Empousa

Grc: Ἔμπουσα

The proto-vampire of Classical mythology in that they:

• Drink the blood of their victims,
• Are most active by night,
• Have a seductive nature,
• Possess the ability of shift forms (including a bat form).

Distinct from most modern vampires in that they:

• Have one false leg made from copper or bronze,
• Are followers of Hecate,
• Are alive rather than undead,
• Can turn into non-bat animals,
• Have no problem with garlic, running water, or religious symbols, and
• Are exclusively female (in the literature we have).

The term "Empousa" is sometimes used as a catch-all for creatures that also include the Lamiai and Mormolykeia.

Basic Information

Anatomy

One legged, while in human form, with the other being made of copper or bronze. Presumably also having one false leg while in animal forms as well.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Female Empousai prefer their victims to be young and male.