mortisemounted

Mortisemounted is a term in fantasy and speculative fiction describing systems or practices that bind death-energy to a mount—such as a corpse, undead beast, or mechanical platform—so it can be controlled by a necromancer or technomancer. The concept covers both ritual preparation and the act of riding or operating the mount in combat or field tasks.

Etymology: derived from mortis, Latin for death, and mounted, reflecting a rider bound to death-energy. The idea appears in late medieval-inspired fantasy and has become common in modern tabletop games and grimdark fiction.

Mechanics: mortisemounted configurations use binding rites, runes, or energy cores to channel death-energy into the mount. Control is achieved through a conduit—ritual focus, tether, or mind-link—that translates intent into movement or action. Some mounts have limited autonomy or require ongoing maintenance.

Variants and use: undead steeds animated by necromancy, mechanized hosts powered by death-energy, and hybrids of flesh and machine exist. In fiction they enable rapid relocation, flanking maneuvers, or siege work, but carry risks of control loss, spiritual backlash, or energy leakage.

Reception and limits: many societies regulate or condemn mortisemounted practice due to ethical concerns and instability risks. Practical limits include energy supply, binding durability, and vulnerability to holy or life-energy countermeasures. See also necromancy, undead, technomancy.