Dodelecker

(Doe-DE-lic-er)

Variations: Dodeleker, NACHZEHRER

The dodelecker is a unique and interesting vampire. It is as aggressive as any of the vampires one can imagine; however, it lacks the coordination, manual dexterity, and speed to actually catch anything. Its cries of hunger can be heard as it lies in its grave, chewing on its burial shroud and its own body, struggling to free itself. If it ever manages to escape its tomb, the dodelecker innocuously shambles about, moaning and making whimpering noises as it feebly attempts to catch something. It would love to feed on fresh human flesh and blood, as most REVENANTs do, but because of its physical inability to success-fully hunt, it is forced to settle for living a GHOUL-like lifestyle and consuming the rotting flesh it is able to find and scavage. If it were not for the fact that it is a plague carrier, it would be completely harmless. After nine years of nightly risings and wanderings, it will finally lie down in its grave and rise no more (see GERMAN VAMPIRES).

Source: Barber, Vampires, Burial, and Death, 95; Con-way, Demonology and Devil-lore, 51­52; Guiley, Complete Vampire Companion, 25; Lindahl, Medieval Folk-lore, 1017