Grimloches

Darkness descended like a swooping raven, black feathers bearing down upon vulnerable light, as a mist arose to smother the lungs and ears. Unnatural, unnerving, the shadow and fog stole life from every pore, vitality from every sense. And there, in the foul heart of the gloom, stood the spewer of taint and destruction: That insidious emissary of death's darker cousin, the Grimloche...

Grimloches are the horrible extensions of the presence of Undeath. They were former L'na, who either embraced the foul infection or succumbed to its deforming touch. Bound by undeath and imbued with magic, they pose a graver threat to those outside the ravenous curse. Grimloches, more than any other undead, relish in spreading the disease, seeking bitter revenge against those fortunate untainted souls or a twisted desire to usher a new reality in Undeath. Worse, they retain their memories, identities and powers, which the infection mutates and maligns against the pure races--Grimloches all seem to consider themselves destined for greatness in the living worlds.

As undead L'na, Grimloches have both natures' tendencies. They carve out territories, pouring the disease into every life form that moves into their domains. Some have become talented breeders, cultivating different species and mixes of undead; while others form temporary minions from corpses at hand to do their bidding. However, all share a similar vision of drenching the essence of Ai with the undead infection, blossoming the world of magic into their eldritch heart that pumps tainted magic into all its creations. An undead heartland of unimaginable power. And their thirst for this power is unquenchable, making the wily and ruthless lords of undeath a fearful predator for wandering L'na and living travelers alike.

Possible Avenues:

Grimloches are the secret keepers of the Undead, probing the secrets of their new existence for its limitless potential. In this, their collective knowledge of the Infection, of Ai and (perhaps) Earth before the Event makes them valuable informants if the players can stomach their warping presence.

Grimloches have discovered a store of artifacts forged by Ai itself that will lead to its inner most sanctum. Each key unlocks wells of life from which whole regions of Ai gain their magical sustenance. If they should acquire them all, Ai will be plunged into an unimaginable incarnation of the unliving.

Tendencies:

Twilights seem more drawn to an existence beyond death, harboring the taint in exchange for its secrets. However, Dawns have also been found willingly partaking in the Infection to become avatars of stunning power. Other Undead seem to resent or fear Grimloches, since they often are haughty due to their unique powers and cunning. Yet, they are rarely disputed as masters of the realms they acquire, as few can overcome their control.

Tactics:

Grimloches like to utilize abilities that infect their opponents mind's with fear as the disease infects their bodies. They have a predilection for creating foggy environments, where the Infection billows on the moist vapors and sodden earth. Incantations such as Phantasms, Fearful Mein and Telepathy aid them in unhinging the minds of the careless who stumble into their dens, while their vicious fangs and claws act as last resorts unless they deem a target frail enough to succumb to their infectious bite. And one should note their seemingly endless supply of undead minions at their command...

Template Powers:
L'na Race Card
Undead Infection
Investiture of Oaze/Maoru