Only the spell's subjects can see the phantasmal creatures attacking them. The character sees only shadowy shapes. The subjects first get a Will save to recognize the image as unreal. If a subject fails, the phantasm touches the subject, and the subject must succeed at a Fortitude save or die from fear. Even if the Fortitude save is successful, the subject takes 3d6 points of damage and is stunned for 1 round. The subject's Strength score also drops 1d4 points for 10 minutes. A stunned creature can't act and loses any Dexterity bonus to AC. Attackers gain +2 bonuses to attack it.
If a subject of a weird attack succeeds in disbelieving and is wearing a helm of telepathy, the beast can be turned upon the character. The character must then disbelieve it or suffer its deadly fear attack.