Ghoul

Ghouls are monstrous, undead humanoids who reek of carrion. A ghoul is said 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. Ghouls can paralyze their victims with a touch, though elves are immune. Aside from the standard ghoul, a number of other varieties exist.

Ghouls are humanoid undead that feed on the flesh of corpses. They lair within ancient crypts or hide in graveyards where food is plentiful. Whenever possible, a ghoul will attack a living target as a rare opportunity to have fresh meat.

A ghoul appears to be an emaciated humanoid creature with putrid grey skin. Its teeth have worn away into fangs and it has a long-lashing tongue. The fingers and toes of a ghoul end in sharp claws, blackened from constantly digging up grave dirt.

People rightfully fear ghouls and their corpse-eating ways. The bite of a ghoul inflicts a terrible disease. Any who die from the illness arises as a ghoul soon afterward. The touch of a ghoul carries a necromantic power that paralyzes those whom the undead touches.

Variants

 * Abyssal ghoul : These extra-planar 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. Elves can fall victim to a ghast's paralytic touch.
 * 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 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.