Ghouls

== Description ==
A Ghoul is similar to a Zombie in that it was formerly a living person or creature that has now been reanimated, usually through necromantic means. However, unlike a Zombie, Ghouls are nearly impossible to control, their behavior and temperaments similar to a rabid dog. Unlike what is often shown in movies, Ghouls will not pass on their accursed state to anyone they bite as the hapless victim is more likely to be ripped apart and devoured first. These kinds of Undead are easy to spot as they no longer feel pain and are often covered in open, unhealing wounds from repeatedly colliding into objects or stumbling over their own numb feet. In spite of this, their mobility seems only limited to their current state of decay which is slowed due to the quality of magic that animates them, but will eventually overcome any diabolic urges that drive them onward. And unlike other species of Undead, Ghouls will not heal wounds upon ingestion of raw flesh. 
Ghouls do not bleed, their blood having long since coagulated upon death, their hearts ceasing to pump blood through their veins, so hoping that one can inflict enough damage for them to bleed out is simply not a viable strategy when defeating them.The most effective way to dispatch a Ghoul is simply to burn or dismember it so that it is no longer mobile. Decapitation will not stop the body from lurching forward even if it can no longer take bites from one’s flesh. The animated corpse will still attempt to stuff parts of its prey down its exposed throat. Ghouls have been known to even keep going once their stomachs burst from being overfull so hoping that it might at some point sate itself is pointless at best. It should also be noted that they possess strength and agility disproportionate to their state of decay or size, making the dismemberment of their prey all the easier.
Creating a Ghoul is often a result of performing a necromantic ritual improperly when attempting to animate a Zombie or Cursed. It is therefore imperative that the Necromancer know exactly what they are doing. Fortunately, there are spells that can be utilized in stopping a ravenous, reanimated corpse. However, only the Necromancer responsible for summoning them can also lay them to rest using said spells.
Curiously, it has been reported that some Ghouls demonstrate a clever parroting ability wherein they will try to lure in unsuspecting prey with human vocalizations such as cries for help or warm welcomes. Ghouls that have developed this trait are often at high levels of decomposition and are no longer mobile or are barely mobile. Rather than a stalking and attacking strategy, they have adapted to an ambush one. This behavior has lead many to believe that Ghouls are more intelligent than they seem.
Category:Bestiary
Category:Lore
Category:Enemy Lexicon
Category:Undead