RPG designer Ahimsa Kerp and multi-disciplinary artist Esther Wijnacker have launched the art book Creepy Christmas Creatures on Kickstarter.
Yes, there’s Krampus, but Creepy Christmas Creatures looks into Europe’s myths of macabre months and writes them up for us. There’s an early bird on now for a bonus sticker or postcard, so you can send a Yule Cat to someone! You can see the progress of the newly launched campaign on the pitch page.
There’s an RPG connection here, but Creepy Christmas Creatures is a book of illustrations and background on the monsters. We’re warned, in fact, that it might not be suitable for young readers.
I think any GM could use the book as inspiration, tough.
What’s in the book? There’s a Google Drive free to download sample.
The creepy monsters are not a secret. Here’s the complete list.
- Badalisc – a furry, horned beast that roams the central alps.
- La Befana – when your nice Italian grandmother is also a Christmas witch.
- Belsnickel – wild, wooly hairy man with a whip.
- Ded Moroz – the Russian Santa and a powerful ice wizard.
- Glossen – a ghost pig that shines with vile fire.
- Gryla – Icelandic ogre who feasts on naughty children.
- Hans Trapp – a black knight who prowls on the vulnerable.
- Frau Holda – witch queen and leader of the wild hunt.
- Hoodening horse – part of a jolly procession.
- Julbokken – the yule goat that brings gifts to good little Scandinavian children.
- Kallikantzari – monkey-armed, goat-footed greek Christmas trolls.
- Karakoncolos – a winter genie and riddling bigfoot.
- Krampus – he sees you when you’re naughty. And you always are.
- Mari Lwyd – the original zombie horse welsh party animal.
- Frau Perchta – a beaked monster that wants your house to be clean.
- Pere fouettard – a literal bogeyman.
- Straggele – malevolent demons that accompany perchta.
- Tomten – a Swedish gnome that watches out for kids and farm animals.
- Yule cat – a cat as big as a house and a deadly member of the fashion police.
- Yule lads – 13 naughty Santa clauses from Iceland.
An ebook is earmarked as a thank-you for backers who pledge $15 or more.
The hardback will be given, with shipping costs to be paid, at the $40 level. Backers with $45 to donate get both.
There’s a retailer tier at $75, and at $100, backers get both, lots of stickers, postcards and a bonus (but secret) PDF.
Creepy Christmas Creatures isn’t due this Christmas; if all goes well, it’ll be shipping for Christmas next year.
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