ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

Ghouls suck. Let us make them not suck.

My suggestion:

1. Replace the 20% global speed with a 50% movement speed penalty. Much easier to predict and less crippling to a lot of builds.
2. Replace the boring t1 skill with something cannibalism-themed. A chance at a small permanent stat boost each time you kill a boss, maybe?

1. 50% would destroy builds significantly more than 20% global speed.
2. Permanent stat gains no.

... I consistently get further, easier, with ghouls than about half the other races. They've got some pretty serious strengths.

Other than the fourth tier still being kinda' unappealing, I'd say they're fine. The stat buffs are 1:1 with the other undead, leap is pretty incredible, and retch is a huge heal and non-negligible damage. The global penalty is annoying but that's, like, their one and only downside and it's generally not that big of deal. In exchange, most HP, impressive resists, solid racial talents, decent enough stats.

Ghouls already had their xp penalty halved, which made them less fun imo. Besides, their talents are good.

Frumple wrote:... I consistently get further, easier, with ghouls than about half the other races. They've got some pretty serious strengths.

Other than the fourth tier still being kinda' unappealing, I'd say they're fine. The stat buffs are 1:1 with the other undead, leap is pretty incredible, and retch is a huge heal and non-negligible damage. The global penalty is annoying but that's, like, their one and only downside and it's generally not that big of deal. In exchange, most HP, impressive resists, solid racial talents, decent enough stats.

Gnaw becomes a LOT more appealing when you get Carrier or Catalepsy. Gnaw is almost tailor-made for reavers... I'll take that any day of the week over anything but a passive disease on melee, which would be overpowered.