Bouda Hyena ~ Werehyene

The Bouda is a nightmare made flesh to the peoples of the Horn of Africa. Found throughout Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan, these horrific creatures are always on the prowl for human flesh.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bouda always appear as their parent species at first, and most are of human stock with a few being hyena. In this sense there is little to distinguish them from the natural members of their respective species. It's only when the change takes place do they take on aspects of the other. This is a human taking on physical aspects of the hyena, and the hyena taking on aspects of humans.

Genetics and Reproduction

This is generally passed down the family lines of both, breeding true as Boudas. It is always a dominant strain and the normal traits are over-rode by the disease.

Ecology and Habitats

Found primarily in the Horn of Africa the human Boudas are found in human settlements, usually working as blacksmiths or other metalsmiths. The hyena variant is extremely rare, at least outside Gnoll enclaves (thought to be caused by a side-effect of the Gnoll creation).

Dietary Needs and Habits

Again, most needs & habits are common traits of the species. This alters when the change takes place and their bloodlust takes over. During this time, they are driven to kill and eat human tissue, and as much as possible. Most will stick close to or in human societies to have a steady supply of victims.

Biological Cycle

The Bouda are thought to transform at any time, and not linked to the cycles of the full moon. Other than that they follow the usual cycles of their parent species.

Behaviour

Varying behaviours & psychological features appear normal in both, though the marked bloodlust during the change is noted. That and the need to hunt & kill, as well as the wanton slaughter it entails is more pronounced.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Boudas are generally found in Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia (making up the region known as the Horn of Africa). Why this has not spread out of this region is something of a mystery given the abundance of hyenas throughout Africa & beyond.

Civilization and Culture

History

The history of Bouda is something of a mystery. Two major theories exist, with one being the god (Yeenoghu) that created the Gnolls is responsible, and the second being an accidental or deliberate attempt at magic using his power to transform.
The first is likely Yeenoghu cursed a minority of humans with the ability to transfer into the first Bouda and then they bred with normal humans spreading the disease. It is probable that he done this to gain followers or as an experiment to see about transforming humans into a creature the same as Gnolls or in some way linked to them. This is hard to prove and not much credence is placed on this.
The second is probably the most widespread. Most Bouda use a magic stick to transform or sprinkle magic-infused ash onto themselves to transform with the odd story involving a witchdoctor or shaman using hyena skin to do the same. A rare few transform are triggered at the smell of human flesh. It is likely they have inherited the stick, the knowledge of the ash or the skin from some family member. In most cases, these act as a foci to bring on the transformation with it hidden in their genetic lineage.
It is possible for a few magic users in the region to be able to tap into the realm of Yeenoghu to learn the spells & rituals to create more of these. Some have noted over time that it is an ancient trait and likely used to explain hyena attacks. Stories abound that evil magic users has used the skins of hyenas to turn into Bouda, and attack their enemies. Also, individuals have requested this power for themselves from the same sources. Whatever the method it seems to activate & alter the individual in such a way there is always a risk of a pureblood being born in the lineage afterwards. Others have also noted that blacksmiths are generally thought to be Bouda, passing both their skills in metal work & the curse down through their families. Why the latter, most would ask. In some tribal groups the skill to shape metal is seen as magical and in doing so, attracts dark magic to it in the process.
In Ethiopia it is linked to the Evil Eye. Also, in Amhara it is believed that just after Creation, that Eve had 30 children and God asked her to show him all of them. She was suspicious of His intentions, and hid 15 of them. When God found out, he cursed the 15 hidden children with them becoming the first of the Bouda.
The same beliefs have at some point spread to Tanzania & Morocco, although how nobody knows. It is also mentioned by some that when the Jewish Tribe of Dan left Israel during a civil war in centuries past, they settled in Ethiopia and were blacksmiths. The story may have been a way for the locals to sadly create a form of segregation saying that they brought the curse and the Evil Eye with them.

by Colonel 101

"You never travel alone there, not unless you know what to do. Besides the Gnolls and the Yuan-Ti, the greatest threat to the smaller rural communities is the Bouda. You would tell me stories of Werewolves, and I will tell you of the Bouda. Where the werewolf follows certain patterns in your society the Bouda follow their own in mine.
A magic stick, the ash from a blacksmith's forge, or the skin of a hyena. That is all that's needed, and the individual can transform. Unless of course you are a blacksmith or a descendant of one of the 15 hidden children of Eve. Then you will transform. Some do it to do evil deeds. Others are born that way. Sadly the latter is the most common now. The rest are fading to an extent when we kill off the old ways and Christianity takes over.
I fear that the most. The hidden natural predators living within the settlements, the ones who transform at will and capable of tearing apart and rending flesh from broken bones. They will prevail if my Order does not keep vigilant when we hear of such stories. And woe betide any shaman, witchdoctor or other mage who taps Yeenoghu's power for his or hers own personal advancement."
Martine Sascha speaking to Edward the Monk.

by Colonel 101

Related Ethnicities

• African