I am running this adventure (using a ruleset that is not derived from D&D) and the characters are approaching the Goblin camp. In the scripted adventure they will find a Thoul. The Thoul, however, is a very peculiar creature of the D&D & C. world and doesn't have a related creature in other rulesets or in other mythologies. It feels to me that perhaps just lifting the Thoul and dropping it in the adventure can feel shoehorned.
It would be better having another creature (more widely known) that can do the same job in that context.
Any ideas?

A Thoul is basically what happens if a Troll and a Ghoul like each other very much. - So, if you cannot get their child, choose one of the parents. :)

A Troll might make sense if you're emphasizing the wilderness/forest exploration of the scenario, a Ghoul might make sense if you want to emphasize the storyline concerning the undead. Personally, if I ran the adventure again, and had to make that choice, I would probably use a Troll.

The original version of the adventure, IIRC, had this Thoul be a creature infected by the Redwood Scar. So, the encounter was mainly designed to establish that connection; consequently, any Scarborn (?) creature might do if you want to dial down the power level. :)

Thanks for the insight!

We are wrapping up, Rafe. I'll post the transcript (and the players' comments, if they will post them when i'll ask for feedback at the end of the adventure) in the Campaign Journals & Story Hour sub-forum ;)

Thank you, Yaz! Posted a quick note in the CJ forum, as well. Mind you that I usually don't subscribe to any threads at the Comeback Inn, though, even if I leave my occasional posts here and there - so, the quickest way to reach me is usually via other channels. You know what those channels are. :wink: