My entry for the Monster Monster contest! Here it is, and, I might add, this is by NO MEANS a copy/edit of 'TheFacelessOne's' The Faceless One submission. I have seen a lot of kind support on this forum, and I don't expect to see "Dude, you suck, copy!". It's MERELY COINCIDENTAL that we have similar ideas. Unfortunate...really. Anyway, here it is, the Ghoul-Ghala My first GIF! .D. Not too shabby for a first, I must say! Backstory: Ghoul-Ghala, roughly translates to 'Ghoul, to seize', or, the Seizing Ghoul, the Ghoul-Ghala resembles that of Japanese/Oriental culture, described loosely as "torn, hanging robes, the smell of flesh, the feeling and the certainty of death, and of course, the mask that doesn't quite make you want to run...But lets you know you should". Referenced and mentioned in manuscripts and folklore of old, the Ghoul-Ghala is an ancient, ethereal-type being, and although defined as a 'ghoul', is far worse. Usually only brief extracts can be found across history, but they are indeed there. Short mentions and occurrences, in places where you wouldn't even know exist. The strangest part is, of all these manuscripts, there have been no witnesses, just these small pieces of information and why are they small, you ask? Because all those people that knew such a thing wandered our plane were indeed cut short themselves, but of course, surely all this is speculation? You can continue to believe that if you so desire, sometimes pretending something doesn't exist is a good way to go, so, you can continue to do so, I will continue to pass rumours. Technically, the word 'ghoul' doesn't necessarily refer to someone that is dead. It can refer to a dark-individual, a non-living being, or indeed something dead completely. The Ghoul-Ghala is most likely a non-living, ethereal being. From the various sounds that are apparently heard when it's near, there are some pieces of recorded information that say it sounds like; "the gentle clattering of metal, perhaps chains rattling or a tin-cup being hit against another", to other documents mentioning a "slow, rolling thunder that progressively gets louder and more frequent". Nobody really knows, it may make all these noises. But, how can one tell the difference between a thunderstorm and that of an ethereal life-force? Quite simply, we're all human, and we all have a very developed sense of instinct. If you feel something is there, it might just be the Ghoul-Ghala, maybe you're out late and wandering home, there is a chance you are being watched. And I know, this does all sound cliche, but, part of that typical "you're being watched" cliche, is that there isn't actually anything there. With this, it's different. This is something far worse, something that is passed down through time and legend, to the point of mythology isn't something that you can just 'shrug off', the Ghoul-Ghala doesn't appreciate the assumption that it doesn't exist. And, furthermore, if you downright deny the existence, it will indeed let you know you're wrong. You won't know where, or when and you may not even know how it'll happen, or what you will hear...But, just pray that when you do finally meet your demise, you won't see it before you die. Because they say just before death, your life flashes before your eyes, and time goes slowly. Just imagine what it would be like if that was magnified by fear so great that you were paralyzed for what feels like an eternity before your slow and horrific death. Habitat: Basically, if you feel uncomfortable somewhere, it's there. Any place that marks a traumatic occurrence or an area that's derelict or abandoned. It's also known to roam throughout wherever it is, straying far beyond the boundaries that are deemed as the Ghoul-Ghala's natural area, this makes it a very difficult ghoul to predict. Furthermore, in areas that a player has just died, Ghoul-Ghala will have a higher chance of being here, and in this occurrence, will move around the area of the player's death, attempting to gather whatever is left of them. And, to that point, in an area that a player has just died, as well as an area that's seen as derelict, there will be an even higher chance that Ghoul-Ghala will be there should the player return. Or should they not. Behaviour: The Ghoul-Ghala will wander aimlessly in it's first form, somewhat passive, it won't attack many creatures/monsters, only strong signs of human-life. It will wander a wide area, possibly passing by the player, should they be both hidden and out of the line of site. If the player is seen by the Ghoul-Ghala, it will change into the second form, beginning to give-chase to the player, following them until either: The player and Ghoul-Ghala have engaged in combat. < Avoid this. The player has successfully escaped the Ghoul-Ghala. < Try this. Another behavioural characteristic of the Ghoul-Ghala is; if the player is underground, and also in the dark, the Ghoul-Ghala will follow, but remain in it's first form, until either it has caught up completely with the player and will, without the players knowledge until the very end, change into it's third form, using any number of it's attacks. Or, will follow the player until they turn around and spot the Ghoul, at which point, it will change into it's second form, using it's attacks as normal. Estimated size-comparison of the Ghoul-Ghala in it's first form, compared to your average, garden-variety doomed player. The Logbook extract of the Ghoul-Ghala, wasn't sure what to add for the specifications/information in the six boxes, so I kept it empty. Stages The Ghoul-Ghala will take the form of 3 different stages, represented by this diagram: Stage 1 is somewhat passive. Will not attack or change-form until it has seen the player. Stage 2, under the correct circumstances, will form once the player has been seen. Stage 3 is the second aggressive stage, and will involve the player being in combat with the monster. Attacks: Life-DrawThe first attack of the monster is a life-draining ability. The closer it is to the player, the more energy that will be drawn out from them. Basically, if you move too close, you will only have a short amount of time to live. This attack can reach relatively far, further than that of it's tentacles, and will also slow down the player slightly, allowing the Ghoul-Ghala to come closer, opening up the opportunities for it's other attacks. Tentacle GrabThe second is an attack that involves the Ghoul grabbing the player, and lifting them up to bring them closer, therefore draining more energy with the 'Life-Draw' attack whilst also keeping the player in a tight and painful vice. Damage with the grabbing alone will be minor, although, the player should break free as quick as they can; and to do so, will have to either attack Ghoul-Ghala directly in it's face, or frantically move so that they can get loose. Furthermore, similar to the first attack, the closer the player is, the more susceptible they are to their life being drawn from them, and the quicker it will happen. Tentacle SwipeThe third attack is similar to the second, in that it involves the use of tentacles, and yet, is mostly a more direct variation of attacks, meant for injuring the player with quick and swift slashes or hits. This is a fall-back attack-style for the Ghoul-Ghala, and will be used when the monster feels as though it's in a state of peril. The attacks themselves may come from any one of it's tentacles, having the potential to be: A straight, direct lunge, targetting the players chest, usually, or head if possible. Slow when gathering torque, but when lunging, will be quick. - Medium Damage. A swipe that horizontally attacks the player, moving from one side of them to the other and will be a quick and sloppy attack. - Minor Damage. A slash that is intended to vertically cut the player downwards (or upwards), will be slow and noticeable. Ghoul-Ghala will move a tentacle above the player, and gather strength briefly, until unleashing it's attack downwards (again, or upwards). Fear-CharmThe Ghoul-Ghala's final attack. This is very much intended to freeze/scare the player into not moving at all, or drawing closer to the monster uncontrollably. This involves the use of one of the heads on it's tentacles. This head will open both it's eyes and mouth, almost bringing the player into a trance. This attack will act similar to a lunge, except won't be intended to go through the player, but more so, the head will be pushed as close as possible, increasing the possibility of the player being charmed/lured into moving closer. Weaknesses: So, how would one go about defeating an ethereal and all-powerful being such as this? That is a good question... Yup, good question indeed. You know what's good about good questions? They always get answers! Isn't it just great...? I hope they believe this...So, attacking it is somewhat easy, ranged attacks will do minor damage to it's face, but, if the player wishes to do a greater deal, then they must venture closer, using melee attacks/weaponry to stab, slash and bash the mask and face completely. The more melee attacks, the mask will gradually crack, making it so that the Ghoul-Ghala won't be able to drain as much life from the player. The more cracks in it's face, the lower it's ability is to reheal. Until there being enough cracks that it can no longer use the 'Life-Drain' ability. At this point, it will go into a frenzied rage, the movement speed increasing and it's attacks becoming more frequent. At this point, ranged attacks will do even less damage, most of it being deflected by it's tentacles, in short, the monster must be defeated by delivering a final strike to the mask. The player can deal minor damage to: Tentacles - Yes, Minor. Robes/Main Body - No. Face/Mask - Yes, Minor to High. (Minor being ranged attacks, high being the cracked mask/final stage with melee attacks) Middle Cavity - Yes, Medium. Head-on-Tentacle - Yes, Minor to Medium. Drops/Loot: What 'fun' would this monster be without the potential for some really exciting prizes? That's right! Roll up, roll up! You, too, can be the proud owner of: Super cool face masks! "Why so serious?" And of course, those wonderful tattered robes, I hear they're quite the fashion piece in Planet 7. "Cool raincoat, brah" Post-Notes And that's it, this was my first ever sprite, I think...I'm pretty sure. Like, %60 - %90 sure that this was my first sprite. It was...Yeah. Lets go with that. And, my first GIF too! All-in-all, this was really fun! Anyway, I am not quite sure how the images will turn out, so, I may add larger sizes. But, we'll see how they look once I've posted this thread. Also, leave comments/questions/queries down where they should go, if you so wish. All the best to you, and everyone in this competition, ~ Dan.
Thanks very much you two, I'm glad you both like it .D. Yay! I'll probably continue spriting on it later, just for fun/see if I can replace or add some more images. Perhaps weapons or something, although logically, if the Ghoul doesn't use a weapon, then how can one drop? xD We'll see...
Very flattered and humbled by every comment. Thanks all of you, now I'd feel bad winning (if I did) after I've heard such kind words from such kind people! I was right about these forums, everyone's wonderful!
I like your array of sprites. The first form reminds me a lot of No Face from Spirited away, or Arakune from BlazBlue. They transitions give it a lot more depth and character. Pretty gruesome!
Thanks ^^ I guess it is indeed similar to No Face, but the thing is, No Face is based on Japanese spiritual culture (I think), and I tried to make it so here. Mainly because the Japanese are crazy with folklore and mythology, and masters of horror, I'd say. Also, the use of masks on a monster, I find that irresistible. Regardless, thanks for your feedback, and the comparison. I do indeed love No Face!
