Ghouls
| Ghouls | |
|---|---|
 Ghoul, from The Chronicle of Pagan | |
| Also known as: | zombies |
| First appearance: | Ultima III |
| Last appearance: | Ultima IX |
This article is about a type of undead creature. For the cannibalistic humans from Ultima Underworld (sometimes called ghouls), see Exiles.
Ghouls (also called zombies) are reanimated corpses of the recently dead, similar to animate skeletons save that flesh still clings to their bones and the plagues of the grave may often be spread by their attack. They have appeared in Ultima III, Ultima VIII and Ultima IX.
Description[edit]
Ghouls of Sosaria and Britannia[edit]
These creatures once roamed the ancient lands of Sosaria during the time of Exodus. These vibrant corpses were but a modest danger to a well-equipped company, and could be slain readily by the clerical enchantment Pontori.[1] Such enfleshed undead disappeared as the newly christened Britannia entered its Age of Enlightenment, although Philpop the Weary still made mention of such creatures in his Book of Mystic Wisdom.[2]
Centuries after seemingly fading from the realm, these animate corpses reappeared in the last years of the Age of Armageddon, returning to plague Britannia's living in the last days of the Avatar's adventures in the land. These beings were plagued with a vicious appetite for the flesh of men. Until the final destruction of their bodies, such zombies' limbs would reach ever toward their intended prey, even when severed. Their attack, polluted with the pestilence of death, could also induce sickness and even death in those who received it.[3]
Ghouls of Pagan[edit]
The ghouls of Pagan were all bound into the service of the elemental Titan of Earth, Lithos, the Mountain King. These undying servitors could frequently be found lumbering about the Cemetery and Catacombs of Morgaelin. Should trespassers venture too near to the Mountain King's domains, these wretches would do their best to devour the living invaders.
Lore[edit]
| “ | All Undead creatures are an abomination before the light of Truth. A Cleric with thy Party can Turn these Undead creatures. – from The Book of Play (Ultima III)
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| “ | Ghouls are the animated corpses of the recently dead. Wearing nothing more than the clothing in which they were interred, ghouls — or zombies are extremely slow in both thought and action. Unlike skeleton warriors, the ghouls’ function is far less oriented towards combat, and they begin their service as soon as they make their way to the Mountain King’s domain. However, when sacred areas such as the cemetery are disturbed, ghouls are there to confront the trespasser. Fortunately for the perpetrator, movement for ghouls is extremely difficult and painful, rendering them poor combatants. An ironic twist to the ghouls’ nature is that they consume the flesh of their prey, thus making it impossible for the victims ever to reach Lithos and serve him. – from The Chronicle of Pagan (Ultima VIII)
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| “ | The servants of Lithos, the ghouls, are driven to destroy all living humans. This you know. But what is secret is that after the victim has lain dead for a while — long enough to be cool, but yet be fresh — the slayer’s comrades emerge from the crevices of the ground and devour the corpse, from shredded flesh to the last bone shard. – from Ultima VIII Clue Book (Ultima VIII)
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| “ | Condemned to a forced guardianship, zombies are the animated flesh, now rotting, of the recently deceased. In graveyards and charnel houses, zombies feed on mourners and the morbidly curious. Though clumsy in combat, zombies do not arrest their pursuit of living flesh till their bodies have been destroyed. To sever limb from limb is insufficient, as they may separately renew the attack. With each strike, there is a chance that the zombie will poison you with its disease. – from Journal (Ultima IX: Ascension)
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Trivia[edit]
- Ghouls and zombies were to be included in the canceled Ultima X. See Planned monsters for Ultima X § Ghoul and Planned monsters for Ultima X § Zombie for further details.
- Another variation of Ghouls would have appeared in the cancelled add-on, The Lost Vale. Undead legion of Hydros would have resembled corpses which had been preserved underwater for a very long time.
Gallery[edit]
Hydros' undead from The Lost Vale
Ultima X concept art
Ultima X concept art
See Also[edit]
- Ultima III monster data
- Ultima VII Part Two monster data
- Ultima VIII monster data
- Ultima IX monster data
References[edit]
- ↑ Weigers, Margaret Ellen. "Pontori". The Ancient Liturgy of Truth (Ultima III). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1983. Page 3.
- ↑ Albert, David. "Undead". The Book of Mystic Wisdom (Ultima IV). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1985.
- ↑ Mueller, Tonda. "Bestiary". Journal (Ultima IX). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1999. Page 52.