The Rakghoul is a disgusting beast. Living only to spread the infection and feed its insatiable thirst, the sustenance-based mutants wreak havoc on Taris and its growing infrastructure. Many wonder how the Rakghoul came to be, but for most of the personnel on Taris the only thing they want to know is how to avoid them... or kill them.

The pallid, horn-headed beasts take on many distinct appearances depending on the strain present within the victim. Some mutate into hulking red giants capable of ripping a wookie limb from limb, and others transform into smaller creatures, their only strength being their stealth and ability to attack in pack-like numbers. It leaves anyone with even the slightest scratch to turn into a monster, each option of mutation worse than the last.

Rakghouls created through two Rakghouls reproducing mutate much more slowly, the virus often turning an infected individual into a functioning, albeit mindless husk who slowly loses all skin tone, hair, and eventually their humanoid appearance. In the short time they remain visually akin to their former self, they are able to operate minor things such as blaster rifles, vibroblades, and even explosives.

With the cure making its rounds through camps and Republic soldiers' kits, it would almost seem as if the Rakghoul threat is eliminated, but that is far from the case. Rare outbreaks in the galaxy, as well as massive heat signatures from below Taris' soil show that what we see on the surface is only the precipice of a larger, far more dangerous plague. Only time will tell if the Rakghoul serum can stand the test of time and the mutative properties of the virus.

Billian "Bill" Tetley,
RHN Reporter
Republic HoloNet Story Report
[Rakghoul]