Alright, I am excited to write about a real legend. Though many of my posts are just myths, the Beast of Gevaudan was a real "wolf-like creature" that terrorized the region of Gevaudan, France from 1764 to 1767. Eye witnesses describe it as having reddish fur, huge teeth, and a foul odor. Almost all witnesses describe the creature as being similar to a huge wolf. Some associate it with werewolves, but this was a real creature. There are actually several other very minor wolf stories such as "the wolf of Ansbach," and "the wolf of Soissons," and stories about wolf attacks in Benias and Vivarias (oddly all these attacks occurred over a period lasting roughly 4 years), but these cannot hold a candle to the shear terror and destruction inflicted by the beast of Gevaudan. One estimate claims that the beast attacked 210 people, killing 113 and wounding 49. It is said that 98 of these kills were found partially eaten. The conservative estimate says that 25 women, 68 children, and six men were killed while more than 30 people were injured. At very least, 60 can be confirmed, but most estimates are 100 or more killed. Some speculators say that it had to be more than one beast. Regardless an army of people were organized just to hunt it because it was so dangerous.
Perhaps the most horrifying thing about this beast was it almost always went for the kill, attacking the face and throat. The attacks of the beast were so vicious and devastating that they caught the attention of King Louis the XV, who took a personal interest in the matter sending hunters to kill the beast. The first hunters, spent three months killing wolves and yet...the attacks continued. After the failure of these hunters, King Louis sent his a man named Antoine and his own lieutenant of the hunt. In September 1765 these two killed a wolf almost 3 feet high and 6 feet long. It weighed 130 pounds and carried scars said to be made by its thrashing victims. Survivors claimed that this was indeed the beast. It was stuffed and sent to the Palace of Versailles.
Now this should be the end of the story, but in December of 1765, the beast struck again. It injured two children and as time continued many other deaths occurred. Rumor has it that the King wanted things kept quiet this time. He didn't want terror to spread or have people know that not even the king could stop it. This "second" beast was eventually slain by a man named Jean Chastel. Family legend said that he was in a hunting party and sat to read his Bible and pray when the beast approached him. He then finished his prayer before shooting and killing the beast. (note: this defies the normal behavior patterns of the beast as it always attacked immediately. not waiting for people to pray). Now, some of the villagers claim that it was actually Jean Chastel who trained the beast. No one really knows for sure whether or not that is true. However, upon cutting open the stomach of the last beast, they found human body parts. The highly exaggerated version of the Beast of Gevaudan can be seen in the movie Brotherhood of the Wolf.
Stats:
Easily as large as a lion and terribly vicious, the beast of Gevaudan was able to take down full grown men. It was known not only for its size, but also its extraordinarily long teeth and tail as well as its reddish fur. Many speculate it could have been a wolf crossbred with a dog or some odd subspecies. One speculation is that it was a prehistoric animal, a mesonychid or other wolf-like species, that survived in France. No one really knows what it was. Due to size and strength, it seems the beast was able to survive numerous wounds. Many of the villagers claimed to have shot it, cut it, or otherwise injured it. Some thought it was a demon because it was so tough. This is not unheard of. When Lewis and Clark traveled west they had to shoot grizzly bears dozens of times to kill them. Strong, fast, and apparently intelligent enough to avoid legions of hunters, the beast was a terrifying killing machine.
Transformation:
Uhh, its an animal. There is no transformation involved.
Alignment:
Normally animals are just animals, but I am going with evil on the Beast of Gevaudan. It seemed to specifically target humans and it caused many deaths. The thought occurs to me that it could have been trained or it could have been possessed, but it should be noted that these are simply possibilities that I thought up. Most likely it was just a very wild, particularly malevolent, beast.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Well it was only after Jean Chastel killed it that stories of him using a silver bullet sprang up. In the actual history, Chastel and Antoine killed both beasts with regular bullets. Like any bear or wolf, it would have been vulnerable to any conventional weapon be it gun, sword, or cannon. It was simply hard to kill, not supernaturally invincible.
Showing posts with label lore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lore. Show all posts
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Headless Horseman
Headless Horseman Origins:
The Headless Horseman is an interesting character, but there is very little information on him. Some of the information I will include is based on my analysis of headless horseman tales both past and modern day. The original Headless Horseman originates from the Dutch tale of Sleepy Hollow, which was eventually turned into a book by Washington Irving. He is the ghost of a Hessian soldier whose head was shot off by a cannon ball in the Revolutionary War. Hessians were German mercenaries hired during the war. Unlike most ghosts, he has a physical form and rides a great black horse, which also has a physical form. He may or may not be the origin of the ghost rider myths. Since the original tale, many adaptations have been made, and newer legends of the Headless Horseman have been created. In some latter adaptations he is an undead being controlled by a witch. In recent tales, the horseman had filed his teeth to points and was a very powerful and merciless soldier when he was alive. His enemies feared him because he was known to decapitate them.
Headless Horseman Stats:
The horse of the Headless Horseman is very fast, faster than most horses. The horseman himself seems to have some measure of superhuman strength. Although not as strong as a vampire or werewolf, he is strong enough to easily lift a 200 pound man with one arm. Most of the time he kills his victims by decapitation. His weapons are an ever glowing jack-o-lantern, a sword, and a single bladed ax. In some tales, the jack-o-lantern can breath fire and burn things that are close to it. The horseman can also throw the jack-o-lantern with incredible accuracy. The horseman exudes a powerful aura that causes animals to panic and drives terror into the hearts of humans. He is invulnerable to most weapons, including firearms. And, despite the lack of his head, he is a reasoning and somewhat intelligent being. He is more powerful on All Hallows Eve, also known as Halloween. As he was when he was alive, the headless horseman is very skilled at wielding ax and sword. He kills those that travel through his woods at night. Although he cannot find his head, he will not allow any others even the chance of accidentally stumbling upon it.
Transformation:
Conventionally, one cannot become the Headless Horseman, nor can the Headless Horseman make other headless horsemen. It may be possible that more headless horsemen could be created if they lost their head in battle and had a strong enough will to return, but this remains doubtful and unlikely. However, it is never mentioned how the Hessian soldier returned or continues to move without a head. It may be that his desire to be whole, extreme evil, or the amount of men he decapitated in battle keeps him from resting. In the case of some newer myths, it is a witch that has disturbed his rest and called him back.
Alignment:
Evil. He can coexist with other evil goblins and forest beings and will not go out of his way to kill them. Should another evil being cross his path he will most likely kill it regardless of its alignment. He will kill any humans he can. As a side note, he does not bother horses.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
The Headless Horseman must be back at his resting place, a church graveyard in Sleepy Hollow, by dawn. Unlike most creatures, he cannot be killed by beheading obviously. He is neither zombie nor ghost. Such things as holy water, crucifixes, and bibles would keep him away, but not kill him. He would also avoid bright areas and fire. Ichabod believed that the horseman could not cross the church bridge and that he would disappear in a cloud of fire and brimstone when he had given up the chase. Since the horseman is already dead, slaying him would be difficult. In more recent tales he could be stopped by killing the witch controlling him. If he should ever regain his head or have the opportunity, he will kill anyone who is or was controlling him and drag them to Hell before return to his rest. He is riding out at night in search of his lost head, which presumably remains intact somewhere in Sleepy Hollow. If his head is returned, he will rest. Presumably, if he is damaged enough he will have to return to his resting place and heal. Cannon, holy heavy weapons such as swords and broad axes would be the only things strong enough to damage him. Like most mythical creatures, he was created in a time period long ago and will probably not be affected by weapons from our time period. Do not bother looking for his body during the day because it will probably not be there. As suggested by the fire and brimstone disappearance, the headless horseman most likely rests in another realm, hell, or some untouchable part of Sleepy Hollow. So far, short of intervention from God or angels, the Headless Horseman cannot be killed, only returned to rest. However, unlike werewolves or vampires, he is limited in the amount of area he can cover. He must return to his grave by daybreak and his resting place cannot be changed. Also, although he is evil, he is looking for his head and knows it is in the area.
The Headless Horseman is an interesting character, but there is very little information on him. Some of the information I will include is based on my analysis of headless horseman tales both past and modern day. The original Headless Horseman originates from the Dutch tale of Sleepy Hollow, which was eventually turned into a book by Washington Irving. He is the ghost of a Hessian soldier whose head was shot off by a cannon ball in the Revolutionary War. Hessians were German mercenaries hired during the war. Unlike most ghosts, he has a physical form and rides a great black horse, which also has a physical form. He may or may not be the origin of the ghost rider myths. Since the original tale, many adaptations have been made, and newer legends of the Headless Horseman have been created. In some latter adaptations he is an undead being controlled by a witch. In recent tales, the horseman had filed his teeth to points and was a very powerful and merciless soldier when he was alive. His enemies feared him because he was known to decapitate them.
Headless Horseman Stats:
The horse of the Headless Horseman is very fast, faster than most horses. The horseman himself seems to have some measure of superhuman strength. Although not as strong as a vampire or werewolf, he is strong enough to easily lift a 200 pound man with one arm. Most of the time he kills his victims by decapitation. His weapons are an ever glowing jack-o-lantern, a sword, and a single bladed ax. In some tales, the jack-o-lantern can breath fire and burn things that are close to it. The horseman can also throw the jack-o-lantern with incredible accuracy. The horseman exudes a powerful aura that causes animals to panic and drives terror into the hearts of humans. He is invulnerable to most weapons, including firearms. And, despite the lack of his head, he is a reasoning and somewhat intelligent being. He is more powerful on All Hallows Eve, also known as Halloween. As he was when he was alive, the headless horseman is very skilled at wielding ax and sword. He kills those that travel through his woods at night. Although he cannot find his head, he will not allow any others even the chance of accidentally stumbling upon it.
Transformation:
Conventionally, one cannot become the Headless Horseman, nor can the Headless Horseman make other headless horsemen. It may be possible that more headless horsemen could be created if they lost their head in battle and had a strong enough will to return, but this remains doubtful and unlikely. However, it is never mentioned how the Hessian soldier returned or continues to move without a head. It may be that his desire to be whole, extreme evil, or the amount of men he decapitated in battle keeps him from resting. In the case of some newer myths, it is a witch that has disturbed his rest and called him back.
Alignment:
Evil. He can coexist with other evil goblins and forest beings and will not go out of his way to kill them. Should another evil being cross his path he will most likely kill it regardless of its alignment. He will kill any humans he can. As a side note, he does not bother horses.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
The Headless Horseman must be back at his resting place, a church graveyard in Sleepy Hollow, by dawn. Unlike most creatures, he cannot be killed by beheading obviously. He is neither zombie nor ghost. Such things as holy water, crucifixes, and bibles would keep him away, but not kill him. He would also avoid bright areas and fire. Ichabod believed that the horseman could not cross the church bridge and that he would disappear in a cloud of fire and brimstone when he had given up the chase. Since the horseman is already dead, slaying him would be difficult. In more recent tales he could be stopped by killing the witch controlling him. If he should ever regain his head or have the opportunity, he will kill anyone who is or was controlling him and drag them to Hell before return to his rest. He is riding out at night in search of his lost head, which presumably remains intact somewhere in Sleepy Hollow. If his head is returned, he will rest. Presumably, if he is damaged enough he will have to return to his resting place and heal. Cannon, holy heavy weapons such as swords and broad axes would be the only things strong enough to damage him. Like most mythical creatures, he was created in a time period long ago and will probably not be affected by weapons from our time period. Do not bother looking for his body during the day because it will probably not be there. As suggested by the fire and brimstone disappearance, the headless horseman most likely rests in another realm, hell, or some untouchable part of Sleepy Hollow. So far, short of intervention from God or angels, the Headless Horseman cannot be killed, only returned to rest. However, unlike werewolves or vampires, he is limited in the amount of area he can cover. He must return to his grave by daybreak and his resting place cannot be changed. Also, although he is evil, he is looking for his head and knows it is in the area.
Werewolves
Werewolf Origins:
Werewolf legends are some of my favorite stories. There are were-beast legends in almost every culture. For example, in India there are weretiger legends. Though they are world renowned, werewolf legends probably originated in Germanic lands, called Gaul by the Romans and Greeks. There are many origin stories, but in my opinion the best one is the vikings. Vikings were always known as great warriors and sea raiders. However, among them were warriors known as berserkers. These warriors got their name from the bearskins they often wore in battle. Berserkers would also wear wolf skins. Before battle, berserkers would gnash their teeth, bite their shields, and work themselves into a fit of rage. This gave them more strength and allowed them to ignore more pain. However, in blind rage, they would often attack allies. These berserkers would often remain savage and live away from the other vikings after battle. Thus, the legends of werewolves probably originated from these fierce wolf skin wearing men. Also, they would have been difficult to kill because the wolf or bear hides protected them to some extent, and their fits of rage allowed them to ignore pain.
Almost all werewolf origins point to killers and outlaws as being associated with werewolves. Lycanthrops or werewolves can be traced back as far as Greek literature. Werewolves are mentioned or known in some form in almost every country and culture. Their form varies from men changing completely into wolves to wolfmen that walk on two legs and simply have furry faces and long teeth. Most werewolves are somewhere in between.
Werewolf Stats:
Werewolves are known for extreme toughness. They have great strength, agility, and senses. Their strength is much greater than that of vampires. They can bend iron and steal easily. Their claws and teeth are both very sharp, and their teeth contain werewolf venom. They Can run extremely fast, jump very high, and land on their feet after a long fall without taking any damage. Legends of intelligence vary a lot. While they are always cunning hunters, most of the time they are considered violent and somewhat unintelligent. However, there are legends of intelligent werewolves as well. Werewolves can see very well at night and seem to be able to climb and swim quickly. Werewolves can be injured, but they heal very quickly. The scars and even minor injuries will remain when they return to human form, in most cases. However, even in human form they will heal from grievous injuries in only a few days. Some werewolves are said to have very thick tough hide that protects them. There are two variations of werewolf lifespan. One says werewolves will live the normal length of life. The other says that werewolfism (new word made just for this sentence) slows aging and werewolves can live to be 300 years old. However, all legends agree that werewolves are not ever living beings like vampires.
Transformation:
There are an amazing number of werewolf transformation legends that have been passed down through the ages. The most common one is werewolf venom. According to this legend, anyone bitten by a werewolf will become a werewolf at midnight of the next full moon. It is also said that one can become a werewolf by stripping naked and putting on a belt of wolf skin or a wolf skin cloak. Some legends involve drinking from certain streams or saying an incantation. One legend mentions dancing around a bronze knife stuck in a log seven times while singing an incantation. Each culture seems to have its own variation. Some cultures, like Argentina, say that the seventh son is born a werewolf. Normally transformation takes place under the full moon. Some legends say that it takes place at night. Others say that werewolves can transform at will, even during the day.Occasionally, it is said that werewolves form packs. These are often led by a single, alfa wolf, which is often white. Brown and gray are the most common werewolf colors. Black and white werewolves are often considered strong and more intelligent although this is not really true.
Alignment:
Mostly evil with some exceptions. Almost all legends agree that werewolves are violent, vicious, berserker type creatures. There are a very few that claim werewolves can maintain rationality. According to one of Wikipedia's sources, a man named Thiess, werewolves are the hounds of God sent to fight demons and witches. And, some say that werewolves are sent to punish the wicked. Most of the time, however, werewolves are dangerous to everyone as they hunt for blood. The biggest exception is vampires and other mythical beasts. There is great enmity between vampires and werewolves, so werewolves will attack vampires or other creatures, such as zombies or witches, before humans. Vampires and werewolves are eternal enemies. Although a werewolf is not affected by a vampire bite, werewolf venom is highly toxic to vampires. Werewolf venom will kill vampires almost immediately. One cannot be both werewolf and vampire.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Silver. Silver has always been a werewolf weakness. Silver bullets, arrows, knives, swords, and so on can be used to kill a werewolf. Werewolves also hate fire and can be burned to death, although it would take a while. Like most mythical creatures, cutting off a werewolf's head will also kill it. Sunlight will burn a werewolf and cause it pain, but it will NOT kill it. Due to the fact that werewolves are usually beastly and not unholy creatures, crucifixes and holy water would have little or no effect on werewolves. It is said that werewolves hate wolf's bane. According to some legends, removing the wolf skin or wolf skin belt will also change a werewolf back to a human. Some odd ways mentioned to get rid of being a werewolf include kneeling in the same place for 100 years, and being struck in the head three times with an iron knife. When a werewolf is killed, it will revert to human form. Hunting a werewolf is extremely dangerous and should never be done in the woods. The only good way to hunt a werewolf is to lure it into an area that you have already set your ambush. Always have an escape plan ready though.
If you are being chased by a werewolf, wolf's bane and fire are your best bets. Any kind of silver, even silver table wear, will keep a werewolf at bay. Werewolves can run very fast and climb well, but they only swim as good as an average human, if not slightly worse. So you may be able to out swim a werewolf or escape on a boat. But remember, werewolves are persistent and have an incredible amount of stamina so make sure that if you are going to swim away you get to a vehicle before you tire out.
Werewolf legends are some of my favorite stories. There are were-beast legends in almost every culture. For example, in India there are weretiger legends. Though they are world renowned, werewolf legends probably originated in Germanic lands, called Gaul by the Romans and Greeks. There are many origin stories, but in my opinion the best one is the vikings. Vikings were always known as great warriors and sea raiders. However, among them were warriors known as berserkers. These warriors got their name from the bearskins they often wore in battle. Berserkers would also wear wolf skins. Before battle, berserkers would gnash their teeth, bite their shields, and work themselves into a fit of rage. This gave them more strength and allowed them to ignore more pain. However, in blind rage, they would often attack allies. These berserkers would often remain savage and live away from the other vikings after battle. Thus, the legends of werewolves probably originated from these fierce wolf skin wearing men. Also, they would have been difficult to kill because the wolf or bear hides protected them to some extent, and their fits of rage allowed them to ignore pain.
Almost all werewolf origins point to killers and outlaws as being associated with werewolves. Lycanthrops or werewolves can be traced back as far as Greek literature. Werewolves are mentioned or known in some form in almost every country and culture. Their form varies from men changing completely into wolves to wolfmen that walk on two legs and simply have furry faces and long teeth. Most werewolves are somewhere in between.
Werewolf Stats:
Werewolves are known for extreme toughness. They have great strength, agility, and senses. Their strength is much greater than that of vampires. They can bend iron and steal easily. Their claws and teeth are both very sharp, and their teeth contain werewolf venom. They Can run extremely fast, jump very high, and land on their feet after a long fall without taking any damage. Legends of intelligence vary a lot. While they are always cunning hunters, most of the time they are considered violent and somewhat unintelligent. However, there are legends of intelligent werewolves as well. Werewolves can see very well at night and seem to be able to climb and swim quickly. Werewolves can be injured, but they heal very quickly. The scars and even minor injuries will remain when they return to human form, in most cases. However, even in human form they will heal from grievous injuries in only a few days. Some werewolves are said to have very thick tough hide that protects them. There are two variations of werewolf lifespan. One says werewolves will live the normal length of life. The other says that werewolfism (new word made just for this sentence) slows aging and werewolves can live to be 300 years old. However, all legends agree that werewolves are not ever living beings like vampires.
Transformation:
There are an amazing number of werewolf transformation legends that have been passed down through the ages. The most common one is werewolf venom. According to this legend, anyone bitten by a werewolf will become a werewolf at midnight of the next full moon. It is also said that one can become a werewolf by stripping naked and putting on a belt of wolf skin or a wolf skin cloak. Some legends involve drinking from certain streams or saying an incantation. One legend mentions dancing around a bronze knife stuck in a log seven times while singing an incantation. Each culture seems to have its own variation. Some cultures, like Argentina, say that the seventh son is born a werewolf. Normally transformation takes place under the full moon. Some legends say that it takes place at night. Others say that werewolves can transform at will, even during the day.Occasionally, it is said that werewolves form packs. These are often led by a single, alfa wolf, which is often white. Brown and gray are the most common werewolf colors. Black and white werewolves are often considered strong and more intelligent although this is not really true.
Alignment:
Mostly evil with some exceptions. Almost all legends agree that werewolves are violent, vicious, berserker type creatures. There are a very few that claim werewolves can maintain rationality. According to one of Wikipedia's sources, a man named Thiess, werewolves are the hounds of God sent to fight demons and witches. And, some say that werewolves are sent to punish the wicked. Most of the time, however, werewolves are dangerous to everyone as they hunt for blood. The biggest exception is vampires and other mythical beasts. There is great enmity between vampires and werewolves, so werewolves will attack vampires or other creatures, such as zombies or witches, before humans. Vampires and werewolves are eternal enemies. Although a werewolf is not affected by a vampire bite, werewolf venom is highly toxic to vampires. Werewolf venom will kill vampires almost immediately. One cannot be both werewolf and vampire.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Silver. Silver has always been a werewolf weakness. Silver bullets, arrows, knives, swords, and so on can be used to kill a werewolf. Werewolves also hate fire and can be burned to death, although it would take a while. Like most mythical creatures, cutting off a werewolf's head will also kill it. Sunlight will burn a werewolf and cause it pain, but it will NOT kill it. Due to the fact that werewolves are usually beastly and not unholy creatures, crucifixes and holy water would have little or no effect on werewolves. It is said that werewolves hate wolf's bane. According to some legends, removing the wolf skin or wolf skin belt will also change a werewolf back to a human. Some odd ways mentioned to get rid of being a werewolf include kneeling in the same place for 100 years, and being struck in the head three times with an iron knife. When a werewolf is killed, it will revert to human form. Hunting a werewolf is extremely dangerous and should never be done in the woods. The only good way to hunt a werewolf is to lure it into an area that you have already set your ambush. Always have an escape plan ready though.
If you are being chased by a werewolf, wolf's bane and fire are your best bets. Any kind of silver, even silver table wear, will keep a werewolf at bay. Werewolves can run very fast and climb well, but they only swim as good as an average human, if not slightly worse. So you may be able to out swim a werewolf or escape on a boat. But remember, werewolves are persistent and have an incredible amount of stamina so make sure that if you are going to swim away you get to a vehicle before you tire out.
Wraiths
Wraith Origins:
Wraiths are spirit like beings that are parts of many legends. They originated in Norse mythology as guardian spirits known as vörór. These were believed to guard human souls. The word "wraith" was first recorded in 1513 as meaning ghost or spirit. J. R. R. Tolkien popularized wraiths in The Lord of the Rings books. Tolkien's wraiths are beings of power that feed on the strength and emotion of the living and serve only their master's will. In both The Lord of the Rings and popular legend, wraiths are tall human like figures shrouded in black. Wraiths are also considered spirits of vengeance. In some legends, wraiths appear as a warning that something bad will happen. According to more recent myths, wraiths can also be dark black humanoid creatures surrounded by shifting smoke. These seem like undead, but they are created through time manipulation. Time wraiths are extremely rare.
Wraith Stats:
Most wraiths are a type of ghost. Ringwraiths, like those from The Lord of the Rings, do have a physical form. They cannot be seen, but are covered with garments or armor. They are strong and incredibly powerful. They strike terror and panic into all, but the very bravest of hearts. Being near to them can cause pain and severe depression. Some possess unknown powers. These ghost like beings are usually malevolent and deadly. They carry and seem to be able to create their own weapons, perhaps by drawing them to the earthly realm from their own. The second type of wraiths, those created by time manipulation, do not have ghostly power, nor do they inspire fear. They have physical form and look somewhat human like. They are faster, stronger, and more agile than an average human. They also seem to be lighter as they can leap quite far and are incredibly acrobatic. They cannot summon weapons, but they have very limited control of time in a small area.
Transformation:
Wraiths are considered spirits of the dead. However, Ringwraiths were created by kings who desired power more than anything else. The only time wraith ever recorded was created when he found an item of ancient power that allowed him to travel back a short period in time as a wraith. Wraiths can make other wraiths by wounding or killing humans with wraithian weapons. Wraith weapons will leave shards in the wound they make so that a person once stabbed will most likely become a wraith.
Alignment:
Evil. Ringwraiths and other ghostly types are always evil. The ancient wraiths known as vörór on the other hand, were always good. Wraiths created by time manipulation can be either good or evil.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Wraiths are weak to any cutting or piercing weapon. To vanquish them aim for where their head should be. Beware, if you are to close when you kill a wraith, you will be poisoned by their hatred and evil. This will cause death if not treated. Wraiths are aversive to fire and can be burned to death. Wraiths other than Ringwraiths, time wraiths, and vörór will be aversive to holy items. Ringwraiths can be killed by edged weapons. Little is known about vörór, but since they are good, there is no reason to slay them. Time wraiths can be killed if they take enough damage from any weapon, but they are tougher than the other types of wraiths because they have a physical form. Wraiths can withstand sunlight, but they do not like it. Ringwraith weapons will be dissolved by sunlight.
Wraiths are spirit like beings that are parts of many legends. They originated in Norse mythology as guardian spirits known as vörór. These were believed to guard human souls. The word "wraith" was first recorded in 1513 as meaning ghost or spirit. J. R. R. Tolkien popularized wraiths in The Lord of the Rings books. Tolkien's wraiths are beings of power that feed on the strength and emotion of the living and serve only their master's will. In both The Lord of the Rings and popular legend, wraiths are tall human like figures shrouded in black. Wraiths are also considered spirits of vengeance. In some legends, wraiths appear as a warning that something bad will happen. According to more recent myths, wraiths can also be dark black humanoid creatures surrounded by shifting smoke. These seem like undead, but they are created through time manipulation. Time wraiths are extremely rare.
Wraith Stats:
Most wraiths are a type of ghost. Ringwraiths, like those from The Lord of the Rings, do have a physical form. They cannot be seen, but are covered with garments or armor. They are strong and incredibly powerful. They strike terror and panic into all, but the very bravest of hearts. Being near to them can cause pain and severe depression. Some possess unknown powers. These ghost like beings are usually malevolent and deadly. They carry and seem to be able to create their own weapons, perhaps by drawing them to the earthly realm from their own. The second type of wraiths, those created by time manipulation, do not have ghostly power, nor do they inspire fear. They have physical form and look somewhat human like. They are faster, stronger, and more agile than an average human. They also seem to be lighter as they can leap quite far and are incredibly acrobatic. They cannot summon weapons, but they have very limited control of time in a small area.
Transformation:
Wraiths are considered spirits of the dead. However, Ringwraiths were created by kings who desired power more than anything else. The only time wraith ever recorded was created when he found an item of ancient power that allowed him to travel back a short period in time as a wraith. Wraiths can make other wraiths by wounding or killing humans with wraithian weapons. Wraith weapons will leave shards in the wound they make so that a person once stabbed will most likely become a wraith.
Alignment:
Evil. Ringwraiths and other ghostly types are always evil. The ancient wraiths known as vörór on the other hand, were always good. Wraiths created by time manipulation can be either good or evil.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Wraiths are weak to any cutting or piercing weapon. To vanquish them aim for where their head should be. Beware, if you are to close when you kill a wraith, you will be poisoned by their hatred and evil. This will cause death if not treated. Wraiths are aversive to fire and can be burned to death. Wraiths other than Ringwraiths, time wraiths, and vörór will be aversive to holy items. Ringwraiths can be killed by edged weapons. Little is known about vörór, but since they are good, there is no reason to slay them. Time wraiths can be killed if they take enough damage from any weapon, but they are tougher than the other types of wraiths because they have a physical form. Wraiths can withstand sunlight, but they do not like it. Ringwraith weapons will be dissolved by sunlight.
Zombies
Zombie Origins:
For the record, I hate zombies. Zombies are reanimated corpses. Though they are technically dead, they are not in the same category of undead as vampires. They have the ability to move and attack, but they are more like very unintelligent animals. There sole thought, goal, and drive is to feed on the living. Legends of zombies originate in the Afro-Caribbean culture, especially Haiti. There were old stories of Voodoo sorcerers raising corpses. These stories call the raised corpses "zonbi" and began around 1870. Although zombies originated in Afro-Caribbean culture, many cultures have tales of the dead returning or skeletons coming to life, including Norse, Japanese, and Indian cultures.
Zombie Stats:
Zombies are extremely dangerous, but not because they are fast, strong, or cunning. Zombies are highly contagious. The can transfer their disease with a bite or they can simply touch an open wound. Because the disease spreads so quickly, zombies will almost always come in packs. They feel no pain or remorse. They have none of their human emotions left. They can pursue for a long time because they don't feel fatigued. However, they are still only human, so to speak, and they cannot push their bodies past normal human limits. They become weaker as time passes because they never stop rotting. The life span of a zombie is usually less than 2 months, even if they are feeding regularly. If injured a zombie will never heal.
Transformation:
Once bitten by a zombie, normal humans have at maximum of three days before they become zombies themselves. The amount of time one has depends on physical health and genetic structure. As with most viruses, their are humans who are immune. However, this is very rare. There are a very few companies in the world with experimental cures, but your chances of finding one that works are very slim. As a person becomes a zombie, they will slowly stop feeling pain, their thoughts will get muddled, and they become more aggressive. When they become a full zombie, they will no longer feel pain or be able to think.
Alignment:
Evil to neutral. Zombies can be malevolent, but this is rare. In most cases where zombies are evil, they have been raised or are being controlled by an evil force. Ninety percent of the time, zombies are brain dead, constantly starving corpses. Their only thought is "Braaaaiiiinnnnssss." So, they attack simply to get food, not because they hate humans.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Zombies may be the easiest of all legendary beings to kill. Almost any damage to the head will kill zombies whether it is a bullet, a sword, or a baseball bat. Beheading will also kill most zombies. There are a few who can still move without their head. If this happens, either smash the skull of the head or pierce the heart of the body. Lopping off arms and legs may slow the zombie down, but that will not kill it. Remember, zombies won't bleed to death, they are already dead. The number one rule when slaying zombies is, "don't show compassion." There is no such thing as a good zombie. They are dead and nothing remains of the person they once were, so don't hesitate to kill them. They are slow, but be careful they don't surround you. Even if they are easy to kill, numbers can be overwhelming. Get out of cities and highly populated areas. Zombies have bad coordination, so choose rough terrain to run and fight on. Zombies are EXTREMELY flammable. Thus, the only thing zombies fear is fire. Also, make sure that they don't cut or bite you. Zombie virus does not affect vampires, werewolves, ghost beings, or other legendary creatures. It will also not affect people who are immune, obviously.
For the record, I hate zombies. Zombies are reanimated corpses. Though they are technically dead, they are not in the same category of undead as vampires. They have the ability to move and attack, but they are more like very unintelligent animals. There sole thought, goal, and drive is to feed on the living. Legends of zombies originate in the Afro-Caribbean culture, especially Haiti. There were old stories of Voodoo sorcerers raising corpses. These stories call the raised corpses "zonbi" and began around 1870. Although zombies originated in Afro-Caribbean culture, many cultures have tales of the dead returning or skeletons coming to life, including Norse, Japanese, and Indian cultures.
Zombie Stats:
Zombies are extremely dangerous, but not because they are fast, strong, or cunning. Zombies are highly contagious. The can transfer their disease with a bite or they can simply touch an open wound. Because the disease spreads so quickly, zombies will almost always come in packs. They feel no pain or remorse. They have none of their human emotions left. They can pursue for a long time because they don't feel fatigued. However, they are still only human, so to speak, and they cannot push their bodies past normal human limits. They become weaker as time passes because they never stop rotting. The life span of a zombie is usually less than 2 months, even if they are feeding regularly. If injured a zombie will never heal.
Transformation:
Once bitten by a zombie, normal humans have at maximum of three days before they become zombies themselves. The amount of time one has depends on physical health and genetic structure. As with most viruses, their are humans who are immune. However, this is very rare. There are a very few companies in the world with experimental cures, but your chances of finding one that works are very slim. As a person becomes a zombie, they will slowly stop feeling pain, their thoughts will get muddled, and they become more aggressive. When they become a full zombie, they will no longer feel pain or be able to think.
Alignment:
Evil to neutral. Zombies can be malevolent, but this is rare. In most cases where zombies are evil, they have been raised or are being controlled by an evil force. Ninety percent of the time, zombies are brain dead, constantly starving corpses. Their only thought is "Braaaaiiiinnnnssss." So, they attack simply to get food, not because they hate humans.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Zombies may be the easiest of all legendary beings to kill. Almost any damage to the head will kill zombies whether it is a bullet, a sword, or a baseball bat. Beheading will also kill most zombies. There are a few who can still move without their head. If this happens, either smash the skull of the head or pierce the heart of the body. Lopping off arms and legs may slow the zombie down, but that will not kill it. Remember, zombies won't bleed to death, they are already dead. The number one rule when slaying zombies is, "don't show compassion." There is no such thing as a good zombie. They are dead and nothing remains of the person they once were, so don't hesitate to kill them. They are slow, but be careful they don't surround you. Even if they are easy to kill, numbers can be overwhelming. Get out of cities and highly populated areas. Zombies have bad coordination, so choose rough terrain to run and fight on. Zombies are EXTREMELY flammable. Thus, the only thing zombies fear is fire. Also, make sure that they don't cut or bite you. Zombie virus does not affect vampires, werewolves, ghost beings, or other legendary creatures. It will also not affect people who are immune, obviously.
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