Some mercenaries are so dedicated to a life of war that they rise from death to continue the battle, prowling the site of their deaths or the places of their burial, looking for foes to put to the sword.
Swordwraiths appear similar to how they did in life, although their equipment is more battered and their flesh appears insubstantial. In dim light or darkness, their eyes can be seen to glow dimly. As most in a particular band come from the same mercenary company, they usually bear the same insignia.
Swordwraiths speak any languages they knew in life. Some have been willing to parlay with those they consider their military equal.
“Swordwraith” is a template that can be added to any humanoid or monstrous humanoid creature with levels in fighter. (referred to hereafter as the base creature). It uses all the base creature’s statistics and special abilities except as noted here.
Size and Type: The creature’s type changes to undead.
Hit Dice: Increase to d12.
Special Attacks: A swordwraith retains all the special attacks of the base creature and also gains the following attack.
Strength Damage (Su): A creature struck by a swordwraith’s melee weapon takes 1 point of Strength damage.
Special Qualities: A swordwraith retains all the special qualities of the base creature and also gains the following special qualities.
Damage Reduction (Su): A swordwraith’s insubstantial appearing body is tough, giving the creature damage reduction 10/magic and slashing. Despite their appearance, swordwraiths are not incorporeal.
Turn Resistance (Ex): A swordwraith has turn resistance +2.
Abilities: Same as the base creature except that, as undead creatures, swordwraiths have no Constitution score.
Skills: Swordwraiths gain a +4 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks.
Feats: Swordwraiths gain the Alertness and Iron Will feats.
Environment: Any land and underground.
Organization: Solitary, company (2–8), or squadron (11–20 plus 1 leader of 1–4 levels higher).
Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +2.
Treasure: Standard.
Alignment: Usually lawful evil.
Advancement: By character class.
Source: Fiend Folio, page 174. Changes applied as per the D&D® v.3.5 Accessory Update.