The question of what ghouls drink in the Fallout universe isn't explicitly answered in any single piece of canonical material. However, we can deduce a plausible answer by considering their physiology and the environment they inhabit. This exploration delves into the lore, examining the implications of ghoul biology and the availability of resources in the post-apocalyptic world.
What Liquids Are Available to Ghouls?
The wasteland offers a limited selection of potable liquids. Considering the dangers of radiation contamination, clean water is a precious commodity. Ghouls, being essentially radiation-resistant humans, likely consume whatever water sources are available, albeit with varying degrees of safety. These could include:
- Purified Water: While scarce, settlements and resourceful individuals may have methods of purifying water, making it safe for consumption. Ghouls would likely seek out these sources.
- Naturally Occurring Water: Rivers, lakes, and even rainwater collection could provide water, though the risk of contamination is high. Ghouls' resilience might mitigate some of these risks, but certainly not all.
- Bottled Water: Pre-war bottled water might still exist, though it's probably a luxury item, especially in the later games.
- Other Beverages: While less essential, pre-war beverages that have survived (though likely degraded in quality) might also be consumed, though probably not regularly.
Do Ghouls Need to Drink as Much as Humans?
This is a crucial point. The Fallout lore doesn't explicitly detail the exact metabolic processes of ghouls. However, considering their significantly slowed aging and overall enhanced resilience, it's reasonable to assume that their hydration needs might be lower than those of humans. Their bodies might be more efficient at retaining water, requiring less frequent consumption.
Can Ghouls Drink Contaminated Water?
While ghouls are radiation-resistant, they aren't immune to all toxins. Highly contaminated water could still cause harm, albeit likely less severe than for humans. Their physiology might allow them to process some toxins more effectively, but it wouldn't make them impervious to all forms of waterborne illness.
Do Ghouls Have Preferences for Certain Drinks?
This is purely speculative. Given their prior lives as humans, it's possible that individual ghouls retain some taste preferences. However, the scarcity of resources and the overall focus on survival would likely outweigh any preference for specific beverages. Essentially, clean water would be the primary concern.
What About Alcohol?
Alcohol is another matter entirely. Pre-war alcohol might exist in limited quantities, and while ghouls might consume it, its effects on their physiology are unknown and likely unstudied. It would be a luxury, not a necessity.
In conclusion, while there's no definitive answer to what ghouls specifically drink in Fallout, it's likely a combination of whatever potable water sources are available, prioritizing clean water over other beverages. Their unique physiology probably allows them a degree of flexibility in water consumption compared to humans, but they are not entirely immune to the dangers of contaminated water. The wasteland necessitates practicality and survival over preference.
