Ghouls

Ghouls are living creatures that have been mutated by exposure to radiation, rather than killed by it. This mutation process, referred to as ghoulification, has demonstrated different effects depending on the subject's species and their individual circumstances. In humans, ghoulification typically results in an extended lifespan (if not functional immortality), enhanced regeneration of wounds such that severed limbs can be reattached and maintain full function, and a natural immunity to physical damage from radiation exposure. Conversely, their condition renders them infertile and changes their appearance, described as resembling rotten flesh, burn victims, or walking corpses. Ghouls are often given ridicule or are segregated because of their differences. They are sometimes seen as a different species. The hatred sometimes goes both ways; some ghouls do not like humans, while some humans do not like ghouls.

There are two special types a ghoul; a ghoul can be either, none, or both of them. The two special types are glowing ones and feral ghouls. Glowing ones are ghouls who have taken on too much radiation and are now conduits for it. Feral ghouls are ghouls who have lost all reason and have become aggressive to anyone they come across. Much prejudice from ordinary humans against ghouls who retain their mental faculties is due to the widespread assumption that this feral state is the inevitable condition of every ghoul. Feral ghouls attack humans on sight but usually leave ghouls alone.