The Moribund a curious Old school class

Once upon a time I read a story of how a group of young D&D players thought the clerical ability "turn undead" meant one could change into the form of an undead. Here now is a class that does just that. (first draft)

Moribund............Exp........Hit Dice

1. Paleman............0.............1d6
2. Gaunt ...............2,501......2d6
3. Shroudjack.......5,001......3d6
4. Corpsejagger....10,001....4d6
5. Necromorph.... 20,001....5d6
6. Shriek ..............40,001....6d6
7. Deathmask.......80,001....7d6
8. Shadow Walker...160,001 ...8d6
9. Deathmaster.......320,001.....9d6
160,000 exp per level over
+2 hp per level over 9.

roll to turn into undead (roll 2d6)
level...skeleton zombie ghoul wight Spectre Vampire
1..........9.............11+
2-3......7+...........9+............11+
4-5......5+...........7+............9+............11+
6-7......4+..........5+.............7+.............9+.......11+
8-9......3+..........4+............5+.............7+.........9+.........11+
10-12...3+..........3+...........4+..............5+.........7+..........9+
13+......3+..........3+...........3+..............4+........5+...........7+

When changing into an undead form the the character temporarily gains as many HP as the undead monsters # of HD. When changing back to mortal form the moribund loses all HP over normal maximum HP.

It takes a moribund of level 1-3 3 whole rounds to transform into an undead being.It moribund of level 4-6 take 2 whole rounds to transform into an undead being, level 7-8 take on whole round, those of level 9 or higher make the change instantaneously.

If a moribund assumes the same form 3 times in a day there is a 33% chance they are stuck in that form until the next full moon.

A moribund remains in undead form for as many full turns as they have levels up until level 13. From level 13 onward they may remain in undead form for their level in hours. A moribund of 3rd level or higher may voluntarily cancel an undead form by concentrating for a full round. A moribund of 9th level or higher may cancel form at will.

If a moribund fails 3 attempts in a day to turn into an undead form they are not allowed to attempt to do so until after the night fall.

Moribund of level 4 or less must roll to maintain form if exposed to normal daylight while in undead form.

A moribund has all the powers, immunities and weaknesses of the undead form they assume.

Equipment is subsumed into the spectral form.

A moribund is turned as the undead form when in undead form but is allowed a save vs death magic to avoid being turned. If turned away the moribund will flee for 2-12 rounds , may not assume normal form during that time and must roll to maintain form following the 2-12 rounds. Being Destroyed by a powerful cleric while in undead form destroys the Moribund.

If a moribund drains a level while in undead form 3 HP are temporarily gained per level drained.

If a moribund is slain in undead form (except for being destroyed by turning) they will reanimate as an NPC of the undead they were imitating in 2-5 days with standard stats for the undead kind save for bonus hp equal to the level the moribund had obtained.

Healing magics only work with 50% effectiveness on a moribund while in mortal form. While in undead form healing spells neither help nor harm a moribund.

Moribunds fight as per the standard undead while in undead form. While in mortal form they fight as a cleric of equal level. They always save as a cleric of equal level.

A moribund may use any one handed weapon, scythes or staves. Moribund may use shields and wear magical helmets , they are not permitted to wear armor otherwise.