Mythos Ghoul

The Eaters of the Dead

Unlike their Undead counterparts, Ghouls of the Mythos are living creatures, with a penchant for dead flesh. They live in the graveyards and necropolises of civilization, feeding on the dead and attempting to stay away from their unwitting benefactors.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mythos Ghouls appear more like gnolls than anything else, with elongated snouts, large, canine ears, fur along their whole body, and sharp claws and teeth. However, Mythos Ghouls also have cloven-hooved feet and pupilless red eyes.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mythos Ghouls reproduce in much the same way as other humanoid races, however, any humanoid can transform into a Mythos ghoul through contact with one, or very rarely proximity to a Ghoul warren. This proximity to the Ghoul curse can persist in an area for hundreds of years after the Ghouls are no longer present.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Ghouls can eat other sustenance besides dead flesh, however it does not sustain them for very long. only dead or undead flesh can sustain them, the older the better. Cooked food is similarly edible, but not nearly as nutritional as it would be for another humanoid.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Mythos Ghouls are decidedly canine, appearing much like a Gnoll. They have a vague hyena-like look, with bristly hair on their necks, long snouts, and pointed ears. Their pointed teeth and long, lolling tongue complete the look, and their eyes are a pupilless white or red.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Ghouls are found across the world, but mostly in human nations, particularly in Stygia, where the ancient Yuan-Ti necropolises make excellent homes.

Average Intelligence

12 INT

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The most extraordinary ability of a Mythos Ghoul is their ability to recall the memories of those they feed on. When a Mythos Ghoul feeds on dead flesh, they gain some of the knowledge that that person had in life, and can even see some of its memories. Mythos Ghouls also have darkvision, and an excellent sense of smell; they can even discern when undead are near, by smell.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Mythos Ghouls depend on the graveyards and other locations from nations where they bury their dead; as such, the ghouls are the symbiotic species. The benefit to their hosts is that they keep the graveyards clean, emptied, and devoid of undead, since Ghouls hunt down and feed on undead.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Varies by base species

Average Technological Level

Ghouls do not create any technology of their own, and they do not tend to steal new technologies from their hosts. However, they are adept at fixing broken tools, and as such can have the same or slightly behind the technological level of their hosts.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common

Common Taboos

Ghouls are not uncivilized; they just have a peculiar diet. Their societies follow the same rules as their hosts, with the only exception being that eating the dead is their only real form of sustenance.

Historical Figures

Varies by individual; the Ghouls as a race do not have historical figures.

Common Myths and Legends

See Myths and Legends.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Ghouls are universally despised, even in Stygia, and if found are usually driven out of their homes or eradicated.

Scientific Name

Varies by base creature

Origin/Ancestry

Varies

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

5' 5" to 6' 2"

Average Weight

100 to 200 lbs

Average Physique

10 STR, 10 DEX, 12 CON

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Ghouls have furred bodies, with bristly hair on their shoulders and backs, and strong yet wiry muscles. Their feet are cloven hooves, but their legs are no less powerful; in addition, they have sharp claws, and powerful forearms and hands, used to dig their warrens.