Grey Dead

The creations of a neutral mage (Krynn) the Grey Dead are a special form of the ordinary animated skeleton. Animated purely by magic with the expressed permission of the spirit that previously inhabited the body the Grey dead are free from the moral and energy problems of usual necromancy. Often used as bodyguards they can be found anywhere usual undead can be placed.

Combat: Created by a new form of animation, nearer to Animate Object than Animate Dead, the Grey Dead act with an intelligence two points less than the mage who created them. Similarly they attack with a skill equal to 2/3 the level of the animator though they may use any equipment. Automata they are still capable of a form of independent thought alowing initiative in battle. Their bony hands do 1d4 points of damage each but sheilds, armour and weapons may be employed as well. If the weapons/skills used are the same as the Dead used in life a +1/3levels bonus applies to their use. Also things like teeth can be enchanted to hold spells for further attacks/ abilities. Due to the powerful bonding magic holding them together 1hp is deducted from all damage to them and a mend spell will act as a cure light wounds on them.

Habitat/Society: Created by the concordant work of a high level Mage and a cleric able to cast Speak With Dead, The Grey Dead may be created by anyone up to the task, without the alignment penalties normally inherant to necromancy. The Dead are usually cleaned, enscribed with runes to prolong their existence, and instucted with a prime directive to always obey their creators. This allows for other instuctions to be added later.
The Dead can perform any function from guard to gardener and are normally organised into units. There is a danger, however, that if an evil or insane body is used the spirit has a 12% chance per month of entering and taking over its animated remains. This cuold cause problems...

Ecology: None. The Grey dead are physiologically identical to normal undead and have the same Sleep, Charm, Hold resistances. They are usually cleaner and often dressed in hooded robes. They are most often found in the company of the Mage S.R.Ceror who created the spell adaption.