Ghûls

Eaters of the Dead

The bane of the Drāūn‘s faithful, Ghûls are unique among the ranks of the Restless. Whereas some Restless are formed from the meddling of Mortals with necromantic forces, Ghûls are created by the infectious embrace of other Ghûls. The transformation bypasses death, locking the victim’s body and soul into the new creation. The resulting spiritual corruption is a major reason the Cult of Drāūn detests the creatures.

Physiology

Ghûls appear as twisted, rotting, atavistic versions of their living form. Transformed individuals may be identifiable for years to come, depending on how well the Ghûl form fares. Wounds suffered by Ghûls do not appear to regenerate or heal, but rather grow black and infected, a condition from which they never recover.

All members of this “race” suffer from an overpowering hunger for living (or recently living) flesh. Feasting seems to slake the hunger of Ghûls, which in turn has a calming effect on them. Satiated Ghûls have been known to hold intelligent conversation, provided their transformation and/or decline has not advanced. While some Ghûls may cling to their original likes, dislikes, and values, no Ghûl may overcome their hunger.

Over time, Ghûls develop more and more animal characteristics. These changes affect them physically, mentally, and spiritually. The rate of degeneration varies between individuals. Some are unintelligible from the moment they are embraced. Others are able to hold conversations hundreds of years later. Physically, Ghûls become more canine over time. Their faces elongate into a proto-snout and their posture becomes semi-upright. Their smell and hearing exceed the abilities of Yrūn. Spiritually, the longer an individual remains a Ghûl, the more corrupt their spirit becomes. This has a great many religious ramifications. Longevity magics have been shown to forestall the inevitable degeneration that affects all Ghûls.

Psychology

As a whole, Ghûls are primitive creatures driven by two forces: self-preservation and an overwhelming hunger. Their hunger dictates almost all of their actions and decisions, until it is appeased. The only force that trumps this hunger is a sense of self-preservation. Ghûls may not be very intelligent, but they understand safety in numbers, and have been reported to exhibit an alarming aptitude for pack-hunting.

The older a Ghûl becomes, the less mental faculties are available. This degeneration varies considerably between individuals. Some Ghûls have been known to retain magical abilities for decades after their transformation.

Language

Ghûls have no racial tongue, instead relying on whatever languages they knew before transforming. Many Ghûls lose the ability to speak clearly due to the ravishes of arrested health.

Culture

Other than a proclivity toward pack mentality, Ghûls have no identifying culture.

Religion

An ongoing “study” in the City of Nalashir, Niibshibbet has revealed that Ghûls, irrespective of their origins, community, or surroundings react favorably (if not with fervor) toward images and icons of the dark god Evissor. The sage responsible for the study, Hibhurtis of Nalashir, has published several claims based on his observations. His book “Hibhurtis’ Revelations on the Hungering Hordes” claims that the Ghûls’ reactions are evidence that Evissor is the source of the race’s unparalleled propagation. He further deduced that all Ghûls are tied to the Starving God, and that any nutritional value they might glean from feasting benefits the dark one instead of his foul progeny. The book is famous in necromantic and theological circles for coining the term: “Ghûl Lord”.

With the possible exception of feasting, Ghûls have not been observed partaking in religious rituals.

Magic

Ghûl flesh is a component for some spells. Harvesting Ghûl flesh can be challenging because it quickly turns to dust. For Arcanist purposes the flesh is cut into small strips and stored in air-tight containers, which are then sealed with wax. Industrious Arcanists have been rumored to keep “living” Ghûls in basement cages, cutting “orders” from their bodies as needed.

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Disadvantages

  • Social Stigma: Dead (HORp25) -20