Ever since the 16th century, the Romanian countryside has been plagued by undead creatures known as the Strigoi.
Classification: Legendary & Supernatural Humanoids
Temporal Range: 16th Century to the Present
Geographic Range: Romania
Diet: Blood
Ever since the 16th century, the Romanian countryside has been plagued by undead creatures known as the Strigoi. These bloodthirsty beings roam the land, seeking victims to drink from. Less secretive than some of the more traditional vampiric beings, much of the popular culture consumed by the ill-informed (innocent) population has been loosely based on the Strigoi.
Unlike their Hollywood counterparts, Strigoi are entirely bald on top of their heads but have a very hairy tail protruding from the bottom of their spines. Much like their not-so-distant brethren, they have an aversion to garlic. The methods of becoming a Strigoi vary widely and include being born the seventh son or daughter, being cursed by a witch, or dying unwed. Any of these circumstances can cause the victim to rise from the grave as a Strigoi.
To kill a Strigoi, they must be pierced through the heart with a wooden stake while they sleep in their grave. The stake must be made of oak, yew, or ash. It is then recommended to nail the corpse to its coffin to prevent it from rising again.