Urkik
Urkik are undead reanimated by Necromancers for use as thralls. They slowly rot away until they are useless to their masters and are then discarded. They are barely sentient.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Urkik are human corpses animated by a fungus that weaves its tendrils into their muscle structures. These tendrils puppet the corpse, eating the rot that would dissolve them if they were lucky enough to be truly dead.
Biological Traits
Urkik remain functional and mobile for anywhere from one to six years depending on how strenuous the labor might be.
Genetics and Reproduction
Urkik cannot reproduce on their own. Their spores require a complex mixture of substrate to reproduce, which is part of the safety measure bred into the curse by the Necromancers that bred it. The curse is usually delivered via Zumby Powder, either flung into the face of a victim or put into their food.
Growth Rate & Stages
Immediately after infection, the victim becomes confused and spikes a fever as the spores enter their bloodstream through the membranes of their nose and mouth. When the spores find capillaries roughly their size, their spiked chitin embedding in the walls. They begin sending mycelium into the muscles and nerves of the victim, slowly taking control as the victim fades away and dies. Once the victim is dead, the mycelium penetrate and coccoon the nerves and muscles, operating the corpse like a puppet. Throughout its lifespan, it will be digesting the bacteria and fungus that attempt to grow on the corpse even while shambling around. Eventually, usually over a few years, the corpse will finish decomposing and the curse itself will coil inward, eventually forming a hard polyp roughly the size of a fist in the gut. This can be extracted, ground up and prepared for more Zumby Powder.
Ecology and Habitats
Urkik do best in hot, dry climates where the rot can be kept in check by the curse, but not so far as the desert where there may not be enough rot to feed the curse at all.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Urkik have roughly the same nutritional requirements as their host body did when it was alive, but care little for the quality or flavors involved.
Behaviour
Urkik lack free will. They will obey any command given to them in the language they knew in life, so long as it is simple enough for their moldy brains to understand.
Additional Information
Domestication
Necromancers use Urkik as laborers, servants, and occasionally warriors. On this last, only the best and most experienced Necromancers have the refined command over their undead to command them and expect the enemy to be unable to turn them back around.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
In the beginning of their unlives, Urkik use the same sensory organs that they would in life. As they decay, these senses dull and eventually the energy of the living is the only thing that they can sense.
Civilization and Culture
Common Dress Code
Urkik wear what they are commanded to. That being said, full body garments are typical to hide the unsightly rot, and a face mask to cover the slackened jaw.
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