Windigo
A Windigo is a mythological creature of Native American origin. They have long been associated with tribal outcasts that have fallen to cannibalism. The truth is a bit more terrifying than that.
A Windigo is not born, nor created by chance. They come to be with specific intention. While the exact process varies between tribes, the basics are as follows: A person must murder a member of their own family, under a full moon. They must then cut out the victims heart, and consume it. Some tribes claims this needs to happen on certain holy days, or with ritual daggers, or while chanting an incantation, but what is truth and what is speculation is unknown. What is known is some people are successful, and gain unnatural strength and speed, combined with a human's natural cunning.
Windigos are nearly impossible to kill. If slain, they will revert back to human form within a minute or two, apparently dead. Within a few days, the body will raise back up to consciousness, as if no trauma has occurred. This will happen, even if parts of the body are removed, including the brain. The only way to ensure a Windigo is killed it to burn the heart to ash. Standard cremation is effective, thought the sooner done after death the better. If disposal is needed in the field, the heart can be removed and burned at a high temperature. A standard wood fire is not generally enough, and the use of chemical or material accelerants is advised.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A Windigo is a muscular, bipedal, wolf/human hybrid. They are nearly as larger as a grizzly bear, but taller and leaner. They can stand upwards of 8 foot, and weigh close to 500 pounds. Most are covered in brown fur, but it can range from pitch black to light grey. The muzzles of these creatures are horribly elongated, and their teeth are incredibly sharp. The majority of these creatures cannot even close their lips over their teeth, leading to a constant trickle of spittle flowing from their mouths. Each is capable of feats of strength and agility, such leaping 15 feet in the air, sprinting 40 miles per hour, or passing through thick forest by bounding between trees.
The tribe of origin can frequently be ascertained by noting the unique characteristics. For example, Windigos from the Matapami tribe are frequently found with large sets of deer antlers. Those from the American Southwest have a tendency to have much shorter, lighter hair, and those originating in Alaska or Canada have been seen with moose antlers.
Genetics and Reproduction
Windigos are created ritualistically. Once the required steps are taken, the human physically transforms into the beast, bones breaking and reassembling, muscle and hair growing quickly, and an insatiable hunger for human flesh overtaking rational thought.
Growth Rate & Stages
The first time the transformation from human to Windigo takes place, it can take several minutes, and is excruciatingly painful. It gradually becomes quicker and more tolerable over time. A Windigo is in control of when to transform to or from human form following the first transformation.
Dietary Needs and Habits
When in human form, Windigo have the same dietary habits and needs as any other person, though with a higher preference for meat. When in beast form, they crave human flesh, and specifically hunt people to eat their organs, showing a special predilection for the heart.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
North and Central Americas. More frequent near large Native American populations
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
This creature has many keen senses. They have excellent vision, with exceptional night vision, hearing similar to that of an American Timber Wolf, and a sense of smell made for tracking prey.
Origin/Ancestry
Native American
Lifespan
Nearly Imortal
Average Height
7' - 9'
Average Weight
350 - 500 lbs
Average Physique
Heavily muscled
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