Walking Corpse

A Walking Corpse is an undead creature usually created by the re-animation of a corpse. Unlike Walking Bones , Walking Corpses still retain some flesh on their bodies and gave off a horrid, rank smell. They are almost mindless, but can be given simple commands, such as "kill anyone who opens the treasure chest." Virtually any solid creature can be turned into a Walking Corpse; in addition to humanoids, troglodytes, minotaurs, ogres, and even beholders can be turned into Walking Corpses. The condition of the corpse is not changed by the animating spell. If the body was missing a limb, the Walking Corpse created from it would be missing the same limb. Since it is difficult to get fresh bodies, most Walking Corpses are in sorry shape, usually missing hair and flesh, and sometimes even bones. This affects their movement, making it jerky and uneven. Usually Walking Corpses wear the clothing they died (or were buried) in. The rotting stench from a Walking Corpse might be noticeable up to 100 feet away, depending upon the condition of the body. Walking Corpses cannot talk, being mindless, but have been known to utter a low moan when unable to complete an assigned task.

Basically, a Walking Corpse is the corpse of a creature that through dark magic that has been animated by someone who can manipulate negative energy, such as a cleric. Walking Corpses could also rise spontaneously if an area was saturated with necromantic magic. A Walking Corpse can also rise due to some dark curse, if the death of its former self was tragic. A walking corpse 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 corpse 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 corpse by a powerful curse it could function as a fighter retaining some of the skills it had in life.
Walking Corpses are also known by other names such as Zombie, Flesh walker, and Creeper to name a few.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Virtually any solid creature can be turned into a Walking Corpse; in addition to humanoids, troglodytes, minotaurs, ogres, and even beholders can be turned into Walking Corpses. The condition of the corpse is not changed by the animating spell. If the body was missing a limb, the Walking Corpse created from it would be missing the same limb. Since it is difficult to get fresh bodies, most Walking Corpses are in sorry shape, usually missing hair and flesh, and sometimes even bones. This affects their movement, making it jerky and uneven. Usually Walking Corpses wear the clothing they died (or were buried) in. The rotting stench from a Walking Corpse might be noticeable up to 100 feet away, depending upon the condition of the body.

Ecology and Habitats

Walking Corpses  are not natural creations and have no role in ecology or nature.  Walking Corpses 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 dead body of any creature can be made into a walking Corpse.

Scientific Name

Undead