Wendigo
The Wendigo is a nightmarish creature of myth and fear, deeply rooted in the oral traditions of the northern regions of East America and Arctica. Though often considered a legend or cautionary tale, sightings and encounters have been reported since the earliest days following the meteor impact, giving rise to fears that the Wendigo may, in fact, be a real and persistent threat.
Origins
The Wendigo myth predates the magical upheaval, existing in the oral traditions of several indigenous cultures. Traditionally described as a malevolent spirit or cursed figure driven by insatiable hunger, the legend transformed after Year 0. With the emergence of magic and mutation, some believe the Wendigo is no longer just a story but a twisted being born from Shardisite exposure, cannibalistic acts, or a combination of both.
Description
Eyewitness reports and folklore depict the Wendigo as a gaunt, towering creature with:
- Emaciated limbs and skeletal frame
- Mottled, frostbitten or corpse-like skin
- Antlered or skull-like head with glowing eyes
- An overwhelming aura of dread and hunger
Many accounts emphasize its supernatural speed, endurance, and a haunting wail that chills even seasoned hunters to the bone.
Behavior
Wendigo are believed to be solitary predators that stalk remote forests, mountain passes, and frozen wastes. Characteristics include:
- Obsessive hunger, often for human flesh
- Predatory cunning and territorial aggression
- The ability to mimic voices or lure victims with cries of distress
- Resistance to cold, hunger, and fatigue far beyond natural limits
Some reports claim that a Wendigo can infect others, spreading its curse through bite, claw, or magical influence—though this remains debated among scholars and hunters.
Cultural Impact
The Wendigo has become a symbol of greed, isolation, and the price of survival. Among frontier communities, it serves as a cautionary tale against betrayal and cannibalism, while among scholars, it is studied as a possible fusion of folklore and Shardisite-driven mutation. Hunters and trappers in the north often carry talismans, charms, or ceremonial protections when venturing into deep wilderness, believing they ward off its hunger.
Known Sightings
Wendigo sightings are concentrated in:
- The soot-choked forests of West America
- The frozen wilds of Lemuria
- Abandoned settlements and ruined outposts near the Sea of Ghosts
While many dismiss these sightings as superstition or hallucination, enough incidents have occurred that local authorities advise caution and discourage travel through remote areas during harsh winters.
Conclusion
Whether spirit, mutation, or myth given form, the Wendigo looms large in the fears and stories of the world. Travelers are advised to heed local warnings, respect sacred ground, and be wary of distant cries in the dark.
