Ghoul (Dungeons & Dragons)
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| Dungeons & Dragons creature | |
|---|---|
| Ghoul | |
| Alignment | chaotic evil |
| Type | Undead |
| Source books | |
| First appearance | |
| Mythological origins | Ghoul |
| Image | Wizards.com image |
| Stats | OGL stats |
For the generic mythological creature, see Ghoul.
In the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game, ghouls are monstrous, undead humans who reek of carrion[citation needed]. A ghoul is said[who?] to be created on the death of a man or woman who savored the taste of flesh: this was probably derived from the popular connection of the word 'ghoul' with persons who delight in the unsavory. They not only eat the dead, but also prey on the unwary living, likewise, a Ghast is supposedly made while someone dies during the act of cannibalism. Ghouls can paralyze their victims with a touch, though elves are immune. Aside from the standard variety, a number of other forms of ghoul exist.
Contents |
Abyssal ghoul
These extraplanar versions of the standard ghoul have fiendish characteristics that make them far more formidable than their cousins.
Ghast
The ghast is similar to the ghoul, but is distinguished by its monstrously foul and supernaturally nauseating stench. It is also more powerful than a standard ghoul; even elves can fall victim to a ghast's paralytic touch.
Ghoulish and ghastly creatures
These are creatures which possess the ghoulish or ghastly template, which in effect makes them non-human versions of ghouls and ghasts.
Gravetouched ghoul
These ghouls are said to have been blessed by the King of Ghouls upon their return from the dead, and are thus more powerful than common ghouls. While standard ghouls lose all of their abilities from their previous life, gravetouched ghouls retain most of their former selves, albeit enhanced by the transformation into an undead creature.
Lacedon
A lacedon is the aquatic version of the standard ghoul. Save for the fact that they are powerful swimmers, Lacedons are identical to standard ghouls. They are said to lurk near reefs, waiting to prey on stranded vessels.
True ghoul
A civilized form of ghoul, these creatures lack the savage nature of their standard counterparts, and often live together in underground cities which approximate human civilization. An example of such a society can be found in the World of Greyhawk's version of the White Kingdom.
References
- Baur, Wolfgang. "Ecology of the Ghoul." Dragon #252 (TSR, 1998).
- Baur, Wolfgang. "A Gathering of Winds." Dungeon #129 (Paizo Publishing, 2005).
- Baur, Wolfgang. "Kingdom of the Ghouls." Dungeon #70 (TSR, 1998).
- Cagle, Eric, Jesse Decker, James Jacobs, Erik Mona, Matt Sernett, Chris Thomasson, and James Wyatt. Fiend Folio (Wizards of the Coast, 2003).
- Collins, Andy and Bruce R Cordell. Libris Mortis (Wizards of the Coast, 2004).
- Gygax, Gary. Monster Manual (TSR, 1977).
- Stewart, Doug, ed. Monstrous Manual (TSR, 1994).
- Williams, Skip, Jonathan Tweet, and Monte Cook. Monster Manual (Wizards of the Coast, 2000).
