Undeath

A once living being reanimated through supernatural means.

Transmission & Vectors

The most common forms of transmission are: an affliction from other undead, curses, necromancy, or a being suffering a tragic death with some unfinished business.

Symptoms

Undead continue to function despite having no metabolism. As such, generally, they do not need to eat, breath, sleep, do not suffer from fatigue, do not feel pain, are not subject to poison or any other effect that affects a metabolism. They are, in many ways, objects. However, undead vary wildly and not all these rules apply to all undead. Many undead need some way to keep their bodies from deteriorating, often by feeding on the living; vampires and ghouls being the most ready examples.

Treatment

Generally speaking, there is no cure for undeath. Often, the only way to put it to rest is to destroy it. Undead, as a rule, are vulnerable to radiant energy.

Affected Groups

Any living being can become undead under the right conditions.

Hosts & Carriers

Other undead.

Prevention

Certain magics and religious rituals can prevent the dead from rising again. In fact, most burial practices are designed with this in mind.

History

Undeath has been around since prehistory. No one knows when, where, or how the condition began. Speculation runs amok.

Cultural Reception

Undead are universally reviled.

Type

Supernatural

Rarity

Extremely Rare