Death Touch

By casting this spell, the priest slays another living creature and transfers part of its life energy to himself. To cast the spell successfully, the priest must make a successful attack roll. The creature is allowed a saving throw vs. death magic at a -2 penalty. If successful, the creature suffers the effects of a cause critical wounds spell (3d8+3 points of damage). Otherwise, the creature is slain and the priest gains 1d4 hit points per Hit Die or level of the creature slain, up to the priest's normal hit point maximum.

The material component for this spell is a specially prepared skull decorated with gold filigree and moonstones worth 500 gp, which is consumed in the spellcasting, whether the attack is successful or not.