What is a ghoul in fallout?

In the Fallout universe, ghouls are humans who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, resulting in a grotesque transformation. They're not zombies in the traditional sense; they're still (mostly) sentient and capable of complex thought and action, although their personalities and mental states can vary wildly depending on the intensity of their radiation exposure and their individual pre-ghoul life.

Here's a breakdown of key ghoul characteristics:

• Physical Appearance: Ghouls exhibit varying degrees of decay. Some might have only slightly grayed skin and minor physical deterioration, while others are severely decomposed with rotting flesh, exposed bone, and often glowing eyes. Their skin is usually grey or greenish, and they often have a sickly, gaunt appearance. Their bodies are exceptionally resistant to disease and radiation.

• Lifespan & Aging: Ghouls have a dramatically increased lifespan compared to normal humans. While they can still die from injury or disease (though they're more resistant), their aging process slows considerably. This extended lifespan often leads to unique social structures and cultural adaptations within ghoul communities.

• Mental State: This varies greatly. Some ghouls retain their pre-transformation personalities and intellect. Others become feral, violent, and unhinged. Some are perfectly normal and integrate into human society, while others are ostracized and live in isolation.

• Strengths: Ghouls possess extreme radiation resistance, making them uniquely suited to survive in the wasteland's hazardous environments. Their extended lifespan grants them experience and knowledge often unavailable to humans. Some even develop unique abilities or mutations due to their radiation exposure.

• Weaknesses: Despite their resilience, ghouls aren't invincible. They are still vulnerable to physical attacks and certain diseases, though their resistance is significantly higher than that of humans. They often face societal prejudice and discrimination from non-ghouls. Extreme radiation exposure can still lead to further deterioration and mutations.

• Types: While there's no official classification system, you can broadly divide ghouls into feral ghouls (violent and unintelligent), sentient ghouls (retaining intellect and personality), and sometimes those with unique mutations.

In short, ghouls in Fallout are complex characters, representing the lasting impact of nuclear war and exploring themes of survival, adaptation, prejudice, and the very definition of humanity. Their depiction varies across the Fallout games, offering a diverse range of ghoul experiences and personalities.