Something a little different today. A vampiric spirit that takes the form of a bird when summoned by a witch. This is a creature in the folklore of the tribes of South Africa including the Pondo, the Zulu and the Xhosa.
Impundulu
Armor Class: 5 [14]
Hit Dice: 6d8+3** (30 hp)
No. of Attacks: 2 claws, 1 bite
Damage: 1d6+2 / 1d8+1
Special: Blood drain 1-3 points of Constitution per bite, Charm, Demonic abilities
Movement: 30’ Fly 60’
No. Appearing: 1
Saves As: Monster 6
Morale: 12
Treasure: None
Alignment: Chaotic (Chaotic Evil)*
XP: 2,400
The Impundulu, or Lightning Bird, is a type of vampiric servant used by evil witches. The bird is born when lightning strikes the ground. To all others it appears as a lighting strike, but to the witch it has chosen it appears as a bird. Once so chosen the bird will manifest to all as an Impundulu.
The bird can also assume the form of an attractive man to lie with the witch each night.
The Impundulu may also attempt to seduce other women, and feeds on them as a vampire, but it is not an undead creature, but rather one of the Calabim, or Demons of destruction.
The Impundulu must charm his victim to gain access to her home and bed, once there he will drain 1-3 (1d6/2) points of Constitution in blood each night. After three nights he will cease his attacks. The victim could well be close to dead at this point. Any victim lowered to 0 Con dies. Victims killed by the Impundulu will come back as weak ghost (1 hit die).
The Impundulu is immortal and is often passed down from mother to daughter. The Impundulu is incapable of fathering children.
The feathers of the Impundulu are considered to be a great source of magic for a gris gris or other talisman.
Impundulu have all the same immunities as do other Calabim; Half damage to Cold, Fire, Gas, and Lightning. They take full damage from magic and silvered weapon. They are fully immune to the effects of sleep spells and toxins.
The bird can be turned by a Good Cleric as if it were a vampire. To destroy it a hunter must find the feather binding it to this world and burn it. Usually this is with the witch that controls it.
