Type

Undead (Animated Remains)

Origin

Skeletons are the remains of the long-dead, stripped of flesh, animated through necromancy or curses. As the soul has already passed, skeletons are mere constructs of bone bound by magic — enduring but brittle.

Appearance

• Exposed bones, sometimes armored in scraps or bound by crude wires.
• Empty sockets lit with necromantic glow.
• Weapons often lashed directly to their hands.

Abilities & Behaviour

• Enduring: Resist decay unlike zombies.
• Obedient: Follow necromancer commands without thought.
• Rattling swarms: Dangerous in groups, able to overwhelm.

Weaknesses

• Brittle bones shatter under heavy blows.
• Holy wards disrupt the necromantic bindings.
• Fire does little; sunlight has no effect once bones are clean.

Cultural Notes

Skeletons are feared less than ghouls or wraiths, but despised nonetheless. Many orders, such as the Dawnstriders, burn bones found in necromancer lairs to prevent their reuse.

Related Creatures

• Zombies — flesh-bound husks.
• Mummies — preserved and sanctified, resisting necromancy.