The Vukodlak

Vukodlaks spawn from the malignant spirits of powerful, intelligent, wolf like creatures such as worgs, winter wolves, or werewolves. Often they arise from such creatures that—through desperation or depravity—fed on undead flesh or drank the blood of a vampiric creature. Their blackened souls arise after death, twisting their bodies into monstrous shapes.

Like vampires, vukodlaks share an insatiable thirst for blood.

Vukodlaks measure 8 feet long and 6 feet tall at the shoulder, and they weigh 1,000 pounds. A vukodlak typically walks on all fours, and from a distance can easily be mistaken for a large, shaggy horse. However, it has a distinct wolf like muzzle filled with sharp canine teeth, as well as other wolfish features. Vukodlaks possess monstrous strength, making them ideal mounts for powerful undead masters or other evil creatures. While serving as mounts, they keep to all fours, and might easily be mistaken for worgs or great fanged horses. Masters seeking to control vukodlaks find the most success relying on fear and intimidation, as well as providing a constant source of blood for the creature to feed upon. Vukodlaks share a natural kinship with vampires and often serve them willingly.

Vukodlaks hunger for blood, gorging themselves rather than saving victims to feed on later. When feeding, they can prove difficult to command. Riders who are not careful in their attempts to restrain a hungry vukodlak risk having their mount turn on them. While vukodlaks can go days without feeding, they gradually become weaker if they do not feed daily, and have difficulty operating on anything other than pure instinct. Though intelligent, vukodlaks rarely think or plan ahead, instead focusing on feeding or obeying their masters’ commands.

Vukodlaks without masters often form small packs.

These packs annihilate all life in entire areas, overfeeding until destroyed or forced to move on. Vukodlaks hate sunlight and hunt only at night, making their lairs in deep caves or ruins. They don’t care for treasure; anything of worth found in a vukodlak lair is simply something its latest victim was carrying that the beast couldn’t eat.

Although vukodlaks don’t appear undead at first glance, any creature that wounds one or finds a vukodlak corpse can tell they’re not living creatures—their bodies being largely hollow, filled with the rotten, stinking remains of organs that ceased functioning long ago.

Cherokee Nation (Native American) Werewolves
Cherokee folklore includes stories of the “Yee naaldlooshii,” which translates to “Skinwalker.” These beings are believed to have the ability to transform into various animal forms, including wolves.

In Czech folklore, there are tales of the “Vlkodlak,” which is the Czech equivalent of the werewolf. Vlkodlaks are believed to be humans who can transform into wolves or wolf-like creatures, often as a result of a curse or dark magic.

In French folklore, the werewolf is often associated with the legend of the Loup-Garou. According to the myth, a person can transform into a wolf-like creature, usually during a full moon. It’s believed that being bitten by a werewolf can also cause someone to become one.

German folklore features the legend of the “Werwolf,” which is similar to the concept of the werewolf in other cultures. The werewolf is said to be a human who can transform into a wolf-like creature, often as a result of a curse or a deal with supernatural forces.

In Greek mythology, there’s the tale of Lycaon, a king who was transformed into a wolf as punishment for serving human flesh to the gods. This myth is one of the earliest known werewolf stories in Western literature.

Irish folklore includes tales of creatures known as “Lobaircin,” which are werewolf-like beings. These creatures are said to be humans who can transform into wolves or wolf-like creatures, often through magical means or as a result of a curse.

Mexican folklore includes legends of the “Nahual,” which are shape-shifters capable of transforming into various animals, including wolves. These beings are often associated with shamanic practices and are believed to possess magical powers.

Various Native American tribes have their own werewolf-like legends. For example, the Navajo have stories of skinwalkers, which are witches or sorcerers who can transform into animals, including wolves.