Nosferatu
Nosferatu
(Creature)
Nosferatu1 are a primitive form of vampire, granted immortality and power by their curse yet still suffering the ravages of time.2
Appearance
Unlike an eternally young vampire, a nosferatu continually ages. These undead are consequently often bitter individuals whose withered flesh, yellowed teeth, and gaunt features broadcast them as outcasts among the living.2
Abilities
Nosferatu retain many of the abilities they held before becoming undead. Their withered forms defy their strength and speed, and their hands develop claws that can be used to inflict significant damage. These creatures possess many powers similar to those of vampires, such as the ability to drain a victim's blood, control the will of others, resist certain forms of harm, and regeneration. In addition, they boast certain abilities that are uniquely their own, such as:23
A nosferatu can move even sizeable objects through telekinesis by simply concentrating on the task at hand.2 Similar to the shape-changing abilities of vampires, nosferatu can also transform themselves into a swarm of smaller creatures.3
Ecology
As immortal creatures who continue to feel the passage of time, nosferatu possess an outlook that is unique among intelligent undead. Their actions often intend to advance objectives over ages, but they are also motivated by a sense of urgency rooted in the primitive nature of their curse. The continuous decay of their bodies dominates their understanding of their condition, often driving them to oscillate between depressive despair and desperate bouts of feeding in an attempt to stave off the failing of their bodies for just a while longer.24
Unlike other vampires, nosferatu willingly prey upon animals. This has the effect of allowing them a measure of inconspicuousness, although the extreme manner in which they savage and mutilate their prey can still alert hunters to the nosferatu's presence.4
History
Nosferatu were the first of the modern strains of vampire to evolve from their strigoi ancestors who emerged from the Netherworld. Early nosferatu were driven to fury by their own innate hunger and their bodies' decay, and preyed on the living like beasts. This eventually caused a rift among their ranks when some of their kind chose to leave their animalistic natures behind, adopting the trappings of class and society of their prey instead. These reformist nosferatu became the first of the moroi, who in turn gave rise to jiang-shi and vetalas. The newer, more fertile strains of vampire, particularly the moroi, quickly outnumbered their sterile ancestors and replaced them as the most prevalent and iconic face of vampirism.5
Known nosferatu
Self-despising nosferatu seem to prefer a solitary existence.6
- Ramoska Arkminos
- An authority on disease, this centuries-old nosferatu spends much of his time researching a cure for the curse of vampirism.6
- Viscount Oilic Galdyce
- Immortal ruler of the Ustalavic county of Amaans during the 47th century AR.7
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ Since the publication of Bestiary 3, Paizo uses "nosferatu" and "nosferatus" interchangeably as the plural form.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 . “Bestiary” in Seven Days to the Grave, 88. Paizo Inc., 2008
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 . “Bestiary” in Seven Days to the Grave, 89. Paizo Inc., 2008
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 . “Nosferatu” in Blood of the Night, 10. Paizo Inc., 2012
- ↑ . “Overview” in Blood of the Night, 5. Paizo Inc., 2012
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 . “Seven Days to the Grave” in Seven Days to the Grave, 52. Paizo Inc., 2008
- ↑ . Classic Horrors Revisited, 50. Paizo Inc., 2010
External links
- Nosferatu (word) (real-world mythical entity) on Wikipedia
