Zombie

Zombie is a transformative status effect that fundamentally alters how the afflicted unit interacts with holy-element effects. Zombie units suffer -2 Strength and -2 Intelligence, reducing both physical and magical capabilities. Most critically, the holy element's healing properties are reversed for Zombie units: holy healing instead deals damage (though this damage is non-lethal), and using a Bible on a Zombie unit applies Fear instead of its normal effect.

Zombie is a persistent status that does not decay on its own. For undead enemy types, Zombie is their default state and functions as a permanent characteristic that auto-reapplies if removed by temporary cleansing effects. This permanence makes Zombie one of the few status effects that cannot be effectively cleansed from its natural hosts. The reversed holy interaction means that holy-element attacks, which are normally healing-focused, become damage tools against Zombie units, creating a natural counter-strategy.

One notable benefit of the Zombie status is that Zombie units do not sustain permanent injuries when downed. This can actually be advantageous in some situations where avoiding injury penalties is more valuable than the stat losses. When facing Zombie enemies, holy-element builds become unexpectedly powerful, as healing spells can be used offensively against them. Conversely, if your own cat becomes a Zombie, avoid holy healing sources as they will deal damage instead. The stat penalties and reversed healing make Zombie a complex status that rewards understanding its interactions.