Monster Girls

Thunderbirds are ago.
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Sorry.

The Impundulu is a vampiric bird from Southern African folklore (Hence the many names in the tags) that feeds on the blood and pain of humans, cattle and birds.

Frequently described as the Hammerkop, the Impundulu is a human-sized bird with black and white plumage. It has the ability to manifest itself as lightning. In some accounts it takes the form of a rooster, but in others it has peacock feathers, or even a red tail, beak, and legs. It has the ability to turn into a beautiful man to seduce others.

The Impundulu gets the name Lightning Bird from its ability to shoot lightning bolts from its talons and it wings are said to produce the booming sound of thunder whenever it flaps them. Sometimes the entire creature will turn into a lightning bolt and smash into the ground. The site of this impact will be where it lays its eggs.

Impundulu are frequently the familiars of witches, and are passed down from mother to daughter as they are immortal. However, should a witch fail to pass hers down, the bird will become an Ishologu, a masterless force of chaos and destruction.

While it is a familiar, it can be sent to wreak havoc on the witch's enemies. However, if not kept fed, it would ensure the witch's death. In some accounts, the Impundulu and the witch become lovers. It is often seen riding on the back of a hyena, which witches are known to shapeshift into.