Ghasts are a predatory species from the Dreamlands, which live in the vaults of Zin.
Biology[]
Ghasts have been described as "primitive" and "repulsive beings", with elongated hind legs, which move around by leaping like kangaroos. Their feet are protected by sharp hooves, which can also be used as weapons. Their size is comparable to a small horse, and their faces are curiously human-like, although they have no forehead and no nose, and their eyes are yellowish-red in color. Ghasts live exclusively in the underground vaults and die when exposed to daylight, although they can tolerate twilight for some hours. They move in groups and have an acute sense of smell.
Ghasts are opportunistic predators and even practice cannibalism. Although they are preyed upon by the Gugs, they are also known to kill Gugs in retaliation, usually attacking them when the Gugs are asleep. If they meet other species on such occasions, such as Ghouls, the Ghasts will readily attack them as well, as it's been claimed that they cannot discriminate. Their vocalizations have been described as "coughing gutturals".
Appearances[]
- The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath, by H. P. Lovecraft (1943)