In the post-apocalyptic world, necrotic zombie-looking mutants known as ghouls stand as enduring figures of the Fallout game series.
Despite their ghastly appearance, these walking relics hold a wealth of knowledge and intrigue, serving as conduits to the forgotten world before the bombs fell.
However, the origins and makings of ghouls are shrouded in mystery and fascination.
Ghoulification: The Factors We Know
The Fallout universe presents a really unique take on radiation, where instead of exposure to gamma rays causing death from radiation poisoning, it instead triggers ghoulification.
This process disrupts neural transmitters, initiating a gradual physical transformation marked by skin degradation, hair loss, loss of skin exposing muscle and even causing their nose and sometimes years to fall off.
Depending on exposure levels, the extent of ghoulification varies, ranging from subtle alterations to severe disfigurement.
Ghouls being exposed to higher levels of radiation have more severe disfigurement, and those exposed to still high but less intense levels of radiation do not have as severe disfigurement such as loss of skin.
Source: Fallout Wiki
Ghouls in Fallout 4
Source: Fallout Archive Fandom
Ghouls in Fallout: New Vegas
However, not everyone who is exposed to radiation becomes a ghoul, as there is a specific X Factor involved.
This unknown X Factor may be genetic or linked to exposure to the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV), a key element in the creation of super mutants.
For instance, Vault 12, was hit by a blast that released FEV into the atmosphere, leading to the ghoulification of its residents.
Ghouls Are Immortal?😎
Despite the discomfort and afflictions of their condition, ghouls possess remarkable resilience and longevity.
Their regenerative abilities defy ageing and disease, granting them indefinite lifespans unless met with a fatal injury.
Additionally, their bodies can reattach severed limbs and thrive in irradiated environments, showcasing an adaptation to the harsh realities of the wasteland.
Making them essentially immortal and almost completely immune to the environments of the wasteland.
Ghoul Rabies?: Ghouls Turning Feral😱
Ghouls who succumb to feralisation are known as feral ghouls and are also referred to as mindless zombies, ghoul crazies, ferals, and feral necrotic post-humans.
Feral ghouls lose higher cognitive functions and become cannibalistic.
Additionally, ghouls who turn feral physically change as well, often becoming more hunched back and their face starts to look more skull-like.
Other feral ghouls can manifest as glowing ones – highly irradiated ghouls that have absorbed enough radiation to develop a bioluminescence green hue.
Glowing Ones are predominantly feral, due to the time it takes to acquire that much radiation.
But, how does feralization occur?
Feralization occurs when a sentient ghoul is exposed to a sudden intense burst of radiation, in some cases, ghouls turn feral if they are isolated from societies.
However, one thing is certain, no matter the external stimuli ghouls will eventually turn feral unless they have a strong state of mind.
Despite these challenges, ghouls persist, forming communities where they find solace and camaraderie amidst societal ostracization.
Hope For The Ghouls?🌟
In terminal logs recorded and the latest Fallout iteration, the Fallout TV series, it is shown that ghouls can consume some yellow chemical, most likely a variant of the Radaway, to keep themselves from losing their minds and turning feral.
Challenging Discrimination And Embracing Their Disease
Discrimination against ghouls is prevalent throughout the wastelands, with some settlements harbouring deep-seated prejudice.
With the Brotherhood Of Steel often killing ghouls regardless if they are feral or not, or friendly, as they see ghouls as a mutant abomination similar to radroaches.
However, this bigotry proves self-defeating, as ghouls offer invaluable insights and skills.
How so?
Many ghouls have lived for centuries, meaning they have a vast amount of knowledge of the world and experiences.
Making ghouls one of the strongest survivors in the wastelands.
By embracing their wisdom and resilience, ghouls transcend societal barriers and forge their destinies amidst the fallout.
Ghouls have made a safe haven for themselves ghoul city within the remains of Bakersfield, located in southern California, which many wastelanders know the city as Necropolis or the City of the Dead.
While the specific reason for ghoulification is still unclear, it is definitely linked to the exposure to gamma radiation and the unknown X factor.
Though many see ghoulification as a horrible thing, being a ghoul in Fallout’s post-apocalyptic world definitely has its advantages, other than the discrimination by normal humans.
Besides, you still have a community of ghouls to socialise with.
Furthermore, turning feral can now be prevented through the use of a new drug, so being a ghoul in the Fallout universe may not be so bad after all.
Source: Hicliparts
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