The ghouls of the Songreaver’s Tale are loosely based on the ghouls of H. P. Lovecraft’s stories. These savage, dog-like creatures dwell in burrows beneath the earth where they feast on the remains of dead creatures, preferably sentient beings. Ghouls are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, but relish most the brains of those who have lived long and interesting lives. Ghouls can “taste” powerful memories and feelings once experienced by the deceased, and a well-seasoned brain is the ultimate feast for the ghoul connoisseur.
Despite their frightful appearance, they are not inherently evil, and can even prove helpful and friendly on occasion. They do, however, lack many human standards of morality and civility, obeying their own, mysterious code of honor.
They will, on occasion, adopt some of the habits and mannerisms of the human societies they shadow. For example, the ghouls of Wythr are accomplished pie-makers. Rumors of wild, primitive tribes of ghouls that haunt the old forests and prefer hunting live prey over grave-robbing have never been substantiated.