Dungeons & Dragons

It really does seem like an easy power to throw into a story and solve a problem.  That might be the issue though.  Speaking with the dead or any spirits should have some kind of challenge.  Otherwise, the characters with this ability or spell will do it every time they can see a use for it.  So, what are some guidelines?

1. Just because a character can speak with the dead or a spirit doesn’t mean they can tell them what to do.  The phrase itself notes that you’re only creating a conversation.  So, a person with this ability can’t start talking to the ghost of a serial killer and order them to attack an enemy.  They’d have to negotiate and argue their points in the same way one would talk to a living person.  If you want control then it has to be mentioned in the power or spell, which makes it a lot more powerful than what we’re talking about.
2. Speaking with the dead is typically used for gathering information.  So, heroes who use it will be looking for something specific.  They won’t start talking to any spirit they find because that shouldn’t get them the information.  Instead, the heroes need to find the proper target for this spell.  This could involve traveling to a new location or using a more advanced version to summon them.
3. Don’t be afraid to add restrictions to using the spell or power.  This can be requiring that you have part of the person you are trying to talk to or limit the questions that can be asked.  This makes it more of a challenge and gives a reason as to why the characters don’t use it for every information gathering situation.
4. Decide on if the dead is hanging around the mortal plane or have moved on to the afterlife before summoning.  This makes a big difference in what they would know about a situation.  If they have remained as a ghost then they are still witnessing events unfold and can answer questions accordingly.  If they moved on to the afterlife and aren’t able to watch the world, they won’t know about anything that happened after they died.
5. If you are using this spell for natural spirits instead of ghosts, you should consider if the summoned beings can speak the same language as the caster.  Many stories have it that they can only communicate through body language and wordless noises.  This turns it into a game of charades, which can frustrate the spirit if the heroes aren’t too bright.  Another option is that they communicate with telepathy if you want to avoid adding too much complication to the situation, but can’t bring yourself to have them speak mortal language.
6. This doesn’t always have to be done on a battlefield, in an abandoned asylum, or a graveyard.  Though, the ambiance helps with the general creepy factor.
7. Another decision that has to be made about this ability or spell is who is allowed to talk to the spirit.  Is it just the person who has the power or can those present for the summoning interact with the spirit?  This one seems fairly simply and can lead to a bit of comedy.  For example, if only the caster can talk to the spirit, they’ll can be bombarded by suggestions from their friends.  This can cause some one-sided chaos, which the spirit will be able to witness and laugh at.  Hey, things get boring when your dead, so take your entertainment when and where you can.