Because the world we live in is not natural for humans. Concrete walls and paved roads are not the way to grow.
An apocalyptic world resets this environment and brings out our animalistic nature.
You've obviously never been shot in the shoulder by an arrow..... you would not be observing and assessing it.....
If you're character is disciplined and use to pain, have in act calm.
If he is young then have him panic
Why not do something unique and not emphasize symmetry like everyone wants to do with weapons.
Large sword in right hand (the standard issue weapon of a clan member)
Thin jagged dagger in left hand (a religious artifact that comes from the mystery of her past)
just a thought!
Perhaps, the fact that mages have no room in your world is the basis for your story.
Once they were revered as elite fighters, but as technology took over and the world entered a era of peace, the art of Magik slowly dwindled.... little did the world know that magik may be the only thing that...
They are overdone in the sense that you will have a LOT of solid competition as far as the genre goes. Good writing, however, will still be good writing and a well thought story will still be a good read.
Why not create your own undead if that is a concern?
Example:
Moggles are souls...
In my story, a comet joined the orbit of the planets that has activated "magik" in certain individuals. Don't copy but hope that helps!
Other ideas:
A disease is being spread that activates magik... at a great cost....
An ancient language was rediscovered, left by an extinct race, that...
Wisps are sweet but your yours sound too much like dementors from harry potter! Perhaps give them a unique characteristic like... only posses children? makes people crazy? Only lives around water?
You can use classes... but what's the point? Create your own!!!!
Try names that have real world meanings:
Mercenaries (all mercenaries know magik in your world)
Drafters
Natives
Or make up your own!
Enclosers
Illiwards
MooPooFaces
MAGICK:
The girl then raised her arms above her head, staring into the rainfall. An immense blue flare began to spiral in the skies above her, disintegrating all that it touched. And as she beckoned the heavens, somebody moved behind her, something; a darkness that loomed over the tiny girl...