Vetal
Vetals are undead constructs created through a fusion of the semiotic and charismatic magic arts. They are created from a carefully mummified corpse into which an elanic spirit has been restrained within the head using a specially designed control mask. These control masks are intricate black iron masks inscribed with glyphs on their inner surface which provide basic instructions and conditions for the construct to adhere to when not directly commanded, as well as defining who it must take orders from.
Their eyes emit a deep glow. They give off no odor of decay, but instead emit a pleasant spicy odor. Their skin is leathery and hard. Their bodies are tattooed head to toe with glyphs designed to keep their raging spirit inside the mummified shell and to impart unbearable agony to the spirit when commands are not instantly executed or when there are attempts to violate the boundry conditions inscribed into the control mask.
The spirits used are generally those of the violently insane, usually sadistic murderers, since they are more amenable to the sorts of tasks the vetal will perform and are unlikely to have an inviting afterlife to anticipate.
Their joints, including their necks, are replaced with metal swivel joints inscribed with glyphs that allow them to respond to the will of the encased spirit. Many early vetal have hands replaced with long broad-bladed daggers. Some newer versions have wrists to which a variety of weapons can be attached. Vetals can only be destroyed by cutting off their heads, though they can be slowed or rendered less dangerous by cutting off limbs. They are very quick and their metal joints give them inhuman limberness.
Vetals are believed to be an innovation of the secretive necromantic society known as Path to Freedom and are often used as guardians.
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