Exton

I resume my place before the microphone, "I thank you, young man, for your support". Again I survey the crowd, seeing new resolve. "A few more words, and I will have done for the night. It is best, however, if we understand the nature of the enemy we face, so… " I clear my throat. "A ghoul is a monster from ancient Arabian folklore that dwells in burial grounds and other uninhabited places. The English word comes from the Arabic name for the creature: ghul, which literally means 'demon'.The ghul is a devilish type of jinn believed to be sired by Iblis.

In Mid-Eastern folklore, the ghoul is a desert-dwelling, shape shifting demon that can assume the guise of an animal, especially a hyena. It lures unwary travelers into the desert wastes to slay and devour them. The creature also preys on young children, robs graves, and eats the dead. Because of the latter habit, the word ghoul is sometimes used to refer to an ordinary human such as a grave robber, or to anyone who delights in the macabre.

Popular culture equates ghouls with zombies, especially those of the flesh-eating variety so beloved by Hollywood, but they are quite different. Though both may be loosely termed 'undead', even as vampires, ghouls do not decay after death as zombies do. Their intellect remains unimpaired, whereas a zombie's will degrade over time; indeed, given that ghouls are functionally immortal, there is no limit to what knowledge they may attain to.

Ghouls reproduce as vampires do, by infecting others. This is not an automatic thing; merely being bitten by a ghoul will not change a living human into a ghoul, not even if he or she dies of the injury. Like the vampire - of which the ghoul may be described as a poor relation - it requires intent on the part of the ghoul to Turn a victim. It is not a thing that is often done; another ghoul means competition for a limited food source.

As to their weaknesses… those things that harm a vampire will harm a ghoul. They may walk in the sun in their human seeming only; in their true form, unshielded sunlight will cause severe and painful burns, which will take a long time to heal. Regular heavy feeding will accelerate the healing.

Blessed or ensorcelled weapons will harm a ghoul, as will fire, decapitation or a stake through the heart. Things that are religious in nature, but which have no weapons potential - as a cross or holy water - are ineffectual, no matter how great your faith in them.

Like vampires, ghouls are not inherently evil; witness our friends Sweeney and Mole. The capacity to choose for good or ill is as available to a ghoul as it is to a human being; it is only human arrogance that has caused the term to be equated solely with evil deeds.

There is more to be told, but this is enough to acquaint you with the basics of our enemy. Tomorrow night Sweeney and Mole will be here, to give you more specific and pertinent information. I ask that you attend us again tomorrow night. You may save a life by being here.

But I have imposed upon your good nature too long. Lady Pandora " - I catch her eye across the room - "a round of drinks at my charge, for any who care to indulge."

I bow. "And now, my neighbors, I bid you a good night."