MONSTERS, CRYPTIDS AND SUPERNATURAL CREATURES
ELOKO
Biloko (plural)
An Eloko (Biloko plural) is a creature from the folklore of the Nkundo people of Zaire (Congo) and is described as being the returned spirit of an ancestor belonging to those that still live there. Another explanation is that it was once somebody, that died an unfortunate death who is unable to move on to the afterlife. It is said to rise from its grave hideously transformed, appearing as an ugly dwarf-like creature, that has characteristics of both animal and plant in the form of sharp teeth, snout, long claws and grass covering its otherwise bald body with a gruge against the living. It dwells in the darkest, densest regions of the rain forest, within the hollows of trees, ferociously and jealously guarding its treasures, that are the game and rare fruits of the rainforest and will prey on unwary travelers or those foolhardy enough to try and enter its territory. They will hunt using their perfect camouflage and a magical bell, which is said to be able to enchant or paralyse a man. To survive you would need to be an intrepid hunter, because successful hunters need to possess strong magic, without which they would never see game at all. If you are unfortunate enough to succumb to an Eloko's magic it will devour you whole, by dislocating and stretching its jaws wide open to accomodate your entire body.
Physiology:
These elusive creatures are dwarf - like in stature with pot bellies and a snout like that of an animal. Though completely hairless, they grow moss and grass over their short bodies and wear clothing fashioned from leaves and other foliage. They are said to have piercing eyes that glow like fire, viciously sharp claws and jaws, that are able to dislocate, similar to a snake, which can stretch wide enough to swallow a human whole, wether dead or alive. In contrast to their grotesque visage, they are said to have gentle voices, like that of a child.
Etylmology:
Unknown
History:
Unfortunately the origins of this creature are hard to pinpoint, due to a lack of written records. Tribes located in remote regions will often rely on history and superstitions to be passed on via word of mouth. It is clear, however, that the Eloko is deep rooted in the regions folklore and has existed for generations, if not hundreds of years.
Territory:
Africa, Zaire (Congo)
Origination:
It is told, that the Eloko are the returned and restless spirits of those whom once dwelt in the region of the forest, which they now haunt and protect. As they died an unfortunate death, they are unable to move on and instead rise as these hideous dwarf-like creatures, moving in to the secluded parts of the forest within the hollows of trees and preying on unwary travellers.
Nature:
Hostile and predatory. The Eloko are said to have a grudge to settle with the living, making them hateful towards any and all whom they come in to contact with, that is still breathing. They are expert hunters with a natural camouflage and a taste for human flesh and will use magic to their advantage, making them a formidable force to recon with without the right skill set and counter magic
Modus Operandi:
Whilst hunting, they will carry small bells which they will ring to attract or paralyse their intented prey, These contain a powerful magic, that only the most skilled of hunters with mystical protection can escape from when heard. Once their victim has been lured in, they will strike, swallowing them whole, then regurgitating their bones afterwards.
Vulnerability:
The bells of the Eloko are told as being impossible to resist and although there are certain amulets and fetishes, which can be used to supposedly disarm or dispell the magical effect of them, it is still said, that only professional hunters whom posess these mystical powers can travel safely through the forest. That said, If you are lucky enough to avoid the Eloko's magic and confront the creature, it can be physically overpowered with raw strength and slain with ordinary weapons. Once dead however, it's corpse must be dismembered and the individual parts each spread apart and burried in seperate graves to prevent its resurrection. Cautionary tales warn local people to never leave a wife alone in the forest and for all ordinary people to remain in the village.