Created by Archlich Amal-Zelal to direct and lead armies of lower undead, Death Knights form the elite officer corps of the Necroimperium. Transformation preserves their memory, personality, ambition, intelligence, and free will.
Unlike mindless skeletons or lower undead, every Death Knight retains their full personality and strategic reasoning. Their service is a military career based on motivation and competence rather than magical enslavement.
Within the ranks of the Necroimperium, birthright, former titles, and mortal wealth grant no privilege. Promotion from Postulant to Marshal is earned solely through proven tactical performance and combat results.
Dead does not mean will-less. Will-less means useless.