Preserve dead

The preserve dead spell delays the onset of decay, preserving a corpse in its current condition for the spell's duration. While the spell is in effect, the corpses do not rot or experience any other form of decay. Even corpses that are doomed to rise again as undead (such as individuals slain by ghouls or wights) or that host parasitic monsters, such as individuals killed by rot grubs, remain perfectly preserved throughout the spell's duration.

Preserve dead has two important effects. First, it extends the amount of time in which a raise dead spell can be effective -- days in which the body is under the influence of preserve dead do not count against the normal limitations of the raise dead spell. Second, preserving a body renders it more suitable for subsequent animation as a zombie. Any corpse animated while the spell is still in effect is more difficult to destroy when so animated.

Note: This version of preserve dead appeared in the Wizard's Spell Compendium Volume Three for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons from TSR. Its use here is for the purposes of providing context for the campaign only.