Note that the N'Ferra racial templates assume that the optional "HP=ST, FT=HT" rule is used. If this is not the case, both the Lon and Pladone should be given extra hit points to reflect their large body sizes. Rachak should be given reduced hit points to reflect their small body size.
There are a number of species within N'Ferra, which, although not fully sentient, are nevertheless more than simply animals. The distinction is that "mere" animals have the bestial disadvantage, while Great Animals have the presentient disadvantage. While there is a great deal of discussion about certain species who do not seem to consistently be presentient, there are known to be great animals of the following types: Ants, Bats, Crocodiles, Dolphins, Eagles, Elephants, High Trees, Horses, Octopi, Selkies, Whales, Winged Cats, Winged Serpents.
(For more information see GURPS Undead.)
In a realm as vast of N'Ferra, no general statements can be made about funerary customs. However, whatever those customs are, the need to prevent the rising of the dead as undead is one of the major purposes.
The most significant distinction about undead in N'Ferra is between corporeal and spectral undead. The general attitude is that all corporeal undead are evil, while spectral undead are individuals. While certain philosophers might be willing to argue the point with the mindless dead created through simple magic or spiritualism, even they agree that the restless and willful corporeal undead are always evil.
The reason for this opinion is that all intelligent corporeal undead in N'Ferra require the power of Unlife, which is antithetical to the living (who create the general attitude). Spectral Undead, on the other hand, while they may be associated with Unlife, may also be associated with spiritualism, magic, psionics, or sanctity.
By far the most common (and varied) type of willful undead are vampires. However, liches, revenants, and wraiths also exist, and necromancers may create mindless mummies, skeletons, and zombies. In theory, the creation of mindless undead need not use the power of unlife, but it is a rare necromancer who can use those spells and avoid the easy power it offers. Wights are nonexistent in N'Ferra. For reasons that are unclear, corporeal undead, whether willful or enslaved, have no access to the power of chi. Any chi-using individual loses those abilities upon assuming a corporeal undead form.
Spectral Undead also exist. Ghosts are probably the most common, and seldom use Unlife. Most Shades end up as thralls to Unlife, but some do not (see Spectrem). Shadows were unknown in N'Ferra until very recently, but with the Dark Lady's ascension some have been created. All rely on the power of Unlife. Specters, on the other hand, have a long history in N'Ferra. They also rely on Unlife.
It is important to realize that spectral undead are only one type of spirit, and they are vastly outnumbered by the spirits who are not undead.
Enslaved Undead are a special case. While most agree that they are not inherently evil, most also agree that the best thing for everyone is to kill them so that their spirits may be released. Enslaved undead can also be released by slaying their master. This destroys the unwilling, but permits those who enjoy their undead state to "go free."
Most people will never (knowingly) encounter a member of the undead in their lifetime. Indeed most undead prefer to inhabit areas as far from common mortals as possible. However, they canexist anywhere, and many people have been shocked to find that a respected merchant is a vampire, or a trusted messenger spirit is a Specter.
The Dark Lady claim control over all the undead in N'Ferra, and few undead or mortals would dispute her claim or disobey her commands. In the past she has caused massive uprisings of undead, but currently she allows the undead to satisfy their needs with little guidance from her.