Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Ghasts

Ghasts are repulsive beings which shun the light. They leap on long hind legs and have yellowish red eyes. Ghasts have an excellent sense of smell and their face is curiously human despite the absence of a nose, a forehead, and other particulars. They speak in coughing gutturals.



In the RPG...

I was surprised to see Ghasts in the 7e Malleus Monstrorum, because most of the other Dreamlands creatures have been removed (save for Nightgaunts and Shantaks). However, their entry doesn't even mention the Dreamlands, so I guess that implies they're not endemic to that realm. 
    In the old Malleus Monstrorum, Ghasts had 3-point armour, whereas the 7e edition gives them none. I personally think "none" is the better option as they don't have fur or scales or anything. Other than this, no other stats have been changed.
    Speaking of stats though, I feel it needs to be mentioned that a Ghast only has 15 INT, placing them in line with Shantaks. According to the rulebook, a human with 15 INT is a "slow learner, able to undertake only the most basic math, or read beginner-level books"—so about as smart as a 5-year-old. Interestingly, the Gyaa-Yothn, which are said to possibly be "domesticated" Ghasts, have 30 INT.

In a video game...

I think Ghasts would be a must in a Mythos video game. Their fast and scary-looking, yet still killable.

In a film...

I think the image above would work perfectly as concept art for a film featuring a Ghast. In case I haven't mentioned it yet, I'd love a Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath film.

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