Ghouls are undead predators, similar to both vampires and zombies in some ways, but different in others.


A ghoul looks like a human who has been stripped and dipped in silver paint. Their teeth are long and black, as are the curved, talon-like claws on their hands and feet. Their eyes glow crimson.

Theories

There are several theories as to where ghouls come from. Some are more believable than others.

• Evil people become ghouls
• Anyone bitten or attacked by a preternatural, such as a Were or vampire, would become a ghoul
• If a necromancer is buried in a graveyard, ghouls are attracted there
• The more zombie risings in a graveyard, the more chance ghouls will infest it - like a cumulative effect

Miscellaneous Information

Various facts about ghouls.

• They are undead, but do not rot like zombies
• They have a higher intelligence than animals
• Cowardly, usually only attacking prey that is injured or unconscious. Any show of force sends them running. E.G. Yelling 'Shoo' usually works.
• They rarely venture far outside their own cemetery
• Usually only populate a cemetery with unholy ground - the blessing could be broken by age or satanic or vaundun rites.
• They do not work with humans or the other undead, but the do follow resurrected animators as a pack leader.
• They view anything that isn't another ghoul as either prey or something to hide from
• They can gain sustenance from feeding from the dead. These are the only undead creatures known to be able to do so.
• They leave a psychic stench of evil magic wherever they nest - other preternatural can easily detect them.
• During the daytime, they hide out in underground tunnels, "like giant moles", implying they are harmed by sunlight.
• Exterminators clear out infested cemeteries and tunnels using flamethrowers and napalm.

References:
Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

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