View source for Publication:Dread Codex/Monsters/Ghoul

=== Creating a Ghoul ===

==== Size and Type ====

The base creature's type changes to [[SRD:Undead Type|undead]]. As base creature.

==== Hit Dice ====

Change to d12, and adjust hit points bonus for ability score modifications.

==== Armor Class ====

The ghoul has +2 natural armor or the creature's natural armor, whichever is better, though it loses any manufactured armor bonuses.

==== Attack ====

The ghoul retains any natural attacks, and gains 2 natural claw attacks and a bite attack if it doesn't already have them, though it loses any attacks with manufactured weapons. Adjust retained natural attacks for ability score modifications.

==== Full Attack ====

Creatures without natural weapons gain a bite and 2 claw attacks based on the ghoul's size category. If the creature already has a bite or claws that do more damage, the creature retains these, but adjusted for ability score modifications.

{| class="zebra d20"
! Size !! Bite !! Claws
|-
| Fine || 1 || –
|-
| Diminutive || 1d2 || 1
|-
| Tiny || 1d3 || 1d2
|-
| Small || 1d4 || 1d3
|-
| Medium || 1d6 || 1d4
|-
| Large || 1d8 || 1d6
|-
| Huge || 2d6 || 2d4
|-
| Gargantuan || 2d8 || 2d6
|-
| Colossal || 4d6 || 2d8
|}

==== Special Attacks ====

A ghoul retains all of the special attacks of the base creature, except for those affected by Degeneracy (see below). Saves have a DC of 10 + {{1/2}} ghoul's HD + ghoul's Cha modifier. It also gains the following:

* '''Ghoul Fever ([[Su]]):''' Disease — bite, Fort save negates, incubation period 1 day, damage 1d3 Con and 1d3 Dex. The save DC is Charisma-based. An afflicted humanoid who dies of ghoul fever rises as a ghoul at the next midnight. A humanoid who becomes a ghoul in this way retains none of the abilities it possessed in life. It is not under the control of any other ghouls, but it hungers for the flesh of the living and behaves like a normal ghoul in all respects. A humanoid of 4 Hit Dice or more rises as a ghast, not a ghoul.

* '''Paralysis ([[Ex]]):''' Those hit by a ghoul's bite or claw attack must succeed at a Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d6 rounds. Elves are immune to this paralysis.

==== Special Qualities ====

A ghoul retains all the special qualities of the base creature, except for those affected by Degeneracy (see below), and receives those special qualities listed below.

* '''{{Anchor|Degeneracy}} ([[Ex]]):''' A ghoul loses all skills and abilities not typical of brute predators. All class abilities are lost except for base saves. Ghouls are not able to learn or use feats that require tool use, such as weapon and armor proficiencies or most combat feats. The ghoul cannot learn or use skills such as Craft, Profession, Disable Device, etc. The ghoul cannot advance in class levels after becoming a ghoul, unless it is levels in the [[Ghast (Dread Codex Prestige Class)|ghast prestige class]]. The ghoul does retain racial abilities, except for those that a ghoul is otherwise prohibited from learning.
* '''Turn Resistance ([[Ex]]):''' A ghoul has +2 turn resistance.

==== Abilities ====

Modify from the base creature as follows: Str +4, Dex +0, Int -2, Wis +2, Cha -4. The creature's ability scores cannot go below a 1. As an undead creature, a ghoul has no Constitution score.

==== Skills ====

Ghoul class skills when advancing are Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Intuit Direction, Jump, Listen, Move Silently, Search, and Spot. See Degeneracy, and adjust skills for ability score modifications. Ghouls suffer a -2 racial penalty on skill rolls when using skills requiring fine manipulation.

==== Feats ====

The ghoul gains [[SRD:Multiattack|Multiattack]]. See [[#Degeneracy|Degeneracy]].

==== Environment ====

Any land or underground.

==== Organization ====

Solitary, gang (2–4), or pack (7–12).

==== Challenge Rating ====

Same as the base creature.

==== Treasure ====

None.

==== Alignment ====

Always chaotic evil.

==== Advancement ====

As an undead creature.

==== Level Adjustment ====

[[Level Adjustment::–]]
Alignment	Always chaotic evil +
Challenge Rating	3 +
Environment	Any land or underground +
Level Adjustment	– + and — +
Size	Large +
Summary	"Ghoul" is a template that can be added to any sentient creature with an organic body and a soul who was killed by a ghoul and affected by its Create Spawn ability, or who ate the flesh of creatures of its type in life and recently died +
Title	Ghoul +
Type	Undead +