[@Aurus] Thanks for the consideration. I might be a wight in that case. A mortal mage, seduced and betrayed by Vivian (to steal his research, or raid his artifacts or something) arisen and sustained by his mage's will alongside the pain and fury at his betrayal. 

Except that he soon finds his magic reduced to nothing. With no other option for revenge, he takes up the sword. 

Maybe. 

If that's cool.

In regards to dealing with civilized areas and such, he could keep himself hidden/cloaked under heavy armor or something. Kind of like the knight who never lifts his visor. 

Just trying to think of a viable option here. I know it's cliche and impractical. But at the moment I can't think of any better options to disguise a walking skeleton.