Vodyanoi

By Nathan Large (large@acsu.buffalo.edu)

Author's Note

This chimera was inspired by 'Hwiuur', the vodyanoi in C.J. Cherryh's novels Rusalka and Chernevog, but vodyanoi in general are part of Slavic folklore. Such creatures, along with the 'domovoi' (Sluagh) and 'dvorovoi' (Yard-things, something like bad-tempered Tribbles) are just as likely as Celtic faerie, here in the Western Door (Buffalo-Niagara Falls area).

The stats here were used for my campaign, in which a vodyanoi named Dmitri made a very brief appearance and quick end when he tried to devour a childling. Apparently, even River-Things are quite vulnerable to beheading by enchanted swords. Not that he wasn't clever enough to appear as a perfectly harmless old man, but that damn Chrysalid saw through his disguise before he could get her to the river. :)

My name is exactly as above, Nathan Large, and I am a grad student at the University at Buffalo (also an IU alumnus). I can be reached alternately at , my lab account.

Description

These malefic beings from Slavic folklore are literally called 'River-things', as they are the living embodiments of a river's cruel humor and most dangerous aspects. A vodyanoi can appear in a number of forms, with the most common being either an old, thin, rubber-faced man, or else a slimy, eel-like serpent. Mixtures of both forms are more common, such as a serpent with a human torso. This shape-changing ability can be used to escape traps (much like a Sluagh's contortions), or to manipulate the perceptions of the Vodyanoi's victims. Depending on the situation, a river-thing can make itself appear huge and intimidating, or shrunken and pitiful.

Cunning, persuasive, physically tough and faster than a mortal serpent, only the Vodyanoi's numerous flaws prevent it from being truly deadly. First, a River-thing is endlessly greedy, and only its lack of discriminating taste prevents it from accumulating a hoard worthy of a Dragon. Second, River-things are cowardly in the manner of bullies. If one senses weakness, it will taunt and attack without mercy, but if it is intimidated, the Vodyanoi will back down immediately and possibly even (unwillingly) serve the stronger party. Third, Vodyanoi are fresh-water creatures, and cannot stray far from a source of running water. They must remain slightly moist, and can be detected (Per+Alert, diff. 6) by their damp skin and odor of mildew. Their slimy flesh cannot bear the touch of salt. Strangely, other poisons and even toxic waste seem to have no effect on Vodyanoi, putting into question their role as 'guardians' of rivers. In fact, they appear to thrive in areas that have been otherwise destroyed by human pollution or supernatural blight.

A Vodyanoi will rarely attack immediately, unless it is starved for Glamour. They will devour other chimerae in most cases, but the preferred prey of a Vodyanoi is young female Changelings, magi, or other living supernatural beings. A Vodyanoi may spend years trying to learn the weaknesses of a particular target, offering itself either as a companion, mentor, or even boogeyman, anything that might render the childling defenseless at the crucial moment. If it is successful, the Vodyanoi will usually keep the (chimerical) body of its victim as a prized trophy, collecting the bones in their lair (an underwater cave or waterside shack).

Traits

Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 3, Charisma 1, Manipulation 4, Appearance 1, Perception 2, Intelligence 2, Wits 4

Abilities: Alertness 3, Athletics 4, Brawl 2, Dodge 4, Intimidation 2, Smell 2, Stealth 3, Swim 5, Fae Lore (var., 2-5), Mage Lore (var., 1-3)

Glamour: 5

Willpower: 5

Health Levels: [OK, OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, -5, Inc.]

Attack: Human Form: Punch/4 dice from Str. Serpent Form: Bite/5 dice + (Dex.+Brawl successes)

Powers

Shapeshift: The Vodyanoi can reform its body at will, shifting from a purely serpentine to a purely humanoid form within seconds. It can also assume intermediate or warped versions of those forms, sprouting extra arms, legs, tails, etc., or puffing itself up. Each reformation costs one point of Glamour to enact, but a reformation may include any number of changes enacted within one round.

Crush: If a Vodyanoi manages to encircle a victim, it can reform as a closed loop of flesh which suffocates the victim (treat as drowning). Unless the River-thing is killed or otherwise persuaded to release the creature so trapped, that victim will eventually die, looking exactly as if he or she had drowned underwater. This ability is essentially a specialized use of the Shapeshifting power, and costs one Glamour to activate.

Weaknesses

Freshwater: A Vodyanoi must remain slightly damp at all times, or suffer increasing penalties to all rolls. If the day is dry, the sun is hot, and the Vodyanoi is in-land, this may happen within minutes. If it is raining, the River-thing has no problem. Estimate -1 per half-hour spent without moisture, cumulative to -5, at which point the Vodyanoi will begin to suffer a Health Level of damage instead.

Salt's Sting: A Vodyanoi cannot stand the sight, smell, or especially, touch of salt. If salt is in the open within 10' of a vodyanoi, they are at a -1 penalty, as if it were cold iron. Salt in containers can be sensed, but does not hurt as much. Coming in contact with the hated substance causes a vodyanoi's flesh to shrivel and dry up, and causes a Health Level of damage for each handful (or so) of salt touched. Thus, as every babushka knows, a ring of salt is sure to keep a river-thing from touching you.