skeletons, mummies, vampires, and liches. While they all share the common thread of being animated by supernatural forces, each type has unique lore and abilities.

A ghost’s typical form is that of a translucent, spectral figure, often retaining the appearance it held in life, though sometimes more distorted or terrifying. They exist on multiple planes, typically the Material Plane and the Ethereal Plane, allowing them to move between worlds as needed, making them difficult to pin down.

Ghosts vs. Other Undead

It’s crucial to distinguish ghosts from other undead creatures. While a zombie is a reanimated corpse, and a vampire is a predatory undead that needs to drink blood, a ghost’s existence is primarily tied to its soul and unfinished business. A ghost’s form is also different: it is not corporeal like other undead such as skeletons and zombies. This difference in origin leads to differences in abilities, weaknesses, and how they interact within the D&D world.

Ghost Abilities in D&D

The core abilities of ghosts in D&D make them challenging adversaries for adventurers. They are not easily dispatched with typical weapons and their unique powers require a bit of strategy to overcome. Here are some of the typical abilities of a Ghost in D&D:

• Etherealness: The primary ability of a ghost is its ability to shift between the Material and Ethereal Planes. This allows them to pass through solid objects and makes them difficult to target.
• Incorporeal Movement: They can move through walls and objects without obstruction.
• Possession: Ghosts often have the ability to possess living creatures, taking control of their bodies and actions. This is typically done with a Charisma Saving Throw from the possessed individual.
• Horrifying Visage: The mere sight of a ghost can instill terror, potentially causing fear or paralysis. This is usually tied to a wisdom saving throw from the target.
• Damage Resistances and Immunities: They are often resistant to a range of damage types, including physical (non-magical) and many energy types, and usually immune to poison and disease. This is due to them being made of spiritual energy and very little physical energy.

How to Deal with a Ghost

Defeating a ghost requires a different approach than fighting living monsters. Due to their resistance and immunities, mundane weapons are often ineffective. Here are some ways to approach a ghost encounter:

• Magic: Magic weapons and spells are generally the most effective way to harm ghosts. Magic damage often bypasses a ghost’s physical resistances.
• Turn Undead: Paladins and Clerics have the ability to “Turn Undead”, forcing the ghost to flee or even damaging it through sacred energy.
• Specific Weaknesses: While ghosts are resistant to many damage types, there might be specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited depending on their specific lore.
• Addressing Unfinished Business: Sometimes, resolving the unfinished business that binds a ghost to the material plane can bring it peace and allow it to pass on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all ghosts visible in D&D?

No, while ghosts are usually translucent and visible, they are not always visible at all times. The key is that they are not naturally invisible. However, they can often make stealth checks, so they may try to sneak up on unsuspecting targets.

2. What planes can a ghost be on?

Ghosts typically exist on both the Material Plane and the Ethereal Plane. Their ability to shift between these planes is a core part of their nature.

3. What languages do ghosts speak?

In D&D, ghosts usually speak the languages they knew in life. There isn’t a specific “language of the dead.”

4. Do ghosts need to sleep or eat?

As undead, ghosts do not require sleep, food, water, or air, unlike living creatures.

5. What makes a creature undead in D&D?

Undead are creatures that were once alive and have been animated by spiritual or supernatural forces. This can be caused by necromancy, powerful magic, curses, or even traumatic events.

6. Can a ghost be killed permanently?

Yes, but it’s not always easy. While destroying a ghost will sever its connection to the Material Plane, it may reform after a while. The destruction needs to be potent, often magical, and sometimes require addressing their unfinished business to achieve true release.

7. Are ghosts susceptible to turning undead?

Yes, Paladins and Clerics with the “Turn Undead” feature can affect and damage ghosts.

8. Are ghosts weak to certain types of damage?

Ghosts are typically resistant to most physical damage types (bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing) and a few energy types, while being immune to poison and necrotic damage.

9. What does a ghost’s “Possession” ability do?

Possession allows a ghost to take control of another creature’s body. This usually involves the target making a Charisma saving throw to resist the possession.

10. What is a “Horrifying Visage” in relation to ghosts?

The Horrifying Visage ability is where a ghost displays a terrifying image to a target, who will usually make a Wisdom saving throw to not become frightened or paralysed.

11. Can a ghost be invisible?

No, unless they have a specific ability or spell that grants invisibility, ghosts are not naturally invisible. They are, however, translucent.

12. How are ghosts made in D&D lore?

Ghosts are often created from a soul that is unable to pass on after death. This could be due to unfinished business, a violent death, or powerful magic.

13. What happens if you damage a ghost with a non-magical weapon?

Non-magical weapons generally have reduced or no effect on ghosts. They are highly resistant to that kind of damage.

14. What is “Rule Zero” and how does it apply to ghosts?

“Rule Zero” is also known as GM Fiat, it gives the GM final say on all rules and can alter the rules or even create new ones. A GM can use Rule Zero to alter a ghosts abilities, vulnerabilities, or even the way that it was made.

15. Is a ghost similar to a Pokémon type?

Some players might compare them to ghost-type Pokémon due to their spectral nature. However, in D&D, they are very much defined as undead creatures with very specific lore and rules.