In the lightless depths beneath the ground, an empire of devouring ambition grows and plots and dreams. Their cities lie out of sight, their agents infiltrate the underworlds of a score of surface cities, and their goals know no limits. To them, if you are not a member of their empire, you are food. Their empire maintains complex social structures and forges serious alliances. They scheme and plot. They hunger for the flesh of the living. They are the ghoulish darakhul.
Into the Big, Wide, World
Some darakhul venture into the wider world on the business of their empire. Maintaining their state requires envoys and ambassadors, messengers and scouts, traders and commerce, as well as knowledge of events in the surface world. These undead diplomats engage with races they might otherwise consider food out of duty to the empire and with a specific purpose. Other members of their kind, however, have no such obligations. For adventuring darakhul, those in self-imposed exile, or those who never belonged to a darakhul empire, the quest to master their own hunger, to transcend their role as predators of sentient beings, is as much a part of their journey as the current quest. These characters typically want to grow beyond their ghoulish appetites and regain some part of their former lives in the cultures and societies of the world’s surface. No one knows better than the darakhul that they can’t overcome their nature unless they confront it.
But no matter how urbane or well-controlled the rare diplomat or merchant might seem to be, the prejudice of the living against the undead is powerful and visceral. Humanity views the darakhul with suspicion if not outright hostility, and it is difficult—but not impossible—for a darakhul to allay those fears.
The Cut of Your Cloak
A quality disguise is one of the best tools for a darakhul trying to make its way among the breathing. Almost all darakhul traveling on the surface maintain a disguise kit and a concealing outfit to match their cover identity. With a good costume, a darakhul might pass unchallenged among humans for a long time. Possibilities include the wrappings of a leper, enshrouding robes, veils, or the head-to-toe garb of the desert peoples. Each of these disguises requires appropriate details to help the deception withstand scrutiny: the right language skills along with knowledge of the region and its customs.
Even a convincing disguise doesn’t explain a darakhul’s need to eat alone and behind closed doors. Darakhul can use cultural or religious requirements to justify such behavior in most situations. In cases where a costume and a cover identity are impractical, a skillful application of cosmetics and a few gold coins slipped into the right hands are often enough to make a request for privacy seem more reasonable. Ensuring a sufficient supply of raw meat is a challenge left to the darakhul’s imagination.
Darakhul Names
Ghouls tend to keep their first names from their time among the living. Their surnames, however, tend to be granted or chosen by the newly arrived darakhul after the Crossing (their passage into undeath). These are sometimes the name of a patron, lord, or lady, or a name used within the legions of the empire or within a particular faith. Some common lineage names are provided below. Some names are most common in the priesthoods while others are from the legions. Outside of those areas, surnames often celebrate particular affiliations in the trades or mark a tie to a founder of particular note. Because of this naming custom, different darakhul can end up with the same surname due to being chosen by the same patron, being part of the same temple, being the spawn of another darakhul, or some other similar circumstance.
Ghouls created outside the influence of the empire might take on surnames related to their personal goals, keep their original surnames if attempting to regain some semblance of their previous life, or forgo a surname to avoid ties to the past, a church, or a patron.
Darakhul Surnames of the Priesthood: Al-Mot, Al-Qaan, Akma-aldan, Bloodtide, Vardeson.
Darakhul Surnames of the Legions: Bonecracker, Ivory, Maggot, Mortus, Reaver, Secondus.
Traditional Darakhul Surnames: Blackwater, Bloodborn, Calva, Canis, Carver, Corvan, Dawnbinder, Demonfinder, Edlest, Fuligin, Ghost, Gnollfeeder, Hunter, Jaeger, Miner, Orcandus, Osseor, Ravenfeeder, Shadowsmith, Strigator, Styxdrinker, Tanner, Umbro, Unsated, Verskull, Vespertan, Whispersen, Wormsong, Wraithcaller.
Darakhul Characters
Both ordinary ghouls and darakhul arise from the infected corpses of other races. Most traits of the previous race are gone when the creature rises as a darakhul, although each darakhul carries some traits of their previous form (see the Heritage Subraces). Still, most of a darakhul’s cosmetic features, such as supple skin or a long beard, fade over time into the gaunt, skull-like face, fanged maw, and taut, gray skin of a ghoulish undead.
Darakhul Traits
Your darakhul character has certain characteristics in common with all other darakhul.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. An upper limit of darakhul age has never been discovered; most darakhul die violently. Alignment. Your alignment does not change when you become a darakhul, but most darakhul have a strong draw toward evil.
Size. Your size is determined by your Heritage Subrace.
Speed. Your base walking speed is determined by your Heritage Subrace.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet as though it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Hunger for Flesh. You must consume 1 pound of raw meat each day or suffer the effects of starvation. If you go 24 hours without such a meal, you gain one level of exhaustion. While you have any levels of exhaustion from this trait, you can’t regain hit points or remove levels of exhaustion until you spend at least 1 hour consuming 10 pounds of raw meat.
Imperfect Undeath. You transitioned into undeath, but your transition was imperfect. Though you are a humanoid, you are susceptible to effects that target undead. You can regain hit points from spells like cure wounds, but you can also be affected by game effects that specifically target undead, such as a cleric’s Turn Undead feature. Game effects that raise a creature from the dead work on you as normal, but they return you to life as a darakhul. A true resurrection or wish spell can restore you to life as a fully living member of your original race.
Powerful Jaw. Your heavy jaw is powerful enough to crush bones to powder. Your bite is a natural melee weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with it, your bite deals piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Sunlight Sensitivity. You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
Undead Resilience. You are infused with the dark energy of undeath, which frees you from some frailties that plague most creatures. You have resistance to necrotic damage and poison damage, you are immune to disease, and you have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or poisoned. When you finish a short rest, you can reduce your exhaustion level by 1, provided you have ingested at least 1 pound of raw meat in the last 24 hours (see Hunger for Flesh).
Undead Vitality. You don’t need to breathe, and you don’t sleep the way most creatures do. Instead, you enter a dormant state that resembles death, remaining semiconscious, for 6 hours a day. While dormant, you have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Darakhul, and a language associated with your Heritage Subrace.
Heritage Subrace. You were something else before you became a darakhul. This heritage determines some of your traits. Choose one Heritage Subrace below and apply the listed traits.
Heritage Subraces
Before the terrible scourge of darakhul fever transformed you into an undead creature, you belonged to another race. Although your undead self now rules you, some remnant of your past form clings to you, making you different from the darakhul created from other races. Sometimes you retain a trait, but more likely you now have a trait that is a corruption of one you once possessed. For example, the elemental spark in a dragonborn is perverted into one of a more necrotic bent. The luck inherent in a halfling’s spirit twists into a power that brings ill fortune to their enemies.
Bearfolk Heritage
Your darakhul character was a bearfolk before transforming into a darakhul. While your allegiance has changed, your mission to create order amid the darkness has not. The strength and tenacity of the darakhul are comfortingly familiar.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Size. Bearfolk can reach a height of over 7 feet, possessing thick, muscular builds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Jaws of Death. Your powerful jaws serve you well as a darakhul. When you use your bite attack to make an unarmed strike, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.
Undead Fortitude. Your tenacity in life has followed you into undeath. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Common (if you hail from mortal lands) or Umbral (if native to the Shadow Realm).
Derro Heritage
Your darakhul character was a derro before transforming into a darakhul. For you, the quieting of the otherworldly voices did not bring peace and tranquility. The impulses simply became more focused, and the desire to feast on flesh overwhelmed other urges. The darkness is still there; it just has a new, clearer form.
Size. Derro stand between 3 and 4 feet tall with slender limbs and wide shoulders. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Dwarvish.
Calculating Insanity. The insanity of your race was compressed into a cold, hard brilliance when you took on your darakhul form. These flashes of brilliance come to you at unexpected moments. You know the true strike cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it. You can cast true strike as a bonus action a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (a minimum of once). You regain any expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Dragonborn Heritage
Your darakhul character was a dragonborn before transforming into a darakhul. The dark power of undeath overwhelmed your elemental nature, replacing it with the foul energy and strength of the undead. Occasionally, your draconic heritage echoes a peal of raw power through your form, but it is quickly converted into necrotic waves.
Size. Dragonborn are taller and heavier than humans, standing well over 6 feet tall and averaging almost 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet, and you are not slowed by wearing heavy armor.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Draconic.
Corrupted Bite. The inherent breath weapon of your draconic heritage is corrupted by the necrotic energy of your new darakhul form. Instead of forming a line or cone, your breath weapon now oozes out of your ghoulish maw. As a bonus action, you breathe necrotic energy onto your fangs and make one bite attack. If the attack hits, it deals extra necrotic damage equal to your level. You can’t use this trait again until you finish a long rest.
Drow Heritage
Your darakhul character was a drow before transforming into a darakhul. Your place within the highly regimented drow society doesn’t feel that much different from your new place in the darakhul empires. But an uncertainty buzzes in your mind, and a hunger gnaws at your gut. You are now what you once hated and feared. Does it feel right, or is it something you fight against?
Size. Drow are slightly shorter and slimmer than humans. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Elvish.
Poison Bite. When you hit with your bite attack, you can release venom into your foe. If you do, your bite deals an extra 1d6 poison damage. The damage increases to 3d6 at 11th level. After you release this venom into a creature, you can’t do so again until you finish a short or long rest.
Dwarf Heritage
Your darakhul character was a dwarf before transforming into a darakhul. The hum of the earth, the tranquility of the stone and the dust, drained from you as the darakhul fever overwhelmed your once‑resilient body. The stone is still there, but its touch has gone from a welcome embrace to a cold grip of death. But it’s all the same to you now.
Size. Dwarves stand between 4 and 5 feet tall and average about 150 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet, and your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Dwarvish.
Dwarven Stoutness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.
Elf/Shadow Fey Heritage
Your darakhul character was an elf or shadow fey before transforming into a darakhul. The deathly power coursing through you reminds you of the lithe beauty and magic of your former body. If you just use your imagination, the blood tastes like wine once did. The smell of rotting flesh has the bouquet of wildflowers. The moss beneath the surface feels like the leaves of the forest.
Size. Elves range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall and have slender builds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Elvish (if you were an elf) or Umbral (if you were a shadow fey).
Supernatural Senses. Your keen elven senses are honed even more by the power of undeath and the hunger within you. You can now smell when blood is in the air. You have proficiency in the Perception skill, and you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to notice or find a creature within 30 feet of you that doesn’t have all of its hit points.
Gnome Heritage
Your darakhul character was a gnome before transforming into a darakhul. The spark of magic that drove you before your transformation still burns inside of you, but now it is a constant ache instead of a source of creation and inspiration. This ache is twisted by your hunger, making you hunger for magic itself.
Size. Gnomes are between 3 and 4 feet tall and average about 40 pounds. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Gnomish.
Magical Hunger. When a creature you can see within 30 feet of you casts a spell, you can use your reaction to consume the spell’s residual magic. Your consumption doesn’t counter or otherwise affect the spell or the spellcaster. When you consume this residual magic, you gain temporary hit points (minimum of 1) equal to your Constitution modifier, and you can’t use this trait again until you finish a short or long rest.
Halfling Heritage
Your darakhul character was a halfling before transforming into a darakhul. Everything you loved as a halfling—food, drink, exploration, adventure—still drives you in your undead form; it is simply a more ghoulish form of those pleasures now: raw flesh instead of stew, warm blood instead of cold mead. You still want to explore the dark corners of the world, but now you seek something different.
Size. Halflings average about 3 feet tall and weigh about 40 pounds. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Halfling.
Ill Fortune. Your uncanny halfling luck has taken a dark turn since your conversion to an undead creature. When a creature rolls a 20 on the d20 for an attack roll against you, the creature must reroll the attack and use the new roll. If the second attack roll misses you, the attacking creature takes necrotic damage equal to twice your Constitution modifier (minimum of 2).
Human/Half-Elf Heritage
Your darakhul character was a human or half-elf before transforming into a darakhul. Where there was once light there is now darkness. Where there was once love there is now hunger. You know if the darkness and hunger become all-consuming, you are truly lost. But the powers of your new form are strangely comfortable. How much of your old self is still there, and what can this new form give you that your old one couldn’t?
Size. Humans and half-elves vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. One ability score of your choice, other than Constitution, increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write one language of your choice.
Versatility. The training and experience of your early years was not lost when you became a darakhul. You have proficiency in two skills and one tool of your choice.
Kobold Heritage
Your darakhul character was a kobold before transforming into a darakhul. The dark, although it was often your home, generally held terrors that you needed to survive. Now you are the dark, and its pull on your soul is strong. You fight to keep a grip on the intellect and cunning that sustained you in your past life. Sometimes it is easy, but often the driving hunger inside you makes it hard to think as clearly as you once did.
Size. Kobolds stand between 3 and 4 feet tall and weigh around 40 pounds. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Draconic.
Devious Bite. When you hit a creature with your bite attack and you have advantage on the attack roll, your bite deals an extra 1d4 piercing damage.
Ravenfolk Heritage
Your darakhul character was a ravenfolk before transforming into a darakhul. Your new form feels different. It is more powerful and less fidgety, and your beak has become razor sharp. There is still room for trickery, of course. But with your new life comes a disconnection from the All Father. Does this loss gnaw at you like your new hunger or do you feel freed from the destiny of your people?
Size. Ravenfolk are slighter and shorter than humans, ranging from 4 feet to just shy of 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Huginn’s Speech.
Sudden Bite and Flight. If you surprise a creature during the first round of combat, you can make a bite attack as a bonus action. If it hits, you can immediately take the Dodge action as a reaction.
Shadow Goblin Heritage
Your darakhul character was a shadow goblin before transforming into a darakhul.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Size. Your size is Small.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Dark Deed. Your fascination with humor has not gone away, but you’ve had to adopt more macabre tactics. As an action, you can perform a combination of rude gestures and sounds to attempt to scare one creature you can see within 30 feet. If the target can see and hear you, it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you until the end of its turn. The DC for this saving throw is equal to 10 plus your Charisma modifier.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Goblin and Umbral.
Tiefling Heritage
Your darakhul character was a tiefling before transforming into a darakhul. You are no stranger to the pull of powerful forces raging through your blood. You have traded one dark pull for another, and this one seems much stronger. Is that a good feeling, or do you miss your old one?
Size. Tieflings are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Infernal.
Necrotic Rebuke. When you are hit by a weapon attack, you can use a reaction to envelop the attacker in shadowy flames. The attacker takes necrotic damage equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1), and it has disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of its next turn. You must finish a long rest before you can use this feature again.
Trollkin Heritage
Your darakhul character was a trollkin before transforming into a darakhul. Others saw you as a monster because of your ancestry. You became inured to the fearful looks and hurried exits of those around you. If only they could see you now. Does your new state make you seek revenge on them, or are you able to maintain your self-control despite the new urges you feel?
Size. Trollkin stand over 6 feet tall and are more solidly built than humans, weighing around 200 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Language. You can speak, read, and write Trollkin.
Regenerative Bite. The regenerative powers of your trollkin heritage are less potent than they were in life and need a little help. As an action, you can make a bite attack against a creature that isn’t undead or a construct. On a hit, you regain hit points (minimum of 1) equal to half the amount of damage dealt. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.