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 by Richard Green
With Wolfgang Baur, Jeff Lee, Chris Lockey, Kelly Pawlik, and Mike Welham
 by Richard Green
With Wolfgang Baur, Jeff Lee, Chris Lockey, Kelly Pawlik, and Mike Welham
 CREDITS

Lead Designers: Wolfgang Baur, Richard Green Interior Artists: Darren Calvert, Rita Fei,
Designers: Jeff Lee, Christopher Lockey, Kelly Michele Giorgi, George Johnstone, Erich Lazar,
Pawlik, Mike Welham Marcel Mercado, Wayne Miller, William
Additional Design: Darrin Drader, James O’Brien, Beatrice Pelagatti, Roberto Pitturru,
Introcaso, Meagan Maricle, Ben McFarland, Kiki Moch Rizky, Julio Cesar Oliveira Rocha,
Shawn Merwin, Brian Suskind Florian Stitz, Bryan Syme, Egil Thompson

Playtest Coordinator: Ben McFarland Calligrapher: Darlene

Editor: Meagan Maricle Lead Cartographer: Jon Pintar

Art Director & Graphic Design: Marc Radle Cartographers: Alex Moore, Dean Spencer

Cover Art: Craig J Spearing Heraldry: Addison Rankin

Publisher: Wolfgang Baur

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE DESIGNERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

TO THE EARLIER VERSION OF EMPIRE OF THE GHOULS:
Bill Collins, Randy Dorman, Jonathan Hodgson, Johnathan L. Bingham, Darren Calvert,
Jonathan Hodgson, Kraig Horigan, Jeff McFarland, Jeffry K. Richard, Andreas Reimer,
Andrew Garbade, Andrew Nuxoll, Benoist Poire, Greg Volz, Stephen David Wark, Mark Gedak, Sigfried Trent,
Clay Fleischer, James Patterson, Adam Windsor

AN EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2,337 BACKERS WHO MADE THIS VOLUME POSSIBLE!

Midgard and Kobold Press are trademarks of Open Design. All rights reserved.
Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License version 1.0a,
Section 1(e), and are not Open Content: All trademarks, registered trademarks, proper names (characters, place names, new deities,
etc.), dialogue, plots, story elements, locations, characters, artwork, sidebars, and trade dress. (Elements that have previously been
designated as Open Game Content are not included in this declaration.)
Open Game Content: The Open content in this adventure includes the new monsters in the Appendix.
All other material is Product Identity, especially place names, character names, locations, story elements, and fiction.
No other portion of this work may be reproduced in any form without permission.
ISBN: 978-1-936781-97-3
©2020 Open Design. All rights reserved.
www.koboldpress.com
The Hideous Strength
of the Underworld
Ghouls have a long and nasty history as the cannibal They’ll see entire clans, legions, and cities
dogs of the undead family tree. In RPGs and in enslaved to dark powers. This volume contains a full
Lovecraft’s imaginings, they run in packs, dig up bones description of the Empire’s customs, people, places,
in graveyards, and are stand-ins for cannibalism and and quirks, as well as a complete adventure series from
depravity. My reaction has always been: wow, they are levels 1 to 13. Additional side quests and adventures
perfect villains, if only they were a little more organized. are available in Underworld Lairs, and additional player
A little… nastier, even. options, including new races and subclasses, are available
With the support of more than 2,000 backers, here they in the Underworld Player’s Guide. But this is the heart of
are, whipped into shape by an emperor cult, a patron it, the setting that makes it all tick.
dark god, and a stratified society built around the need As the GM, your job is to make sure the villains
to feed on flesh. Hunger is the animating principle of the are smart, cunning, dangerous, and truly deserving
Empire of the Ghouls, the primal need to consume in the of annihilation at the hands of the righteous clerics,
worst possible way, and everyone in charge of the Empire, paladins, and heroes who dare venture against the
from the god Vardesain and the Emperor on down, undead, the blood cults, and their allies. With the ghouls
is using that survival instinct to control thousands of and their plots, I believe we’ve made this job a little
undead soldiers, citizens, and priests. Imagine an empire easier than usual. Welcome to the Underworld, a place of
of killers, totally dependent on an abomination of a food horrors, a place that heroes may visit and wish to forget,
chain. Right. That’s what we have here. And some within a place that will leave scars in the soul as well as scars on
the empire are eager to expand their power with alliances the body.
and new lands, while others are content to maintain the Enjoy the hideous strength of the undead, and be
current status: with them on top, with an unsleeping army certain that your players will feel great triumph at driving
always willing to create new recruits, and with unbridled these creatures into a second, final oblivion.
violence against all enemies.
It’s not a pretty picture. And heroes going up against Wolfgang Baur
it will see horrific sights, sacrifices to gods of pure Kirkland, WA
depravity, entirely alien strongholds and cities of bone.
Table of Contents
Underworld Gazetteer .............. 6 Dread Chambers of Ruins of Yarosbirg ...............................95
The Rise of the Darakhul.......................6 the Undercity ............................. 50 The Dread Fortress...............................99
The Hundred Kings and Chapter Background............................51 Concluding the Chapter....................113
the Ancient Dust...................................7 Beginning the Chapter:
The Emperors .........................................7 The Desperate Kobold.......................51 The Blood Marriage ................ 114
Darakhul Culture & Customs...............9 The Mob Rules......................................60 Chapter Background..........................114
Life in the Imperium............................11 The Court of the Kobold King............60 Chapter Summary..............................115
Gods and Cults.....................................13 Into the Zobeck Catacombs................62 Beginning the Chapter:
The Temple of Marena.........................68 The Spear Maidens’ Plea..................115
Trade and Wealth.................................15
Concluding the Adventure..................74 The Journey to Reaver’s Cave............117
Ghoul Legions.......................................16
Reaver’s Cave.......................................118
Ghoul Hierarchy...................................18 The Holy Robes of The Journey to Huldramose..............122
Hierarchy of the Sister Adelind ............................. 75
Ghoul Imperium.................................19 Audience in Huldramose...................124
Chapter Background............................75
Allies and Enemies of the The Memorial Feast of
Chapter Summary................................76
Ghoul Imperium.................................23 Randgrid Ironeyes............................126
Beginning the Chapter:
Locations of the Underworld..............24 A Regal Request..................................130
The Clockwork Oracle.......................76
Darakhan, the White Raid on the Ragnarok Cultists..........131
The Mountain Road.............................78
City of Bone.........................................36 The Journey to Nordheim.................134
The Black Canton.................................80
Adventure Summary.................... 48 Traversing the Cursed
The Archduke........................................84
Multitude...........................................137
The Free City of Jozht ..........................93

PLAYTESTERS
Bee-Rex 1: Carsten Chalk, GM; Players: David Dagasso, Raoul Jain, Allison Lenz, Les Joueurs de la Cave: Pierre “Mörkhdull” Staron, GM; Players: Antoni
Karen Penhayle “Balkan” Boccuzzi, Michele “RaGnaR” Boccuzzi, Jérémy Tassin, Thibault
Bee-Rex 2: Carsten Chalk, GM; Players: Karen, Allison Wauters De Besterfeld
Black Goat’s Flock: Jake Haverkost, GM; Players: Daniel Luckom, Peter Mayo, Midgardians of The Galaxy: Johnny Daniels, GM; Players: Ryan Brassard, Justin
Todd Mayo, Alex Thomson Polowski, Tristan Rabut, Bill Stewart
Bogue and the Ladies: Kevin Klaes, GM; Players: Emily Bingham, Hana Mobtown Menagerie: Justin Metzger, GM; Players: Sam Burt, Lukas Goodmuth,
Davisson, Rachel Donahue, Julie Meloni, Kyle Spiegel Sarah Sechrist, Sean, Otto Von Fakename, Mary Jean Wodjewodzki
Candid: Matt Brooks, GM; Players: David Barr, Jonathan Dryden, Andre Jones, Mundane Intervention: Ted Poovey, GM; Players: Citir, Ellie, Verona
Ben Negron, David Patterson, Brandon Smith Mundane Interventions: Ted Poovey, GM; Players: Derrick, Ellie, Ferenor,
Castle Annethrax International: Karl Rodriguez, GM; Players: Jeff Bailey, Anne MacKenzie, Tyson
Freitas, Amy Lee Rodriguez NH Archaeological Dungeon Society: Brendan J. Townsend, GM; Players: Scott
Cult Of Nala: Kent, GM; Players: Ray Harrison, Kitty, Brendan Anderson, James Buckley, Shawn MacDougall, Katherine Music
D&D Central Coast: Ryan Russell, GM; Players: Adriane Hughes, Keith Mosher, Non Satis Temporis: Adam Abdur Rahim, GM; Players: Christopher Raif Adam,
Erin Palchak, Matt Philpp, Samantha Poremba Zachary Arif Adam, Janice Mustopo
Deep Dragon, Water Heist: W. Chiang, GM; Players: K. Nero Persona: John Wicker, GM; Players: Terry Amburgey, Robert Hale, Adam
Striegel, Chris Weston, Darian Wicker
Dungeon Delvers, Inc.: Bret Jordan, GM; Players: Brian Blevins, Tim Childress,
Michael Crain, Troy Gallier, Chris Lampman Playtests Etc.: Brian D, GM; Players: Chris, Cosdyn, David G., Jay, Jon, Jon C.,
Joshua R. Johnson, Lord Bear Knight, Owen G.
Eagles, Inc: Randy Smith, GM; Players: Devin Peck, Philip Moore, Reagan Smith,
Riley Smith, Ben Henson, Johnathan Richardson PooveyFam: Ted Poovey, GM; Players: Garan Poovey, Micah Poovey, Quinlan
Poovey
Gang of Fools: Nick, GM; Players: Davey, Justin L, Justin K, Travis, Arianna
Shep’s Bandits: Patrick Shepard, GM; Players: Kayla Bradley, Houston Jeffreys
Gatecrashers: Meric Moir, GM; Players: Jen Black-Moir, Grace Struth, Matt
Struth, Andrew Wedman Silver Grizzlies: James Clark, GM; Players: Kent Benson, Caroline Tardif, Chris
Tilstra, Virni
Geekazoids: Darren Cooke, GM; Players: Anthony Burnertt, Koby Cavino, John
Freitas, Michael Kares, Tom Matthews Sniper Team Insurgency: Brandon, GM; Players: Adrienne, Grichie, Mike, The
Golden God
Hans Squad: Tim Annan, GM; Players: A-Non, Nyx, Tephra, Xorchid
Tabula Rasa: Good King Enialb, GM; Players: Hatriel, Longarios, Josef Frederick,
JUBros: Dylan Lockridge, GM; Players: Josh Bruner, Barak Fredrickson, Mitchell
Monte, Selal, Sora
Jones, Matthew Wilson
The 1 HP Club: Corey Fish, GM; Players: Jared P. Conley, Anthony Lescroart,
John Sauco, Liz Sauco, Lydia C. Troiano
The Midnight Temple........................140 Pillars of the Underworld..................183 Chapter Summary..............................215
Concluding the Chapter....................147 Travel Through the Underworld......184 Sailing the Sulphur Sea......................215
Underworld Encounters....................185 Chandelier Island...............................218
Catacombs of the
Ghul King ................................... 148 Ghoul Patrols......................................186 The Pure City .....................................226
Chapter Background..........................148 Kobold City of Lillefor.......................187 The Bone Cathedral...........................241
Chapter Summary..............................148 Pit of All Flesh Outpost.....................188 Concluding the Adventure................250
Beginning the Chapter: Pit of All Flesh.....................................193 Continuing the Campaign................251
Travel to the Court-in-Exile...........149 Derro Cult of the Withered Hand....196
Appendix........................................ 252
The Hall of Masons............................149 Meeting the Last King........................201
Creed of All Flesh...............................252
An Audience with the Queen...........150 The Dragon Graveyard......................204
Red Sisters of Marena........................254
Travel to the Black Fortress...............151 Returning the Staff.............................209
Magic Items.........................................255
Siwal.....................................................158 Using Narosain’s Token......................209
Monsters..............................................273
Meeting the Gravebinders.................160 The Main Thoroughfare.....................210
Dramatis Personae.............................314
The Grand Necropolis of Siwal ........161 Stealing the Skin Trader.....................210
NPCs....................................................315
The Ghul King’s Catacomb................166 The Phantom Gives Chase................212
Random Encounters in
Concluding the Chapter....................180 Concluding the Adventure................213 the Underworld................................330
Into the Fuligin Realm ............ 182 The Pure City of Handouts.............................................341
Chapter Background..........................182 Vandekhul................................... 214
Chapter Summary..............................183 Chapter Background..........................214

The Bare Minimum Bandits: Kevin Skelton, GM; Players: Benjamin Joyner, Sara Brandon S. Goodling, GM; Players: Nate Crawford, Alex Horan, Ben Poliner,
Morawtz-Joyner, Gavin Skelton Crystal Poliner
The Busty Dragons: Adam Woods, GM; Players: Steven Bean, Forrest Church, Brandon S. Goodling, GM; Players: Nathan Beamer, Nate Crawford, Alex
Andrew Jones, Kyle Reese, Richard Soloman, Schuyler Wlodarski Howland, Patrick Horan, Jason Melnyk, Crystal Poliner
The Flaming Seahorse: Anthony Abbruzzese, GM; Players: Paul Abbruzzese, Brett Ryan, GM; Players: Derick Cummings, Christi Ryan, Sandi Ryan, Dustin
Molly Moynihan, Larry Swasey, Harry Woelfel Siebel
The Mangled Fist: Meagan Maricle, GM; Players: anonymous Brian Barcus, GM; Players: Rachael Barcus, Doug Cadmus, David Dowdy, Doug
The Monday Night Group: Jack Neller, GM; Players: Sue Dobies, Zachary Huber, Dowdy, Aaron Meadows, Marten van Zwietering
Paul Cecchini, Matt Eldred, Spencer Pyszczynski Jacob Robbins, GM; Players: Steve, Josh, Jared, Kurtis, Jesse
The Ravensworn: Timothy Baker, GM; Players: Patricia Baker, Dan Mengelkamp, James Meaney, GM; Players: Dan, Harley, Sara
Tara Mengelkamp, Rhiannon Pullin Joseph Guerin, GM; Players: Kevin Dixon, Robin Dixon, Lance Kelsey, Dewy
The Terrific Twelve: Corry Rogerson, GM; Players: Robert Allen, Gregory Festo, Smith
Meliora Henning, Nathaniel Kreiman, Jenn Ritchey Joseph Guerin, GM; Players: Kevin Dixon, Robin Dixon, Haleigh, Chris Sibert,
The Wedding Crashers: Nathaniel Dozier, GM; Players: David Baldwin, Billy- Dewey Smith, Terry
Bob Joe Johnson, Christopher Myers, Heather Snyder Jonathan Andrews, GM; Players: Seamus Anderson, Richard Campbell, Thomas
The Whipple Hill Playgroup: Linus Cole, GM; Players: Matthew Cole, Peter Cole Sanderson, Joanne Marshall, Carl McGar, Danielle Brooke Melton
The Skeleton Crew: Kevin Skelton, GM; Players: Alexandra Joyner, Benjamin Kevin Klaes, GM; Players: Emily Bingham, Hana Davisson, Rachel Donahue, Jake
Joyner, Sara Morawetz-Joyner, Gavin Skelton Lammeree, Julie Meloni
War Pigs: Keith Hershey Jr, GM; Players: John Costa, Tadd Layton, Truman Kevin Price, GM; Players: Nick Elliott, Liam Hayes, Jason Keezer
McMurtrey, Brad Smith Kevin Price, GM; Players: Maurice Morris, Juan Natera, Geordi Neilson, DJ Tyran
Waterdeep Patrol Company: Kevin Moore, GM; Players: Aulden Boyd, Mark Patrick Reynolds, GM; Players: Jesse Andrews, Hegan Lucero, Jerome Lucero,
Boyd, Cody Ellshoff, Katie Ellshoff Casey Reynolds, Nick Wallace
Richard Green, GM; Players: Kate Berens, Gavin Moore, Matt Still, Tim Bradbeer,
UNNAMED GROUPS: Andy Way
Brandon S. Goodling, GM; Players: Nathan Beamer, Nate Crawford, Alex Sam Bauer, GM; Players: Dylan Glader, Joe Hughes, Noah Mercil, Eric Sampson
Howland, Patrick Horan
Seth Klein, GM; Players: Will, Chris Fewell, Tim Fewell
Brandon S. Goodling, GM; Players: Morgan Beamer, Jason Melnyk, Ben Poliner,
Steven Clark, GM; Players: Christopher Bowden, Jason Chalmers, Ashley Clark,
and Crystal Poliner
Avril Pickard, Brett Sidford
Brandon S. Goodling, GM; Players: Nate Crawford, Patrick Horan, Alex
Thomas, GM; Players: Dani, Jon, Seamus
Howland, Ben Poliner
Underworld Gazetteer
Deep under the earth, stretching from below the Ironcrags, Well hidden, the empire has bided its time, growing in
under the Margreve Forest, and as far north as southern strength, knowledge, and numbers. Speed and ferocity
Krakova, lies a dark empire. It is home to flesh-eating and carried the darakhul to their first conquests. Cunning
blasphemous worshippers of the gods of death, hunger, magic and ruthless rage have kept their empire together.
and darkness, who come to the surface only to feed. They Their Emperor’s plan and his followers’ unwavering resolve
call themselves the People, but, to the inhabitants of the propel the empire ever forward.
surface world, they are the Lords Subterranean, the Ghoul
Imperium, or simply the Empire of the Ghouls. To them, if
you are not a member of the People, you are food. The Rise of the Darakhul
Their empire rose more than 100 years ago with the The darakhul were born of strange magic. They are ghouls
first darakhul to answer a diabolist’s summons. Today, with intelligence, necromantic power, and the ambition
Emperor Nicoforus the Pale rules the lightless tunnels and to rule everything below the earth. Some say the first of
vast chambers of the Ghoul Imperium from his palace in them became undead through sheer will and boundless
Darakhan, the White City. depravity. Others say the darakhul are the children of a
mythical ghoul-dragon named Darrakh, who still roams
the grey wastelands between life and death.

6
 The truth is lost; the first centuries before the ghoul Ghouls have few friends, and their violent empire is
empire rose are largely hidden from history. The darakhul constantly at war. For the most part, their wars have been
may have been smarter, stronger, and more ruthless than successful ones.
ghasts or common ghouls, but they were also fewer in The first emperor, Tonderil the Bonebreaker, worked for
number. Each darakhul sought power over his fellows, 23 years to unite the scattered darakhul lords and petty
creating an endless line of petty kings, hunger cults led kings under his command, and indeed he destroyed them
by charismatic death priests, and necromantic kingdoms all or forced them to swear allegiance to him. The ghouls
founded on the back of a single eldritch master. measure time from the year when his greatest foes bowed
to him, called the first Imperial Year. With their fealty, his
former foes were granted titles and offices. They became
The Hundred Kings the first dukes, the founders of the Shrine of Vardesain,
and the Ancient Dust the Fane of the Necrophagi, and the general of the Royal
The Hundred Kings were the minor lords who ruled by Bastards Legion. The best title went to the victor, of course,
pure strength in the early days before the empire. Dozens as Tonderil crowned himself emperor.
of small kingdoms grew strong under their ruthless, clever, A few kings fled but were hunted down and eaten by
or powerful rule. The Rift Kingdom, the Iron Duchy, the new emperor’s legions. Only one survived in exile, the
the Domain of the Old Pretender, the White Kingdom, Last King Narosain, who some call the Prince of Vermin.
the Lich-Lord’s Kingdom, the Drowning Barony, the Forgotten by an empire that has grown much larger and
Deepmark, the Hissing King, and the Dwarf-eater’s stronger than any king ever dreamed, Narosain still lives
Realm are just a few of the many that arose, their names (see page 202).
mostly now forgotten. When ghoul fought ghoul, only the But Tonderil’s rule did not last. He was destroyed in
darakhul’s enemies prospered. Many kingdoms sprang battle, leading the charge that broke the defending lines
from companies of ghoul mercenaries hired by dark elves, at the lost derro city of Gonderif. Tonderil had ruled just
derro, or aboleth to destroy their foes. nine years as emperor of all the ghouls, but he laid the
Oddly, this period of ghoulish strife ended when foundation for everything that was to come: their magic,
ghoulish cruelty ran amok. The ancient kings decided their legions, and their aristocracy of rival dukes, priests,
they would grind their rivals to dust at the Millstone, and marquises.
an enormous block of stone in the depths of the old Rift
Kingdom. They thought they were condemning their foes
to a slow and agonizing death, but in fact their demise led
to the inadvertent creation of the first bonepowder ghouls CREATURE NAMES IN EMPIRE OF THE GHOULS
(Tome of Beasts, p. 214). These ghouls were still animated Creatures whose names appear in bold without a page
by hate and determined to end the rule of the petty kings or book reference can be found in the text near where
once and for all. they are named or in the System Reference Document 5.1.
Over the years, eight bonepowder ghouls gathered Similarly, spell and magic item names which appear in
together. Calling themselves the Ancient Dust, they italics without a page or book reference can be found in
decided to support one of the kings, Tonderil, over all the System Reference Document 5.1.
others. They attacked trade caravans of dwarves and dark If a creature’s name or type isn’t in bold and its
elves, infected every human they could find, and doubled parenthetical lists a creature type with multiple options
Tonderil’s army in a single decade. The time was right for for its statistics, such as “Yigosain (CE male derro
an emperor to rise up and lead the darakhul, wiping away
darakhul),” you can use any statistics of that creature
all those who would not swear allegiance.
type that are appropriate for your game. For this
example, Yigosain can be a darakhul, darakhul captain,
The Emperors darakhul shadowmancer (see the Monster Appendix
The true birth of darakhul power begins with the for these statistics), etc., whichever fit best for the game
emperors. Four great emperors have ruled the ghouls, you are running. Likewise, “Trehild Shardspike (NG
each paying homage to the Death God Anu-Akma and the female dwarf )” can be an acolyte, mage, archmage, or
Hunger God Vardesain. To honor these gods, the emperors whatever statistics are appropriate for your game.
expanded the empire below the earth through conquest.

7
 Tonderil’s first victories against the dark elves and the development of the bone collectives (Tome of Beasts, p.
deep dwarves destroyed entire cities of the Spider Goddess 39), the rise of the Emperor Cults, and the writing of the
and the Forge God Volund, bringing thousands of slaves first ghoul work of theology, the Annals of Divine Strength
into the flesh markets. The pattern of expansion was set, and Sustenance. Vermesail died in magical combat against
using the ghoul’s magic of feeding and frenzy, of shadows drow assassins, who were devoured by masses of guards
and death. The darakhul necromancers grew more shortly after they cut down the emperor.
powerful than any known on the surface world. Their The drow assassins left the empire without a ruler;
unceasing toil made them strong. Their armies created Vermesail’s chosen successor died at his side. In the
new soldiers with each victory. interregnum, almost all the Dukes declared themselves
Second to sit the throne was one of Tonderil’s spawn. emperor, as did a charismatic leader of the beggar ghouls
Empress Haresha Winterblood’s power derived from her who called himself Voxpopulus, or “Voice of the People.”
fortune in battle: she was the only surviving general at His followers had the numbers on their side, but, when
Gonderif, and she returned home in triumph to claim Duke Nicoforus’ legions marched into the White City, the
the throne. Though a powerful priest of Anu-Akma and Beggar King was put to flight.
an able strategist, she failed to keep an eye on her closest Since that day, the fourth emperor, Nicoforus the Pale
followers, dying twelve years later in a coup staged by (NE male emperor ghoul [Tome of Beasts, p. 218]), has
the Second Imperial Legion. Her heart was eaten by her ruled for over 22 years with cunning and relentless cruelty.
successor, who buried her in the Necropolis of Darakhan He took revenge on the drow for his predecessor’s death.
with little ceremony. A persistent legend claims that First, he sent a bone collective to assassinate the drow high
Haresha’s “heir” danced atop her crypt. priestess. Then he destroyed their city and took all the
Vermesail the Gravedancer, the general who staged the dark elves prisoner, eating the weakest and transforming
coup, was paranoid and suspicious, due in no small part to the strongest. The darakhul legions marched through
how he seized power. He turned many darakhul generals, the Realms Subterranean, regaining territory lost under
priests, and necromancers against one another rather than Vermesail and expanding the borders of the empire further
looking outward to seize new territory, and the empire than ever before.
shrank during his reign. Vermasail’s terror tactics and spy But not everyone was destroyed by the onrushing tide
network kept him in power for 58 long years, as did his of the ghouls. The myconids, aboleths, and cloakers

Timeline
The ghouls count Imperial Years (IY) from the coronation of Tonderil as Emperor of the Ghouls.
Earlier dates are Before the Imperium (BI).
197 BI Prince Lucan arrives in Morgau and seizes the throne. 47 BI The derro of Gonderif and their duergar allies slay the
Combined forces of Krakova, Doresh, and the Magdar Dwarf-Eater and raze his Bone Palace to the ground.
Kingdom nearly drive him from his dominion. Lucan allies 22 BI The Hissing King is crushed to death by his rivals at the
with several influential ghoul kings. Millstone and becomes the first bonepowder ghoul.
148 BI Prince Lucan of Morgau takes Doresh, but the 14 BI Tonderil the Bonebreaker rises up to rule the darakhul,
dwarves seize Grisal. declaring himself emperor. Aided by the Ancient Dust, he
99 BI The Time of Warring Kings begins. spends the next 14 years crushing his opponents to unite
77 BI Calisto Corpsecraw seizes control of the Rift Kingdom the ghouls.
from Ungred Seepeye and declares herself First of a 1 IY Tonderil defeats his last foes and is officially crowned
Hundred Kings. Emperor of the Ghouls in the White City.
73 BI The armies of Torzana Tunnelhound, Lord of the 9 IY Tonderil is slain in the battle to take the derro city of
Deepmark, destroy the Rift Kingdom. Gonderif. Haresha Winterblood is crowned Empress.

8
successfully resisted, as they were either inedible or unable
to be chosen for conversion into darakhul. The dark folk
(Creature Codex, p. 72) and deep gnomes survived by THE TWILIGHT EMPIRE
hiding from the darakhul as well as any creature can. Located in the Shadow Realm
Eleven years ago, having crushed almost all opposition in an area that corresponds with
below ground, the darakhul turned their eyes once more the Ironcrag Cantons in Midgard,
to the surface. The only thing that had prevented the the Twilight Empire is home
ghouls from swarming the world above in the past was an to an exiled arm of the Ghoul
aversion to sunlight. Nicoforus sent his legions abroad to Imperium. Ruled by Emperor Vilmos
search the Underworld for the Crown of Air and Darkness, Marquering (NE male human darakhul),
a legendary artifact with the power to protect them from the Black Fang, these darkness‑touched ghouls escaped
the horrible glare of the sun. via a shadow road when Vilmos’ attempted coup
When they eventually returned to the White City
against Emperor Nicoforus failed. Safe from reprisals
empty‑handed, the Emperor was forced to adopt a new
against their treason, the renegade ghouls have built
strategy. Nicoforus picked up and re-forged an old alliance
a new empire in the Shadow Realm and make regular
with Prince Lucan of Morgau. In return for ancient tomes
raids on the fey and the Moonlit Glades. The Black Fang
of forbidden lore, the vampires would receive military aid
from elite darakhul troops. After lengthy negotiations, the vows that one day he will return to the White City to
deal was done. The legions of the Ghoul Imperium set aside claim the throne. More information on this renegade
their fear of the sun and marched into Krakova as part of branch of the Ghoul Imperium can be found in the
the undead armies that laid waste to the Electoral Kingdom. Midgard Worldbook on page 336.

Darakhul Culture & Customs

Darakhul culture is a complex and ever-evolving set of somewhat from settlement to settlement and within legions
traditions and practices, perhaps the most complex such and elsewhere, there are three common pillars that are
social order among the undead. While customs vary part of the shared undeath of the Imperium: joining the

21 IY Haresha Winterblood dies in a coup led by the Second 83 IY The Black Fang launches an unsuccessful coup against
Imperial Legion. Vermesail the Gravedancer is crowned the emperor and escapes to the Shadow Realm where he
emperor. becomes the Twilight Emperor.
38 IY Sandor Greyskin, Master of the Necrophagi, creates the 90 IY Nicoforus sends the darakhul legions forth to search
first bone collective. the Underworld for the Crown of Air and Darkness.
54 IY Necrophage Antovian Surmidus uses illusion and 91 IY The darakhul and the vampires of Morgau march into
necromancy to forge the tradition of disguise known as “the Krakova and conquer the kingdom entirely, declaring the
Cloak,” allowing the darakhul to infiltrate mortal society. birth of the Greater Duchy of Morgau. Queen Urzula and
66 IY The renegade duke Sergival of the Shackles builds an her court escape into exile.
extensive slave trade network under the guise of the cave 92 IY Dwarven reavers establish the Wolfmark and seize the
dragon Dreadwing. He feasts on mortal tributes from across city of Jozht from the Blood Kingdom.
the world until Vermesail’s assassins bring his activities to an 101 IY Nicoforus the Pale remains the undisputed ruler of
abrupt end. the Dread and Endless Imperium of the Darakhul, the
71 IY Krakovans elect King Eynryk to rule their country. Empire of Ghouls. The events of the Empire of the Ghouls
79 IY Drow assassins slay Vermesail. Nicoforus the Pale rises to adventure begin.
rule the Ghoul Imperium.

9
citizenry, following the rituals of hunger and the feeding CREATION BY THE TEMPLES
laws, and the daily work to expand and glorify the empire. The rarest origins are those darakhul created by priests of
the cults of Anu-Akma or Vardesain, or, more rarely, by
GHOUL BIRTH another dark god such as the Red Goddess, Charun, or
Mot. These are cases where living members of the faith,
Not all ghouls are powerful masters of the Underworld.
such as priests, paladins, or especially devout and often
Many are condemned from the date of their creation to
wealthy followers, are chosen to be infected with darakhul
scrabble after scraps. What makes the difference is the
fever. Those who survive are welcomed into a new life in the
highly variable course of the disease that creates ghouls,
temples or in the Underworld, carrying on their dark faith
best known as darakhul fever to the surface world. Among
in a second life. They are introduced to other members of
ghouls, it is called “the curtain” or “the strengthening,”
their congregations and welcomed into the fold as powerful,
as in “after I passed through the curtain” or “after my
respected, and even titled darakhul, serving a dark god and
strengthening.” Only greater ghouls, such as darakhul
the Imperium itself. These are those born to rule.
and imperial and iron ghouls, can afflict a humanoid with
darakhul fever and create new ghouls. CREATION BY THE LEGIONS
Though the birth and growth of a ghoul follows a few More commonly, darakhul are created by the ghoulish
predictable patterns, the most difficult element is simply legions when their ranks are thin. After a successful battle
surviving darakhul fever. Most humanoids infected with where prisoners are taken, the strongest and healthiest
the disease never become undead at all; they are devoured among the prisoners are deliberately infected with
by the ghouls who infected them, they succumb to the darakhul fever, in hopes of creating new soldiers to serve
ravages of the disease and simply die, or they are cured by in the Legion. This is often referred to as “recruiting from
divine magic. Those infected who do become undead vary the field.”
widely in how much of their former life they remember. The survivors are kept starving and shackled until such
The worst-off are those who become beggar ghouls or time as they swear an oath to the Emperor, their legion,
common ghouls, who remember essentially nothing of and their officers. Those who swear this oath are released
their former lives. Their minds are reduced to a lower as free darakhul soldiers, given their first flesh, then added
state of hunger, rage, and more hunger. Somewhat to a company of fellow soldiers, mostly veterans, who
more fortunate are those who become ghasts and retain can be counted on to help the recruit adjust to a new life
some of their memories and skills. The luckiest of all as an undead, as a citizen of the empire, and as part of a
are the darakhul, who not only keep most of their prior powerful military machine.
appearance and memories, but also gain all the strength, Those who refuse to swear the oath grow weaker and
cunning, and charisma of the undead. The darakhul truly weaker. Most die of starvation and become fodder for
are stronger creatures than they were in life — and also the troops. A few gnaw through their limbs to escape the
more profoundly vile. shackles or are released in a weakened state by a generous
officer. These unfortunates either become beggar ghouls
THE CROSSING AND FEALTY (in the Imperium) or lone ghouls, ghasts, or darakhul on
All darakhul were once living creatures. Their arrival as the surface, making their way as hunger-driven monsters
undead is sometimes a matter of deliberate choice, but just or mercenaries, bandits, and graverobbers.
as often an accident of defeat at the claws and weaponry of
CREATION BY HAPPENSTANCE
the ghoul legions. In most cases, new-made darakhul are
While some darakhul arise from those who survive
confused, repulsed by their new unlife, and horrified by
darakhul fever after being infected by raiders from the
the need to devour flesh—a horror that slowly turns into
Imperium, this rarely results in a long-lived citizen of
starvation and death, or that turns to a self-loathing then a
the Imperium. Instead, these lone darakhul, if unable to
bitter pride in their newfound strength. The darakhul call
join the ranks of the People, generally starve and fall into
the change from life to unlife the Crossing, often combining
the ranks of the beggar ghouls (if they are created in the
this term with the “curtain” term for darakhul fever in
Underworld), or they may thrive as relatively powerful
phrases such as “she’s crossing the curtain” or “the slave
undead on the surface, leading bands of ordinary ghouls or
failed to cross the curtain.” Most such transitions fall into
serving a necromancer, vampire, or cult of the dark gods.
three categories, depending on how a particular darakhul is
created: by the temples, by the legions, or by happenstance.

10
DARAKHUL LINEAGE NAMES celebrate the glory of the Empire and the Emperor are held
First names among the ghouls tend to remain the same as throughout the year.
the names held while that particular person was among Enormous bells or gongs mark the time, from first bell
the living; surnames, however, tend to be the names to eighth bell. This practice seems to come from nautical
granted or chosen by the newly arrived darakhul after usage, though in the Imperium the necrophagi or the
the Crossing. These are sometimes the name of a patron, priesthood of Vardesain are the usual keepers of the bells.
lord, or lady, or a name used within the legions or within Each bell is about 3 hours long.
a particular faith. Some common lineage names are Most darakhul spend about four bells a day working
provided below. Some names are most common in the at a trade or profession, one bell feeding or seeking food
priesthoods, while others are from the legions. Outside of according to the laws and rituals, one bell in prayer,
those areas, surnames often celebrate particular affiliations devotions, or learning, and two bells on entertainment,
in the trades or founders of particular note. Because of this household duties, and social obligations such as
naming custom, different darakhul can end up with the correspondence, visits, and displays of loyalty. In times of
same surname due to being chosen by the same patron, travel or war, their schedules can be wildly different.
being part of the same temple, being the spawn of another
darakhul, or some other similar circumstance. WORK
Ghouls created without a patron or lineage name may go Since many ghouls never hunt at all, they must do other
to the Naming Shrine (see page 32), where a name may be useful work. Scribes and priests fill the temples and the
granted to them. Fane of the Necrophagi, writing for libraries and copying
Darakhul Surnames of the Priesthood. Al-Mot, Al-Qaan, both arcane and divine scrolls. Smiths, miners, and
Akma-aldan, Bloodtide, Vardeson armorers fill the artisan quarters, and leatherworkers and
Darakhul Surnames of the Legions. Bonecracker, Ivory, tailors make clothes for the wealthier ghouls. The ghouls
Maggot, Mortus, Reaver, Secondus who serve the legions spend their days in practice yards,
Traditional Darakhul Surnames. Blackwater, Bloodborn, patrolling, or caring for their equipment and war beasts.
Calva, Canis, Carver, Corvan, Dawnbinder, Demonfinder,
Edlest, Fuligin, Ghost, Gnollfeeder, Hunter, Jaeger, Miner, FORAGING
Orcandus, Osseor, Ravenfeeder, Shadowsmith, Strigator, The basic unit of currency in the empire is flesh—meaning
Styxdrinker, Tanner, Umbro, Unsated, Verskull, Vespertan, the flesh of sentient creatures—as fresh as possible, ideally
Whispersen, Wormsong, Wraithcaller still alive, though unburied will do in a pinch. The ones
who bring dwarves, deep gnomes, dark folk, drow, and
others to the flesh pits are usually imperial hunters or
Life in the Imperium raiding parties. Fortunately, ghouls can go for weeks or
The current population of the empire months without eating much, their connection to the realm
stands around 50,000. One‑fifth of that of the dead granting them power even without feeding.
total is in the legions, one‑fifth However, ghouls still feel hunger every day without food.
in the priesthood, one-tenth That drives them to work, fight, and steal if they must.
serve the necrophagi, and Most common ghouls eat no more than one or two ounces
two‑fifths work as scavengers, of flesh per day or even per week. Beggar ghouls eat much
merchants, and servants to the less. To support the empire of 50,000 ghouls, a minimum of
nobles. The remaining tenth are 1,500 pounds of flesh are required each day, roughly 12 elves
beggar ghouls (Tome of Beasts, p. 213). In or 10 humans. Most days, the imperial hunters bring much
times of famine, the empire’s population can drop by 40% more than that into the slave markets. Living slaves are fed
or more, as ghouls feed on their own kind and slaves are just enough to keep them alive. Bat meat, fungus, cave fish,
wiped out. and moth larva are all typical slave food. Most are very thin.
The goal of citizens in the Imperium is the growth and The greater food needs are actually those of carrion
glory of Vardesain, the Emperor, and the empire itself, in beetles. They can eat fungus and rotting flesh most of their
roughly that order. Citizens do not sleep, though they do lives, but they require large carcasses when they reproduce.
take time away from labor for religious devotion, social Their nesting grounds on the fringes of the empire are also
gatherings, and contests of skill and status (contests of the territory where purple worms and other large prey are
memory and strength are both quite common). Festivals to most common.

11
THE FEEDING LAWS A simple badge or marker from one of the marquis,
generals, or high priests is usually taken to stand in for the
The foundational legal codes of the empire deal with food
Emperor’s generous tolerance in these matters. In other
– or, rather, its lack. While ghouls can and do devour the
cases, it is a written document meant to last for years or
living and carrion alike, there are strict rules about who
to allow passage into particular sites usually barred to the
they can eat: without such laws, no other humanoids would
living, such as temples and palaces. These markers can be
dare to visit, trade, or ally with the ghouls. And thus come
bought as indulgences for a standard rate of about 25 gp
the feeding laws, which prescribe both the times and places
per person per day, they can be granted in exchange for
when darakhul may feed, how meat is to be shared, and
other valuables (such as trade goods or information), or
which living creatures may not be devoured. The code
they can be forged or faked. Without this marker or the
states the darakhul eat first at any kill, then the ghasts, and
Emperor’s Gift, a living creature faces the possibility of
lastly the common ghouls. In addition, a citizen eating
being arrested and fined or, at worst, thrown into the slave
flesh that does not belong to it is treated as a special case of
pits as food or labor.
theft, with harsher punishments up to and including exile
for repeat offenders.
Finally, deliberately infecting a fleshling slave is treated
HUNGER RITUALS
as a crime roughly equivalent to arson – that is, it is a The hunger rituals are codified, sometimes elaborate
heinous form of property destruction. Offenders are displays of loyalty in the empire, in which higher-status
usually punished by long starvation and heavy fines, or wealthier darakhul grant the right to feed to their loyal
including indentured servitude to the plaintiff. The feeding servitors. These servitors in turn take some portion of their
laws are taken very seriously, and even nobles have been own gathered flesh and distribute it to their own followers.
punished. In an empire of relative scarcity, food is treated Many ghouls are only allowed to participate in the hunger
with reverence. rituals for a single bell each week; others may attend a
The Emperor, through his officials, administers the Feeding feeding 3 or 4 times a week. Beggar ghouls are outside the
Laws which are written on scrolls of skin and safeguarded by system most of the time, and only earn food if they can
priests of Vardesain. In cases where a citizen’s guilt must be find someone willing to part with their own portion. This
established, the priests act as the judiciary. leaves the beggar ghouls starving and marginal at all times,
In casual discussion, the Emperor’s forbearance is willing to take on seemingly impossible or pointless tasks
generally called “the gift,” meaning the generous gift of the for scraps.
Emperor that grants any person, race, or group of visitors The entire system is codified closely based on service to
immunity from the general ghoul tendency toward eating the empire, but few outsiders care to learn the fine points
anything available. The Emperor’s Gift can be revoked at of ritualized cannibalism.
any time, however, as several ambassadors and messengers
have learned to their dismay. POLITICS
The Ghoul Imperium has the Emperor and a Council of
the Darakhul, which includes five high priests, the head of
each noble house, the Dukes, and the elder marquises – a
CONTEMPT FOR THE LIVING total of almost 60 nobles who can and do write the laws
While it is woven into ghoul life and thought to the and administer justice in the Imperium. Members of the
degree that is rarely taught or remarked on, it is worth Council declare wars, grant or revoke an imperial hunter’s
calling attention to the deep revulsion and contempt charter, grant or withhold plunder from the legions, and so
ghouls hold for the living. They refer to most living on. Their power over the Emperor is very limited, though:
creatures simply as “meat” or “fodder,” and they consider he controls two legions based in the White City—the First
all living creatures social inferiors. While they might and Third Imperial—and he collects the flesh-tax on all
food brought into the city. If he decides not to obey the
speak with kobold merchants and trade for goods
Council’s laws, he risks revolt at the borders of the empire,
with myconids and cloakers, they believe only the
but he is untouchable at home.
undead are truly their equals. This combines neatly into
The politics of the various houses are affected by two
the unique vision the ghouls hold of being superior older, underlying patterns: one is the loyalty to the noble
creatures and the natural rulers of all the world. houses that were once led by the Hundred Kings—these

12
are the darakhul Dukes and some marquises—and the
other is loyalty by original race. Many drow, humans,
Gods and Cults
dwarves, and others are comfortable with ghouls of their The darakhul are organized and powerful as a military
own kind and discriminate against other kinds of ghouls, force, but they are also more zealous in their worship of
believing their own form of ghoul to be superior. This dark gods than most undead. The faiths they practice vary
rivalry is found to be strongest in darakhul who often from place to place and over time, with cults replacing
keep more physical traits and more memories of their one another with regularity. The Imperium’s current
previous lives when transitioning to undeath. The legions priesthood includes the followers of three great gods and
and the Emperor discourage these rivalries when it suits two goddesses, plus lesser cults devoted to demons and the
them and stoke the rivalries with racial battles in the Pit of sainted emperors.
All Flesh or the Fighting Pits of Darakhan when they wish The Death God Anu-Akma, red-speared War God
to keep the beggars and common ghouls distracted from Mavros, and Hunger God Vardesain comprise the trinity
other problems. of ghoulish worship. Anu-Akma and Mavros are known to
the surface world. Vardesain is unique to the ghouls, but a
SLAVES few vampires claim him as a patron god as well.
Though zealots exist, most ghoul faith reflects devotion
As well as being useful, slaves are another way to denote to their own interests. They make a show of piety before
a ghoul’s status. Two main issues arise with living slaves: the Emperor Cults for political reasons, before Mavros
rebellions and infections of darakhul fever from stray for greed and imperial glory, or Anu-Akma for his role in
scratches. The ghouls’ solution to both problems is creating the ghoul race. But, in many ways, their greatest
deadmind powder, a poison put into the food of most god is Vardesain, for all ghouls but the Sated are driven by
slaves. This powder numbs the mind, making slaves more the need to devour flesh.
pliable, and, through some quirk of alchemy, inhibits the
development of darakhul fever in those already infected ANU-AKMA, THE GOD OF DEATH
with the disease, slowing its progress a hundredfold
rather than preventing it entirely. In this way, infected The Lord of the Underworld takes various
mortals slowly become ghouls or darakhul over time. Any forms and names, but he is always among the
darakhul who infected them must pay the slave’s owner for foremost gods of the darakhul. Ghouls believe
the “damage” to the goods. Overseers keep a close eye out they are his favored children, and all
for signs that slaves are not taking the deadmind powder. other species were created to feed them.
Those who resist the toxin are fed to the beggar ghouls or In the Imperium, Anu‑Akma’s priests
sold for meat immediately. are everywhere, and nobles and commoners
The ghouls of the Imperium divide slaves into a alike closely follow his oracles and scripture.
bewildering variety of types and categories, from race, He is venerated as the greatest of the gods,
skills, and even taste. The most important are skilled
(house slaves) and fleshlings (food slaves).
The skilled can read and write, or are savants, arcanists,
or metalworkers of some kind. Sighted slaves with GHOULISH POISON
darkvision are favored because they can work in the The ghouls of the Ghoul Imperium use a poison called
darkness the ghouls prefer. Skilled slaves are kept on deadmind powder to keep their slaves complacent.
to work in ghoul mines, forges, scriptoria, or other Made from a mixture of saltpeter and fungal liquor
enterprises until they are near death, then infected with
obtained from deathcap myconids, the powder is often
darakhul fever. Others are kept as trophies and sometimes
sprinkled in the food and drinks of the ghouls’ slaves.
as sources of amusement in the arena or the bedchamber.
Food slaves are sold as meat and promptly eaten. Halfling Deadmind Powder (Ingested). A creature subjected
is a delicacy, and the flavor of deep gnomes is highly prized. to this poison must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution
saving throw or become poisoned for 48 hours. While
poisoned in this way, the creature has disadvantage on
Wisdom and Charisma saving throws against spells of
the enchantment school.

13
ruling not just death but also justice and travel through the that drives ghouls gives it power. Their conflicting urges
realms of the deep earth. to overcome that hunger, or to give in to gluttony, make it
Priests of Anu-Akma have always advised the emperor, difficult for the empire to suppress worship of this god, no
and the Death God’s current high priestess in the White matter how dangerous its rabble-rousing priests become.
City, Lucretia Tideblood (LE female darakhul high The red and white Shrine of Vardesain in Darakhan is
priestess [Creature Codex, p. 172]), is no exception. She the best-known temple in the Imperium. The current high
presides over the god’s great temple, a towering structure in priest is Cimbrai Grimscribe (NE male human darakhul),
the center of the Necropolis. Worshippers extend beyond a master of the Sated Hunger path, whose appetites have
ghouls to include jackal-headed demons and Waldrop been consumed by Vardesain as a blessing. He currently
Mallecar, the powerful, living guildmaster of the Travertine works to topple the prominence of Anu-Akma’s church.
Order, a group of deadly assassins for hire. Cimbrai’s biggest rival is Radomir Marrowblight, the
Anu-Akma is widely worshipped among the golden ambitious high priest of the Bone Cathedral in Vandekhul
sands of the southern deserts where he guards the tombs (see page 241)
of royalty and stands against the scourges of age, madness, The purple worm is Vardesain’s most favored holy beast,
and the evil undead. Above ground, ghoul worship of Anu- though bats, serpents, and oozes are also among his sacred
Akma is furtive and treated with fear. The Death God’s animals. The demon lord Hriggala, the Jaws of Vardesain,
undead followers await each burial as a new source of flesh acts as the Unsated God’s herald.
for feasting, while the god preserves the souls of those
unfortunate corpses. MAVROS, THE GOD OF WAR
Rats are favored animals of Anu-Akma, as are jackals and
The great legions of the Imperium all
vultures. Many of his priests and most arcanists who follow
pay homage to Mavros, who takes a
him have rats as pets or familiars.
ghoulish face in his temples here
but is otherwise identical to the
VARDESAIN, THE GOD OF HUNGER War God of the surface world. His
Loved by even the least of ghouls, Vardesain priests are all powerful warriors.
is a controversial deity. Sometimes known Mavros’ appearance among
as the Unsated God or by the much the ghouls is of a fully‑armored,
older name of Mordiggian, Vardesain’s helmeted figure (often astride a carrion beetle), carrying
nature and status is much debated a greatsword, and striking down drow and dwarves with
among the darakhul. There are equal glee.
frequent purges and charges of heresy Mavros’ favored animals are the bull and the eagle, as
among the priesthood. they are on the surface, though here they are usually seen
Worship of Vardesain is splintered into only in paintings and statues. His priests regularly sacrifice
several sects with conflicting creeds. These include the white bats and small cave goats (see Underworld Player’s
Bloated Path, which preaches giving into gluttony, allowing Guide) to him as the nearest approximations.
hunger to grow unchecked; the Sated Hunger path, whose
adherents transcend the need to feed through meditation LESSER GODS
and spiritual discipline; the Creed of All Flesh, a tripartite
While powerful, these gods are not the primary movers
organization that honors an aspect of Vardesain called the
in ghoul religious life. The Emperor Cults are small, and
Father of the High Feast; the Endless Gullet; and the cult of
the worship of demon lords is unpalatable to more lawful
Hungry Dust. Among the beggar ghouls, these distinctions
ghouls. The Goddess of Night and Magic was abandoned
don’t matter so much as the ability of prayer to Vardesain
by most ghouls for many years, and the Red Goddess’
to ease the suffering of the starving.
adherents are widely regarded as heretics.
Ghoul theology is usually pragmatic, but discussions
on the nature of hunger, feeding, and flesh become quite EMPEROR CULTS
agitated. The Hunger God’s cult has been suppressed many The first three rulers of the Imperium— Emperor Tonderil,
times for preaching against the Feeding Laws, and for Empress Haresha, and Emperor Vermesail—have small
threatening to turn the Imperium into a theocracy, called but politically powerful cults devoted to their memories.
the Kingdom of Hunger. But it has never disappeared Large sacrifices of blood and treasure are common, though
altogether – the cult’s relationship to the primal impulse their temples are rarely full. Most worshippers are officers

14
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Title: An Irish Crazy-Quilt: Smiles and tears, woven into song

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 An Irish Crazy-Quilt.
SMILES AND TEARS, WOVEN INTO SONG AND STORY.

BY
ARTHUR M. FORRESTER.

BOSTON:
ALFRED MUDGE & SON PRINTERS, 24 FRANKLIN STREET.
1891.

Copyright,
1890,
By ARTHUR M. FORRESTER.

TO THE

“FELONS” OF IRELAND,

THE BRAVE AND FAITHFUL FEW,

Who have been Exiled or Imprisoned or Executed

Because they Loved their Native Land more than

Home or Liberty or Life,

This Volume
IS DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR.
 CONTENTS.

SONGS AND BALLADS.

Page.
The Church of Ballymore 7
The Old Boreen 9
The Irish Schoolhouse 11
Pat Murphy’s Cows 13
Father Tom Malone 16
You Can Guess 18
Only! 19
Songs of Innisfail 20
The Lord of Kenmare 32
An Old Irish Tune 39
Harvey Duff 45
Ivan Petrokoffsky 52
The Emperor’s Ring 54
Black Loris 56
The Red Heart Daisy 67
The Tide is Turning 68
Our Own Again 70
The Tale of a Tail 71
The Seasick Sub-Commissioners 75
Clare Constabulary Caione 77
Clause Twenty-six 78
Jenkins, M. P. 80
Thady Malone 81
Rory’s Reverie 83
Our Land Shall be Free 102
The Felons of Our Land 111
An Official Valuation 112
A Bewildered Boycotter 113
A Complaint of Coercion 115
O’Neil’s Address (Benburb) 118
The Fenian’s Dream 119
The Speaker’s Complaint 126
Erin Machree 128
Balfour’s Wish 135
Our Cause 136
Served Him Right 138
Rapparee Song 140
To the Landlords of Ireland 141
Balfour Rejoices 142
The Irish Brigade 149
Faithful to the Last 156
Fenian Battle Song 158
The Grave of the Martyrs 159
Death’s Victory 160
The Green Flag at Fredericksburg 161
The Flag of Our Land 162
Hurrah for Liberty 163
The Messenger 165
John Bull’s Appeal 175
The Story of a Bomb 177
Avenging, Though Dim 180
Christmas Dirge of London Police 180
Ireland’s Prayer 182
John Bull’s New Year 183
Ready and Steady 185
The Charge of the Guards 193
An Address to Slaves 195
The Lion’s Lamentation 200
Memorial Ode to Irish Dead 202
Song of King Alcohol 209
Contrary Cognomens 210
An Æsthetic Wooing 211
The Drunkard’s Dream 212
Constable X 222
Lucifer’s Laboratory 223
The Monopolist’s Moan 224
With the Grand Army Veterans 225
The Irish Soldier at Grant’s Grave 228
Maine and Mayo 229
The Priest with the Brogue 238
Arab War Song 240
The Linguist of the Liffey 247
Peggy O’Shea 250
The Boston Carrier’s Plaint 253
New England’s Marksmen 260
Calcraft and Price 270
Entitled to a Raise 272
The Postman’s Wooing 273
Sonnets to a Shoemaker 275
At the College Sports 278
Mulrooney: A Trooper’s Tale 286

STORIES AND SKETCHES.

Taming a Tiger 22
Ryan’s Revenge 34
Harvey Duff 40
A Seditious Slide 47
Who Shot Phlynn’s Hat? 58
A Double Surprise 86
Philipson’s Party 103
That Traitor Timmins 129
A Picturesque Penny-a-Liner 144
Snooks 151
Caledonian Candlesticks 152
 A Typical Trial 168
Why Smithers Resigned 186
Exploits of an Irish Reporter 197
A Political Lesson Spoiled 199
An Orange Oration 205
Frederick’s Folly 215
A Sandy Row Skirmish 232
Hobbies in Our Block 241
Not a John L. Sullivan 244
A Windy Day at Cabra 248
Apropos of the Census 256
A Mixed Antiquarian 261
Jones’s Umbrella 263
Lessons in the French Drama 265
A Commercial Crisis 276
A Musical Revenge 280
A Liar Laid Out 282

AN IRISH CRAZY-QUILT.
THE CHURCH OF BALLYMORE.
I HAVE knelt in great cathedrals with their wondrous naves and aisles,
Whose fairy arches blend and interlace,
Where the sunlight on the paintings like a ray of glory smiles,
And the shadows seem to sanctify the place;
Where the organ’s tones, like echoes of an angel’s trumpet roll,
Wafted down by seraph wings from heaven’s shore—
They are mighty and majestic, but they cannot touch my soul
Like the little whitewashed church of Ballymore.
Ah! modest little chapel, half-embowered in the trees,
Though the roof above its worshippers was low,
And the earth bore traces sometimes of the congregation’s knees,
While they themselves were bent with toil and woe!
Milan, Cologne, St. Peter’s—by the feet of monarchs trod—
With their monumental genius and their lore,
Never knew in their magnificence more trustful prayers to God
Than ascended to His throne from Ballymore!
Its priest was plain and simple, and he scorned to hide his brogue
In accents that we might not understand,
But there was not in the parish such a renegade or rogue
As to think his words not heaven’s own command!
He seemed our cares and troubles and our sorrows to divide,
And he never passed the poorest peasant’s door—
In sickness he was with us, and in death still by our side—
God be with you, Father Tom, of Ballymore.
There’s a green graveyard behind it, and in dreams at night I see
Each little modest slab and grassy mound;
For my gentle mother’s sleeping ’neath the withered rowan tree,
And a host of kindly neighbors lie around!
The famine and the fever through our stricken country spread,
Desolation was about me, sad and sore,
So I had to cross the waters, in strange lands to seek my bread,
But I left my heart behind in Ballymore!
I am proud of our cathedrals—they are emblems of our love
To an ever-mighty Benefactor shown;
A d h lth d t d b t h b i f b
And when wealth and art and beauty have been given from above,
The devil should not have them as his own!
Their splendor has inspired me—but amidst it all I prayed
God to grant me, when life’s weary work is o’er,
Sweet rest beside my mother in the dear embracing shade
Of the little whitewashed church of Ballymore!
THE OLD BOREEN.
EMBROIDERED with shamrocks and spangled with daisies,
Tall foxgloves like sentinels guarding the way,
The squirrel and hare played bo-peep in its mazes,
The green hedgerows wooed it with odorous spray;
The thrush and the linnet piped overtures in it,
The sun’s golden rays bathed its bosom of green.
Bright scenes, fairest skies, pall to-day on my eyes,
For I opened them first on an Irish boreen!
It flung o’er my boyhood its beauty and gladness,
Rich homage of perfume and color it paid;
It laughed with my joy—in my moments of sadness
What solace I found in its pitying shade.
When Love, to my rapture, rejoiced in my capture,
My fetters the curls of a brown-haired colleen,
What draught from his chalice, in mansion or palace,
So sweet as I quaffed in the dear old boreen?
But green fields were blighted and fair skies beclouded,
Stern frost and harsh rain mocked the poor peasant’s toil,
Ere they burst into blossom the buds were enshrouded,
The seed ere its birth crushed in merciless soil;
Wild tempests struck blindly, the landlord, less kindly,
Aimed straight at our hearts with a “death sentence” keen;
The blast spared our sheeling, which he, more unfeeling,
Left roofless and bare to affright the boreen.
A dirge of farewell through the hawthorn was pealing,
The wind seemed to stir branch and leaf with a sigh,
As, down on a tear-bedewed shamrock sod kneeling,
I kissed the old boreen a weeping good-by;
And vowed that should ever my patient endeavor
The grains of success from life’s harvest-field glean,
Where’er fortune found me, whatever ties bound me,
My eyes should be closed in the dear old boreen.
Ah! Fate has been cruel, in toil’s endless duel
With sickness and want I have earned only scars;
Lif ’ t ili ht i i it d di i
Life’s twilight is nearing—its day disappearing—
My weary soul sighs to escape through its bars;
But ere fields elysian shall dazzle its vision,
Grant, Heaven, that its flight may be winged through the scene
Of streamlet and wild-wood, the home of my childhood,
The grave of my kin, and the dear old boreen!
AN IRISH SCHOOLHOUSE.
UPON the rugged ladder rungs—whose pinnacle is Fame—
How often have ambitious pens deep graven Harvard’s name;
The gates of glory Cambridge men o’er all the world assail,
And rulers in the realm of thought look back with pride to Yale.
To no such Alma Mater can my Muse in triumph raise
Its Irish voice in canticles of gratitude and praise;
Yet still I hold in shrine of gold, and until death I will,
The little schoolhouse, thatched with straw, that lay behind the hill.
When in the balmy morning, racing down the green boreen
Toward its portal, ivy-framed, our curly heads were seen,
We felt no shame for ragged coats, nor blushed for shoeless feet,
But bubbled o’er with laughter dear old master’s smile to meet;
Yet saw beneath his homespun garb an awe-inspiring store
Of learning’s fearful mysteries and academic lore.
No monarch wielded sceptre half so potent as his quill
In that old schoolhouse, thatched with straw, that lay behind the hill.
Perhaps—and yet ’tis hard to think—our boastful modern school
Might feel contempt for master, for his methods and his rule;
Would scorn his simple ways—and in the rapid march of mind
His patient face and thin gray locks would lag far, far behind.
No matter; he was all to us, our guide and mentor then;
He taught us how to face life’s fight with all the grit of men;
To honor truth, and love the right, and in the future fill
Our places in the world as he had done behind the hill.
He taught us, too, of Ireland’s past; her glories and her wrongs—
Our lessons being varied with the most seditious songs:
We were quite a nest of rebels, and with boyish fervor flung
Our hearts into the chorus of rebellion when we sung.
In truth, this was the lesson, above all, we conned so well
That some pursued the study in the English prison cell,
And others had to cross the seas in curious haste, but still
All living love to-day, as then, the school behind the hill.
The wind blows through the thatchless roof in stormy gusts to-day;
Around its walls young foxes now, in place of children, play;
Th h h f d l ti b d ’ ll th t id
The hush of desolation broods o’er all the country-side;
The pupils and their kith and kin are scattered far and wide.
But wheresoe’er one scholar on the face of earth may roam,
When in a gush of tears comes back the memory of home,
He finds the brightest picture limned by Fancy’s magic skill,
The little schoolhouse, thatched with straw, that lay behind the hill.
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