Impundulu - Lightning Birds

Safrian legend tells of the Impundulu, the Lightning Birds, a race of vampiric shapeshifters than can take the form of both humans and birds. Feeding on human blood, the Impundulu are said to be masters of storm magic, capable of summoning lightning upon their enemies and prey. Few believe that such legends are true, but the few brave or stupid enough to visit the mountain lairs where they are said to reside have a habit of never being seen again.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Impundulu are said to look like ordinary humans in their human form. According to legend, when they transform feathers sprout from their arms, which act as wings, and their feet curl and bend to become deadly claws. Their teeth are said to be sharper and more pointed than ordinary humans, well suited for drinking blood. Their eyes are also said to look more like that of a bird of prey than a human eye.

Biological Traits

Impundulu are said to be taller and skinnier than the average human, with sharp facial features and bird like eyes.

Genetics and Reproduction

Little is known about Impundulu mating. It is unclear if their children are born like humans or emerge from eggs like birds. It is possible that it depends on the form the Impundulu is in when it fall pregnant and when it gives birth. Some have suggested that Impundulu children only gain the skill to transform and control storms when they grow older, which would suggest live birth like humans.

Growth Rate & Stages

Little is known of Impundulu growth rates. The ancient Magizoologist Herpa of Zhyalay did put forward an argument based on what may be research, or may just be speculation. Herpa suggested that Impundulu young grow up like ordinary children, and at the age of about 13 start being able to shapeshift into bird form and use storm magic.

Ecology and Habitats

Impundulu are said to reside deep in the most inaccessible parts o the Spearwall Mountains, especially in the southern Spearwall Mountains. Stories from the people of the Udye Tundra tell of similar such beings, often called "Thunderbirds", that reportedly live in the frigid Giant's Spine Mountains north of the Tundra.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Impundulu are known for drinking blood, with human blood a particular favourite. They are believed to also eat various small animals that they can catch in the mountains. Herpa suggested that they would take bird form to catch small pray like rabbits and small buck, fly them to great heights and then drop them, feeding on the dead animal's body afterward.

Additional Information

Social Structure

It is believed that Impundulu live in families of about 5, or in 'flocks' of up to 50. Little else is known about them.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

It is believed that eating the heart of an Impundulu will give the one who eats it their powers, allowing them to transform into a bird and to control storms. There is little to no evidence to substantiate this.

Facial characteristics

Sharp facial features and hooked, beakish noses. Birdlike eyes.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Spearwall Mountains and possibly also the Giant's Spine Mountains

Average Intelligence

They are said to be more intelligent than the average human, with their mastery of storm magic seen as a reason for this.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Legend holds that they have remarkable eyesight and hearing, but a poor sense of smell. Impundulu are masters of storm magic.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Herpa wrote that the Impundulu like to decorate their "nests" with the skulls of victims, with the skulls of small buck, dassies and other rodents being found alongside those of humans. The dark black plumage of the Impundulu is reportedly sometimes flecked with feathers of brilliant turquoise, teal, lime green and purple, which is said to help attract mates.

Gender Ideals

Herpa reported that male and female Impundulu were equally violent and deadly, and should both be avoided as far as possible.

Courtship Ideals

Herpa reported that male Impundulu bring gifts of meat and skulls to impress female impundulu, and sometimes compete by creating massive lightning storms to show off their prowess and impress their mate.

Average Technological Level

It is believed that the Impundulu do not have access to many human inventions, and have not even adopting pastoralism or agriculture. The Impundulu appear to prefer living as hunters, taking bird form to kill small prey, and taking human form to drain the blood of human victims.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Herpa reported that Impundulu communicated to one another is terrifying spine-chilling screeches when in bird form. Local legend insists that they can speak human languages when tricking humans into following them, getting them isolated so they can drain their blood.

Common Dress Code

Impundulu are said to wear loose robes when in human form, but wear nothing in bird form.

History

Herpa of Zhyalay suggested that the Impundulu are actually humans, and are just a sect of powerful Magi of Air and Storm who mastered the ability to transform into birds and to summon and control storms.
Local Safrian legend says otherwise, and suggests that the Impundulu are vampiric monsters of another realm, that merely take the form of humans to win their trust, before drinking their blood.
Legend tells of a number of Impundulu fighting alongside Lucius Ferrum, and a few fighting alongside his enemies. Anti-Magi purges have long targeted the beasts, but have always come up empty handed. Official Syedist temple teaching holds that the last Impundulu were killed along with Lucius Ferrum himself.

Common Myths and Legends

Impundulu are believed to be myth and legend by many in of themselves. It is unclear what myths and legends they themselves hold.

Lifespan

Unknown.

Average Height

1.9 to 2.1 meters tall

Average Physique

Tall and skinny, with a lean and scrawny strength.