Editing Undead

'''Undead''' is a term for creatures that are animated but not really alive -- usually they started out alive, then died, and then were somehow re-animated while not properly regaining life.

The exact mechanism of this re-animation depends on the setting; in fantasy worlds, there may be some abstract "negative energy" (as in [[Dungeons & Dragons]]) that can animate flesh that is no longer alive, while science fiction tends to invoke chemicals, electricity, or more advanced concepts like nanomachines that restore some semblance of life to dead creatures.

Though they may be capable of moving, and in some cases talking and thinking, the undead usually lack some characteristics of living creatures.  For example, they may lack a heartbeat, or be cold to the touch, as their bodies no longer possess (or require) a metabolism.  They are also sometimes said to lack a soul, which can manifest itself as being unable to cast shadows or reflections, as if they are lacking some substance required to do such things.  Unquenchable hunger and thirst (especially for blood, souls, or other substances associated with life) are also common symptoms.

Historically, undead were seen as abominations; creating life from non-life was strictly the province of God or the gods, and mortals who intruded on that domain were evil, as were the fruits of their efforts.  Over the last couple hundred years, opinion has shifted slightly; while people who create undead, like [[necromancer]]s, are still usually evil, but the undead themselves are usually at least pitied for having once been human and then made into [[monster]]s against their will.

Nevertheless, relations between the living and the undead are usually adversarial.  In settings where undead are animated by "negative energy", they are usually automatically evil, with whatever intelligence they possess bent towards satisfying their hunger and becoming more powerful.  They may be harmed by holy energy focused by [[cleric]]s, or by any "positive energy" of any kind (e.g. healing potions or items).

== See Also ==

* [[Lich]], intelligent undead [[wizard]]s.
* [[Skeleton]], known for being spooky and scary.
* [[Vampire]], intelligent undead who vant to suck your blood and are occasionally obsessed with counting.
* [[Zombie]], contagious and unintelligent undead.

[[Category:Monsters]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]