Vrkolak

The Vrkolak were among the first two factions (alongside the Dracul Clan) available for Age of Vampires since its first release. They are a vampire faction.

**Overview**

Alignment - Chaotic Evil

Building set - Eerie Gothic

Dialogue - Slavic (Bulgarian)

Unique unit - Werewolf/Vampire-Werewolf

Team unit - Siege Wolf

Unique technology/charm - Fullmoon Fever

**Background**

The Vrkolak of traditional Slavic lore were undead shapeshifters. They shared features with both vampires and werewolves. In modern Slavic languages the word refers only to werewolves, while in Greek Vrykolakas (derived from Slavic) means vampire. The myth in its ancient form took notable influence on Stoker's horror classic - Dracula. In the book, Dracula has hairy palms (a Vrkolak feature) and can change into a wolf. The locals of Transylvania also refer to him as "Vrolok*"* or "Vlkoslak*"* right at the beginning of the story. "Vrolok*"*, "Vlkoslak*"* and "Vrkolak*"* are alternative pronunciations of Old Slavic "*vrk/vlk"* meaning "wolf", and "dlaka" meaning "skin*"*. In Serbian mythology, the Vrkolak use charmed wolfskins for their transformation, hence the name. In some versions of the myth, if a Vrkolak sinned with a mortal woman she gave birth to a future vampire-hunter.

**Strategy**

The Vrkolak have little to no support from mortal allies. Their mortal units mostly lack upgrades (save for the swordsmen) and there are no mounted units (hinting at the natural fear horses exhibit towards wolves). The strength of the faction derives from mythical units and witches. Ghosts and woodland fairies receive all upgrades, while witches gain additional +5 hit points for every technology/charm associated with Witchcraft (i.e. researched in the Lodge). The Samodiva has the longest range of all woodland fairies, while the Werewolf costs only food, bringing decent hit points and attack to the battlefield. As a result of this, the success of the Vrkolak depends on the speed of progress: they are most vulnerable in the early ages, when they have to rely on mortal units alone, and become increasingly dangerous as they move on. They are, however, also well equipped for this challenge. Vrkolak slaughterers work faster and carry more to satisfy their insatiable masters. Therefore the faction has one of the most efficient sacrificial systems and accumulates food very fast.

**Trivia**

* The interface art is by Serbian illustrator Ivica Stevanovic.
* The pale background image below the stats display is from a medieval German depiction of a werewolf attack.
* The unique names given to some units (Samodiva, Ubour) reference Bulgarian mythology.
* In "Kill the Master" (regicide) games the head of the faction is the fictional Dracula, since the book describes him as a Vrkolak, who also takes the form of a wolf upon arriving in England.
* Various traditions identify the Vrkolak either as a vampire, werewolf, or both. Sometimes he is credited with the ability to take any form, including a giant, one-eyed monster, any animal or even to become invisible. The man-to-wolf transformation of the faction's unique unit is specific to the Serbian interpretation of the myth.
* All in all, the faction makes references to Serbian and Bulgarian mythology, as well as Stoker's Dracula.