Ghoul

A ghoul is an undead creature associated with death, decay, and disturbed graves. In Elaria, it inhabits tombs, devastated settlements, and underground places where dark magic lingers. Various curses or prolonged exposure to necromancy may explain its creation. Unsettling tracks lead to opened graves, remains of bodies, and places where people disappear after setting out to find a missing relative.

Unlike an undead creature carrying out a single command, a ghoul may act as a hunter driven by its own predatory hunger. It is alert and can wait for the right moment, but its story determines how much reason and memory it retains. It may act alone, form a group with other ghouls, or serve a necromancer who exploits its hunger. A living person usually represents prey or an obstacle. An encounter is therefore dangerous even without an openly hostile former master.

Once per battle, Paralyzing Chill temporarily reduces a target's attack and defense after a damaging hit. A weakened ally may quickly need cover and help from the others. The ability does not automatically cause complete paralysis or turn its victim into another ghoul. The party can secure the area, uncover the source of the curse, or rescue someone still surviving underground. If a particular ghoul retains fragments of its identity, a personal possession may provide a story clue; its effect must arise from that adventure.