Speak with Dead

Upon casting a speak with the dead spell, the cleric is able to ask several questions of a dead creature in a set period of time and receive answers according to the knowledge of that creature. 

Of course, the cleric must be able to converse in the language which the dead creature once used. The length of time the creature has been dead is a factor, since only higher level clerics can converse with the long-dead.

Likewise, the number of questions which can be answered and the length of time in which the questions can be asked are dependent upon the level of experience of the cleric. 

The cleric needs a holy symbol and burning incense in order to cast this spell upon the body, remains, or portion thereof.

This spell is often subject to abuse due to too liberal DMing. When the cleric asks questions, follow these rules: 1) give answers which are brief, 2) take all questions absolutely literally, and 3) be as evasive as possible if the questioned creature was not friendly to the characters or class or alignment of the spell caster when it lived. Remember, speaking with the dead assumes that the creature has an essence which still exists somewhere, and if it can remember answers to questions, it can remember other things as well...