Thralls

are the spirits of fallen warriors and craftsmen, which remain after the living have fled the Hunger. Unfinished matters make them still linger around in the world, keeping them from passing on into the afterlife. If they find not a way to flee, they will be devoured by the Hunger. One duty of the players (or the "Crows") is to offer these spirits salvation, in giving them a chance to serve the gods for some time and then being released into the afterlife.

"Thralls can serve as vendors managing your sales, craftsmen to help you make items, unearthly trainers who assist you in learning certain skills faster, guardsmen who protect your ramparts, and bind-spirits – fallen warriors who can be inscribed into the runes to make your weapons and armor more powerful. (for example, you could bind the spirit of an Elven Blademaster into your sword, and the echoes of his life would help guide your blows and shield you from harm.)"

- Official Site about Thralls

Thralls have different stats. Some make great guards, crafters, trainers, or are powerful bound spirits locked into weapons or armor. Of course the thralls are afraid of the Hunger, but they also will try to break free from their enchantment. Art+Craft is still working on this feature.

How to capture a thrall
Usually, Thralls like to wander the places they used to live in when they were alive. Players will find these spirits in the Campaign Worlds and will need a Soul Gem to capture the souls. There probably will be also different soul gems.