Sedulous Dead

"I remember what the water tasted like, drink it for me..."

These creatures are very much aware of their condition and ability, and still retain most if not all of their knowledge from their time alive. The amount of time that has passed since their demise, and the means by which they expired can often lead to a degree of mental instability, but aside from that, they are not automatically aggressive. They are not known to have any love for the living, and in fact, covet them generally in some way or another, either jealous of their living state, or desperate for company. They have been known to keep living people trapped in places in an attempt to relive things they remember, and using their toxic touch as a means to force their new found "friends" into staying with them.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These poor souls appear in various states of decay from recently demised to utterly skeletal. There is always a remaining bit of intelligence surrounding their demeanor and actions, and often will continue to stay clothed and clean depending on the availability of such things. They take great care to preserve themselves as best they can in an attempt to appear as close to alive as possible.

Ecology and Habitats

The Sedulous Dead are the remains of those who have died to the tainted weather conditions of the wastes and been left long enough to absorb the negative energies there and reanimate. The remains are toxic to the point of becoming capable of transmission of the Breathless Plague. The disease is already fairly widespread, but thanks to the efforts of the Order of Benevolents, it has been contained fairly well to the Outlands and the Wastes. The disease drives those infected to wander aimlessly, often grouping mindlessly into clusters of infected. The pathogen itself keeps the host body ambulatory even after death and utilizes it to continue spreading to other hosts. Any breach into the bloodstream, a scratch or bite from an infected carrier, alive or dead, will cause the disease to infect a new host. The potential new victim is allowed a DC 15 constitution save to resist the infection, but this must be done for each wound sustained from the infected carrier. The newly infected will begin to show symptoms within 24 hours and will die and reanimate in a number of days equal to their constitution score. 
These creatures obsess over the trappings of the living. They crave to remember the taste of food, the feeling of a touch, and all the other simple aspects of life. They will often encourage those in their company to indulge in such things so they may observe and live vicariously through their captives. They will not willingly infect someone who humors their requests, but will in turn attack with the intent of infecting should they try to escape, just to prolong the obsession a few days before the new addition loses their ability to share these actions.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

These creatures are intelligent and very social in death. They are commonly found in small groups or even on occasion, communities if left unchecked long enough. They tend to repurpose ruins and abandoned places, as their "condition" keeps them from being able to build efficiently. If placated, they will not only remain amicable, but will also attempt to feed and care for their captives.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

• Languages Understands All Languages It Spoke In Life But Can't Speak

• Medium Undead, Neutral
• Armor Class 13
• Hit Points 13 (2d8+4)
• Speed 30'
• STR 10 (+0)
• DEX 14 (+2)
• CON 15 (+2)
• INT 12 (+1)
• WIS 10 (+0)
• CHA 5 (-3)
• Damage Vulnerabilities Bludgeoning, Fire, Radiant, Thunder
• Damage Immunities Necrotic, Poison
• Damage Resistances Cold, Lightning, Psychic; Piercing and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks that aren't Adamantine
• Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion, Incapacitated, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Unconscious
• Senses Darkvision 60', Passive Perception 8
• Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Abilities

• Infectious Pathogen The Sedulous Dead are the remains of those who have died to the tainted weather conditions of the wastes and been left long enough to absorb the negative energies there and reanimate. The remains are toxic to the point of becoming capable of transmission of the Breathless Plague. The disease is already fairly widespread, but thanks to the efforts of the Order of Benevolents, it has been contained fairly well to the Outlands and the Wastes. The disease drives those infected to wander aimlessly, often grouping mindlessly into clusters of infected. The pathogen itself keeps the host body ambulatory even after death and utilizes it to continue spreading to other hosts. Any breach into the bloodstream, a scratch or bite from an infected carrier, alive or dead, will cause the disease to infect a new host. The potential new victim is allowed a DC 15 constitution save to resist the infection, but this must be done for each wound sustained from the infected carrier. The newly infected will begin to show symptoms within 24 hours and will die and reanimate in a number of days equal to their constitution score.

Actions

• Shortsword. Melee Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5', one target. Hit: (1d6 + 2) Piercing damage.

Scientific Name

Undead