Walking Bones

Walking Bones are an undead creature usually created by the re-animation of skeletal remains. Unlike Walking Corpse , Walking Bones are void of any flesh, The bones ae usually picked clean by insects. They are almost mindless, but can be given simple commands, such as "kill anyone who opens the treasure chest." Virtually any skeletal remains of any creature can be turned into a Walking Bones; in addition to humanoids, troglodytes, minotaurs, ogres, and even dragons can be turned into Walking Bones. The condition of the skeleton is not changed by the animating spell. If the skeletal remains is missing a limb, the Walking Bones created from it would be missing the same limb. Since it is difficult to get fresh remains, most Walking Bones are in sorry shape, usually missing parts. This affects their movement, making it jerky and uneven. Usually Walking Bones wear the clothing they died (or were buried) in. Walking Bones cannot talk, being mindless, but have been known to utter a low moan when unable to complete an assigned task.

Basically, a Walking Bones is the skeletal remains of a creature that through dark magic that has been animated by someone who can manipulate negative energy, such as a cleric. Walking Bones can also rise spontaneously if an area was saturated with necromantic magic. A Walking Bones can also rise due to some dark curse, if the death of its former self was tragic. A Walking Bones can also retain some of its former life force. This means that if enough dark magic or strong curse is used in the making of the Walking Bones it can retain some of its memory and former skills it possessed in its once life. So If a high level fighter was turned into a Walking Bones by a powerful curse it could function as a fighter retaining some of the skills it had in life.
Walking Bones are also known by other names such as Skeleton, Scrag, Death Rattlers, and Remains to name a few.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Virtually any set of skeletal remains can be turned into a Walking Bones; in addition to humanoids, giants, minotaurs, snakes, and even dragons can be turned into Walking Bones. The condition of the skeletal remains is not changed by the animating spell. If the body was missing a limb, the Walking Bones created from it would be missing the same limb. Since it is difficult to get fresh bodies, most Walking Bones are in sorry shape, usually missing parts. This affects their movement, making it jerky and uneven. Usually Walking Bones wear the clothing they died (or were buried) in.

Ecology and Habitats

Walking Bones are not natural creations and have no role in ecology or nature. Walking Bones are typically found near graveyards, dungeons, and similar charnel places. They follow the spoken commands of their creator, as given on the spot or previously, of limited length and uncomplicated meaning (a dozen simple words or so). The bones of any creature can be made into a Walking Bones.

Scientific Name

Undead