The Ghemmintown Ghoulies

A group or a form of fraternity/sorority of 20-30 or so human youths, aged 13-19, who are obsessed with the undead and monsters of Beldam. Once a member is 19, and if in good standing, they are discharged from duties. They meet regularly around midnight at the cemeteries and graveyards throughout southern Beldam. They trace their origins back nearly 200 years ago. During these meetings, they pass around a bottle of dark elf brew they call "Storytale Ale," which the members routinely shoplift from a boutique in Gemmingtown called "Ghoulie Howard's". The shop was founded by an elderly, retired Necromancer named Howard Poe. Today it is run by his descendants, sister and brother Eudora and Robair Poe. The imported ale is referred to as "storytale ale" for it's mild hallucinogenic properties. The group considers themselves as paranormal investigators and scholars.
The Ghoulies come from predominantly wealthy families, though some members are orphans or released juvenile mental patients. They adhere to a strict code of behavior they call, "The Ghoul's Rules." They have no official mission statement, but they maintain a common passion for the legends of the undead, hauntings in particular, but also vampires, maniacs, criminals, mummies, and revenants. They are known to dress in a fashion that mimics such creatures in an almost cartoonish or exaggerated way.
The group collects various artifacts and items related to their favorite subjects, often by shoplifting, burglary, or occasionally grave robbery. They have an "office" hidden beneath the charred ruins of "Gemmingtown Minor Cathedral," they call "The Ghoul's School." The collection of artifacts is referred to as "The Ghoul's Tools." The group also maintains a modest and small library, including the writings of Howard Poe (fictional and otherwise) as well as Necromancer texts that most familiar with the discipline consider "amateurish, factually inaccurate, or even self-endangering." They often mark the places they consider haunted or of significant paranormal importance by painting a symbol that resembles the face of Howard Poe. The group maintains that there is no official connection to Howard Poe or his shop, "Ghoulie Howard's."

Naming Traditions

Family names

Some members are from wealth families such as the Boddingtons, Rimbauers, Bones, Beardsleys, Byrons, Anharis, and the Meddowstones. Some current members are siblings or even the children (legitimate or otherwise) of former members.

Other names

Each member is called by their given names with a prefix of "Ghoulie" (i.e. Ghoulie Hamish, Ghoulie Katrina, Ghoulie Gaspar, etc..).

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

All members speak common. Some learn other arcane languages and instruct others.

Culture and cultural heritage

The group was originally founded nearly 100 years ago by the original 13 members known as the "Ghoul Pool." A shared culture has developed as members have cycled in and out. The group is particularly found of integrating elements of Drowish, Lycanthrope, and revenant culture.

Shared customary codes and values

Members adhere to the "Ghoul's Rules" while actively in the group. A section of the Ghoul's Rules, known as the Ghoulie Pledge is considered a lifelong oath.

Common Etiquette rules

Members are expected to treat one another with utmost respect. The Ghoul's Rules outline etiquette in more detail.

Common Dress code

Members are expected to dress in a fashion that mimics ghosts, undead, monsters, and the like. Clothing is never allowed to be "dirty or in disrepair." Each member is given a pin or badge that bears the insignia of the Ghoulies and a representation of the face of Howard Poe.

Art & Architecture

Members share a fascination with dark or gothic art or literature as well as works on the supernatural. The fiction of Howard Poe is given special reverence.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The group has several non-magical rituals which play out more like ceremonies. They do observe some Dark Elf and Druidic holidays, but in a more honorary fashion, including the high Dark Elf holiday of Cavium Nocturn.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Members are inducted in a ceremony, outlined in the Ghoul's Rules.

Coming of Age Rites

Discharge ritual is referred to as the "Ghastly Goodbye," and outlined in Ghoul's Rules.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Ghoulies are expected to be burned upon a pyre in the sacred lake of Lochhammon.

Common Myths and Legends

Several myths and legends have been incorporated into the greater mythos of the Ghoulies. They are outlined in the tome known as "The Gorey Stories," collected by Gorey Bones, an original Ghoul Pool member.

Historical figures

"Ghoulie" Howard Poe. Gorey Bones. Havilland Marveau. Shelly Byron. Stoker Bottinger. Atonin Rimbauer. Illumina Ankari.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

They consider creepy, dark, bizzare, or ghastly things to be a form of beauty and they often dress in a fashion that mimics undead, vampire, werewolf, mummy, or other similar creatures.

Gender Ideals

According to the "Ghoul's Rules," all genders are of equal importance and have an equal say in group affairs.

Courtship Ideals

Romantic relationships between members is strongly discouraged. Outside of the group, members can engage in romantic relationships as they wish, but cannot sponsor their significant others for membership.

Relationship Ideals

Ghoulies are considered friends and compatriots for life, even after they are "discharged" from the group. Once a member reaches the age of 19, and are discharged in good standing, they take the title of "Ghoulie Most Excellent," and provide a support role both advisory and financially. Current members are encouraged to assist each other academically, professionally, and socially.