Undeath
Undeath is a state of being where the individual is no longer biologically "alive", but remains animated and possesses a limited or full set of cognitive capabilities. That is the normal systems of the body (circulatory, nervous, or pulmonary systems) demonstrate no activity, and yet the individual has limited or full function.
In the most common cases, the individual (humanoid, beast or otherwise) is effectively a mindless beast. They shuffle about aimlessly, or perhaps seek out human flesh as nourishment. Skeletons and zombies are the most common legends depicting these types of creatures.
In the opposite extreme, the individual has chosen this path as a means of escaping death. In this case, legends refer to the Lich as an individual who has trapped their essence with magic in order to extend their lifespan far beyond that of a normal humanoid.
Transmission & Vectors
Most transmission has an intentional cause behind it. Some for of magic or magical effect is applied that causes a dead body to reanimate in a state of undeath. These often show very limited mental capacity.
Some forms of "farming" behaviors do seem to exist where a creature in this state is able to create other or lesser versions as a result of causing the death of a living being.
More rare cases involve an indivdual choosing to bind their essence in a field of magic, achieving and maintaining this state of undeath through purposeful means, though with a far higher cognitive function.
Causes
The most common cause is magical effects applied after death. It appears that the Miracles of Dieu have the ability to bind the essenceless bodies of these creatures to a task or purpose. It is unclear how these magic like effects work, but there are tales of magics described as necromancy that apparently performed similar functions.
Symptoms
Animated activity with no biological function.
Treatment
There is no treatment for the condition. Only destruction of the body, or in some cases the destruction of the container for the body's former essence, can finally release the body and its essence back to the world.
Prognosis
There is no known means to restore a person back to a state of life once they experience the condition of undeath.
Affected Groups
Undeath has been known to affect nearly any species, though its occurance has been near zero until roughly the year 4705.
Prevention
There have been several attempted preventative measures for undeath. Unfortunately none have been clinically proven effective.
Epidemiology
While it's unclear what the cause of its resurgence was, starting in 4705 an epidemic of undeath began. Scholars are still investigating, but the activity of multiple different groups appears to be at the root cause.
History
This condition has been largely absent from the world of Zihæt from the time of the great war until very recently.
Cultural Reception
Undeath is a horror to nearly all cultures.
Type
Supernatural
Origin
Magical
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Rare
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