Friday, April 12, 2013

K is for Krampus

Though I didn't discover him until I was in college I believe that my favorite holiday spirit/character is the Krampus. The Krampus is a demonic Yuletide spirit that originated in Alpine countries. Why do I love him? Probably because he's a bad version of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas rewards good children with presents. The Krampus gives bad children coal and switches. He kidnaps truly bad children and takes them back to his lair (presumably to eat them, drown them, or take them to Hell).I love the imagery and find it strange that many Krampus post cards depict women enamored by the creature (and are often fetishistic).

World of Darkness Stats

Krampus

Description: The satyr-like Krampus is an ancient immortal creature native to the Alps. The creature used to roam the country side terrorizing travelers, taking special delight in devouring children. However in the 16th century the creature was bound by a ritual cast by a mage by the name of Nicholas. Nicholas charged the creature with punishing wicked children (because wicked children become wicked adults without proper motivation or guidance). 

The ritual bound the Krampus to its mountain cave most of the year. However the first week of December the Krampus is given free rein to torment and punish naughty children. In particular, December 5 (otherwise known as Krampusnacht) is an active night. During this time he is not allowed to harm good children, though this doesn't mean he can't tempt them (potentially turning them into prey). Adults are fair game. It should also be noted that while he is bound to his cave most of the year, he is under no special rules while in his home. No one is safe from his wrath.

Due to some dark magic, women find themselves drawn to the Krampus, despite his appearance and occupation. 

Attributes
Intelligence 2, Wits 3, Resolve 5, Strength 4, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4, Presence 4, Manipulation 1, Composure 3

Skills: Occult 3, Brawl 3, Larceny 5, Survival 2, Weapons 3, Intimidation 4, Subterfuge 2

Virtue: Justice
Vice: Wrath
Willpower: 10
Morality: 3
Initiative: 3
Defense: 3
Speed: 7
Size: 5
Weapons/Attacks:
Type                     Damage         Dice Pool
Rusty Chains           3B                     7

Health: 10


Powers/Abilities

Naughty List: The Krampus has a limited ability to detect sin. He instinctively knows if a child has been naughty and what the child has done.

Dark Charm: The Krampus gains a +3 bonus to Manipulation and Presence rolls versus women.


4 comments:

  1. Strangely not drawn to him, but love the imagery of him leaving coal and switches.

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  2. Wow!I didn't realize santa had such competition (or that someone else left the coal)

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  3. I had no idea what those World of Darkness stats mean. It's been years since I played a WoD game (I think the last was in the late nineties in a game called Vampire the Masquerade--do they even make that anymore LOL?)

    I used to love playing Dungeons & Dragons.

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