Rugaru

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**Rugarus** are carnivorous humanoids which fed on 'long pig' (human flesh), similar to Wendigos.

## Characteristics

Rugarus are born and live as human for all intents and purposes, typically being unaware of their condition, but at a certain age they will suddenly begin craving large quantities of food. This condition is not a virus; rather, it is passed down genetically. A person who possesses this gene will eventually give in to the urge to feed and will devour a human. The change starts out with an increased hunger for all food, but quickly transforms into a powerful craving for flesh, specifically human. The change itself is very fast, occurring within minutes of the rugaru's first bite of human flesh. Once the rugaru gives in to its desire to feed on a human, there is no going back; the rugaru will lose its human appearance and change into a monster.

Although it is believed by some that a person with this gene can overcome their curse, no rugarus are known to have been successful in this. Apparently, the final change can be avoided as long as the rugaru resists eating human flesh. Unfortunately, the urge is extremely strong and is practically impossible to ignore.

## Behavior

After consuming human flesh, the rugaru will act as a predator, often eating violently and moving on all fours. Their human, emotional side becomes less active, yet they retain all physical abilities. They do retain full memory of their human life and may display some capacity for emotion and empathy, but this is almost always eclipsed by their overpowering need to feed.

## Physical Appearance

Rugarus look nearly completely human, aside from several exceptions: Their skin is "wormy" (as described by Travis); it's considerably paler than human skin and has prominent veins and skin folds. Full grown rugarus obtain demonic, pitch black eyes, while unchanged rugarus have red, bloody scleras.

## Powers and Abilities

* **Super Strength:** A rugaru is much stronger than a human and indeed most other monsters. They are able to snap bones and break steel chains with ease.
* **Super Speed:** Speed is important to a rugaru. Being fast allows them to stalk and catch their prey.
* **Super Stamina:** A rugaru will never tire nor will it give up the hunt once it has begun stalking its prey. However, they do need to eat.
* **Invulnerability:** They cannot be harmed by ordinary weapons. Fire is the only thing that can kill a rugaru.
* **Super Senses**: As a species rugaru have an incredibly strong sense of smell and sight. One was able to catch the pleasant scent of a young woman undressing from a great distance.
* **Enhanced Emotions:** Rugaru experience emotions more powerfully than humans.
* **Infectious Blood:** The blood of a Rugaru will make a Human, Witch sick and it will change them into a Rugaru.

## Weaknesses

* **Fire**: Fire is the one of the few things that can kill a rugaru. To kill them, hunters need to burn them alive.
* **Demon-Killing Knife:** While trapped in Purgatory, Dean was able to kill a rugaru with the 'demon-killing knife' by stabbing it through the chin which impaled the creature's brain. The use of a knife to kill the rugaru contradicts the fact that fire is the only thing that can kill a rugaru - but it was hardly an ordinary knife.
* **Rugaru Killing Gun**: The British Men of Letters at some point invented this weapon through a combination of technology and magic that melts the brains of a rugaru and kills it.
* **Werewolf Bite:** A werewolf's venom is extremely lethal to non-original vampires, Rugaru. While an Original vampire cannot die from the venom, they are not wholly immune to the effects of the bite. For non-Original vampires, the venom acts as an poison of sorts that will enter the bloodstream and deliver the toxin throughout the body, producing discomfort and weakness, developing uncontrollable hunger that progresses to delusions, hallucinations, rabid rage, and dementia, culminating in death. Original vampires undergo the same effects, but do not die and will eventually fully recover.
* **Advanced Werewolf Venom:** Werewolf venom from the Upgraded Original Hybrid Marcus Hale can kill a Rugaru
* **Nephilim**: During an attack on the Men of Letters bunker, the Nephilim Jack was able to disintegrate a rugaru along with four other monsters.