Skeleton

A skeleton is the remains of a dead body set in motion by necromancy, a curse or an ancient ward protecting a place. It can be encountered in tombs, on abandoned battlefields and in buildings where an order outlasted the guards who died. Its equipment may point to a former garrison and help establish the undead creature's origins. The bones alone, however, do not reveal whether an order, an object or someone still controlling it is the key.

It usually has no ordinary human needs and does not act from hunger or a desire for payment. It may repeat a simple task, guard a boundary or follow a necromancer's will. A lone skeleton is often a guardian; several undead may form a line, patrol or group ready to respond to a single command. Its apparent patience comes from not needing to sleep or make decisions like a living person. Aggression often begins when a specific condition is met, such as entering a guarded room.

Bones reduces physical damage from a dagger or arrow by one. This does not mean complete invulnerability or protection against all physical weapons. The party can seek safe passage, the origin of the order or the reason skeletons have awakened now. An emblem on a shield or a repeated movement may provide a clue. Lifting a curse or changing control requires the adventure's specific conditions; simply talking to a creature mechanically following an order may not be enough.