When this spell is cast, the wizard creates a quasi-real, horselike creature. The steed can be ridden only by the wizard who created it, or by any person for whom the wizard specifically creates such a mount. A phantom steed has a black head and body, gray mane and tail, and smoke-colored, insubstantial hooves that make no sound. Its eyes are milky-colored. It does not fight, but all normal animals shun it and only monstrous ones will attack. The mount has an Armor Class of 2 and 7 hit points, plus 1 per level of the caster. If it loses all of its hit points, the phantom steed disappears. A phantom steed moves at a movement rate of 4 per level of the spellcaster, to a maximum movement rate of 48. It has what seems to be a saddle and a bit and bridle. It can bear its rider's weight, plus up to 10 pounds per caster level.
These mounts gain certain powers according to the level of the wizard who created them:
8th Level: The ability to pass over sandy, muddy, or even swampy ground without difficulty.
10th Level: The ability to pass over water as if it were firm, dry ground.
12th Level: The ability to travel in the air as if it were firm land, so chasms and the like can be crossed without benefit of a bridge. Note, however, that the mount cannot casually take off and fly; the movement must be between points of similar altitude.
14th Level: The ability to perform as if it were a pegasus; it flies at a rate of 48 per round upon command.
Note that a mount's abilities include those of lower levels; thus, a 12th-level mount has the 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-level abilities.
