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Kudlak
The Kudlak is a creature from Croatian myth. They are born with a caul, which would either result in Kudlak or a Krsnik. They are a form of living vampire that preys on humans in the area. They are thought to have the ability to shapeshift and often takes the form of pigs, oxen, or horses, typically with a black coloration. They are also believed to fly on night winds and use magic. With magic they can magically learn secrets, cause illness, and kill whenever possible. It is often believed every community would have one Kudlak and one Krsnik. Though classified as a living vampire, they can rise from the…
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Krvopijac/Krvoijac
The Krvopijac is a vampiric creature from Bulgaria. They are created when someone smokes or drinks during Lent. Sometimes these people transform immediately, but sometimes they transform after death, the process taking forty days to occur as an insult to numerology from the devil. Their skeletons are thought to melt and then reform into new forms of a much stronger material. They have pale rotting flesh, rotting teeth, sunken eyes, and smell strongly of rotten meat. They have forked tongues and only one nostril. They are incredibly strong and can only be combatted by fire. Their graves can be found by having a naked virgin ride a black foal through…
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Krsnik/Kresnik
The Krsnik is a monster hunting creature from Croatia. They are thought to be the only creature powerful enough to oppose the Kudlak. They are born with a caul, which would either result in Krsnik or a Kudlak. Krsnik quickly become aware of their own nature and seeks out evil to combat. It is often believed every community would have one Krsnik and one Kudlak. They are thought to have the ability to shapeshift and often takes the form of pigs, oxen, or horses, typically with a white coloration. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United…
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Krampus
Krampus is a monster and folklore figure from countries such as Austria, Bavaria, Hungary, and Switzerland. His name means “claw” and he is thought to accompany Santa Claus. In Austria he is seen as Santa’s evil twin and appears on December 5. He is often depicted as a seven-foot-tall hairy humanoid with dark skin, a goat-like head, a long tail, curling horns, and a long hanging tongue. He carries a birch switch and threatens to beat bad children with it. He is thought to attack and give nightmares to naughty children on the orders of Santa Claus. In Austria, he leaves birch brooms in the houses of naughty children, and…
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Koyemshi
The Koyemshi is a clown figure from Zuni Native American culture. It is often referred to as a “Mudhead Clown”. They are great mimics who poke fun at people and are quite mischievous. They are the result of incest and are stupid and impotent. Different Koyemshi would be imitated in ceremonies based on their varying personalities. They serve as examples of how one should not act. Despite their unfavorable details, they are believed to predate Kachinas, and can bring good fortune and good weather. Citations: Bonvillain, Nancy. The Zuni. United States, Facts On File, Incorporated, 2009. Robinson, Ann O’Connor Williams. Kachinas-Paone. United States, Robinson Galleries, Houston, 1976.
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Kornwolf
The Kornwolf is a creature from folklore throughout Europe. They take the form of wolves who possess unnatural intelligence and are often thought to be some form of Werewolf. They are thought to prey on farmers and their families. The corpse of the Kornwolf, or a replica of one, could be burned to bring good luck for future harvests. Despite their supernatural nature, the Kornwolf can be killed with normal weapons. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Kōjin/Samebito
The Kōjin is a creature from Japanese myth referred to as a yokai. The live in the ocean, especially around the South China Sea. They are thought to resemble mermaid-like creatures with inky black shark skin and ugly human-like faces with emerald green eyes. They are known for weaving and can frequently be found using looms with special silk that doesn’t get wet. They are carnivorous creatures, but they aren’t known to be particularly hostile towards humans. When Kōjin cry, their tears are pearls and jewels. Citations: Meyer, Matthew. The Book of the Hakutaku: A Bestiary of Japanese Monsters. United States, Matthew Meyer, 2019.
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Knockers
The Knockers are a helpful form of Fae from Cornwall. They are believed to work alongside miners to help them find lost things and lead them to veins of ore. They tap against the walls to lead people to these veins. They are typically helpful but can be dangerous if annoyed. Knockers can be angered if someone whistles or swears, and they throw rocks until these offender apologizes. While most believe Knockers to be a form of Fae, there are other possible origins. – Some beliefs suggest that they are the spirits of Jewish people made to work in mines. – Some suggest they are the spirits of those who…
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Knecht Ruprecht
Knecht Ruprecht is a figure from German mythology whose name means “servant Ruprecht.” He wears a dark hooded robe accented with fur, has a dark bushy beard, and carries switches and a large sack. This sack may be used for carrying off bad children or bringing presents to the good ones. Other times he gives the switches to bad children or their parents rather than using them himself. He may have ashes on his face and may rub ashes in the faces of bad children to mark them. This visual may have been meant to bring to mind blacksmiths, whose image sometimes brought to mind the devil with darkness and…
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Kishi
The Kishi are monstrous creatures from the myths of Angola. They resemble humans with a hyena face on the back of their heads, often growing out their hair or wearing a headdress to hide their second face. They use their charm, and appearance of a seductive male to lure in victims, namely pretty young women. They then take their victims aside to reveal their horrifying nature. They feed on the fear released in this moment, and then consume the flesh of their victims. They are strong and smart and bite with more force than a crocodile, easily killing with just one bite. They can be killed through normal means and…
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