Se7en Sagas

Welcome to the dark, neon-lit streets of Kyiv, where ancient legends and modern conflict intertwine. “Wovkulak: Shadows of the Night” invites you into a world where primal instincts and human morality clash, creating an immersive and emotionally charged role-playing experience. This setting is my homage to the gothic-punk rpg’s of the 90’s, inspired by the rich folklore of Eastern Europe and set against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which challenges you to navigate the delicate balance between your human and monstrous sides. Here, we unveil the new mechanics, factions, setting, skills, perks, and passions that define this unique setting, which you can use with your Dawnfall: Aitechnocene rules.

Defining the Wovkulak: Undead Werewolves of Kyiv

In “Wovkulak: Shadows of the Night,” the Wovkulak are a unique breed of supernatural beings, blending the lore of werewolves with the terrifying attributes of the undead. They are not created through a simple bite but are instead forged by dark rituals and circumstances tied to death and burial. This origin story adds depth to their existence and creates a rich mythology for players to explore.

What It Means to Be a Wovkulak

A Wovkulak is an undead werewolf, a creature of the night cursed with both the predatory instincts of a wolf and the eternal hunger of the undead. Unlike traditional werewolves, who might transform through a bite or a curse, Wovkulaks are born from death itself, rising from their graves with a thirst for flesh and an unquenchable hunger. They are powerful, agile, and nearly indestructible, but they must constantly battle their primal urges and the remnants of their human morality.

Becoming a Wovkulak

The transformation into a Wovkulak is a dark and twisted process, rooted in ancient Slavic folklore. It is not a fate that befalls the living but a curse that strikes after death. Here are the key elements of this transformation:

1. Sacrilegious Life: A person who has led a life marked by sacrilege, blasphemy, or serious moral transgressions is at risk of becoming a Wovkulak after death. Their soul, tainted by their actions, is unable to find peace.
2. Excommunication: Those who have been excommunicated from their faith or community, cut off from spiritual protection, are prime candidates for the Wovkulak curse. This severance from sacred rites leaves their bodies vulnerable to dark forces.
3. Unconsecrated Burial: Being buried in unconsecrated ground—places not blessed or sanctified—traps the soul in the mortal realm, preventing it from moving on to the afterlife. Such burials often occur in hastily made graves or forgotten cemeteries.
4. Consumption of Tainted Meat: Eating the meat of a sheep wounded by a wolf or a werewolf can doom an individual to rise as a Wovkulak. This act ties the person’s fate to that of the predatory beast, mingling their essence with that of a werewolf.
5. Ritualistic Awakening: Dark rituals performed by malevolent sorcerers or necromancers can awaken a Wovkulak. These rituals typically involve desecrating the grave and invoking ancient curses to bind the soul to its decaying body.

The Transformation Process

The transformation into a Wovkulak is neither immediate nor painless. It is a gradual process that occurs after death, as the cursed soul reanimates its body. Here is how it unfolds:

1. Initial Death: The individual dies, often under violent or tragic circumstances. Their body is buried in unconsecrated ground or subjected to dark rituals.
2. Restless Soul: The soul is unable to find peace, lingering near the body. It experiences a growing hunger and a pull towards the physical realm.
3. Reanimation: The body begins to stir, reanimated by the cursed soul. This stage is marked by physical pain and the slow regeneration of the body’s functions. The individual’s senses sharpen, and they gain the fangs, claws, and enhanced senses of a wolf.
4. Awakening: The Wovkulak fully awakens, emerging from the grave. They possess a blend of their human consciousness and the primal instincts of a predator. Their eyes glow with an eerie light, their palms are hairy, and they retain wolflike features.
5. Eternal Hunger: Once awakened, the Wovkulak is driven by an insatiable hunger for flesh. This hunger is not just a physical need but also a compulsion tied to their undead nature. They must feed regularly to maintain their strength and control over their transformations.

Abilities and Drawbacks

Abilities

1. Enhanced Strength and Speed: Wovkulaks possess superhuman strength and speed, making them formidable in combat.
2. Night Vision: Their eyes allow them to see clearly in the dark, an advantage for nocturnal hunting.
3. Regeneration: Wovkulaks heal quickly from injuries, though wounds inflicted by silver or holy artifacts heal more slowly.
4. Heightened Senses: Their senses of smell and hearing are exceptionally sharp, allowing them to track prey and detect danger from afar.
5. Undead Resilience: Being undead, Wovkulaks are resistant to many forms of damage that would incapacitate a living being.

Drawbacks

1. Eternal Hunger: They must consume flesh regularly to stave off their primal urges and maintain their strength.
2. Weakness to Silver and Holy Artifacts: Weapons made of silver or blessed by religious rites can cause severe, often fatal wounds.
3. Angst and Guilt: The remnants of their human consciousness grapple with the guilt and horror of their actions, increasing their Angst.
4. Involuntary Transformations: High levels of Hunger or Stress can trigger uncontrollable transformations, leading to rampages or unintended violence.
5. Exile from Humanity: Their monstrous nature and the need to hide their true selves often lead to isolation and loneliness.

Role-Playing a Wovkulak

Playing a Wovkulak in “Shadows of the Night” is an exercise in balancing the monstrous and the human. Characters must navigate their primal urges while striving to maintain their humanity and relationships. This internal conflict is central to the Wovkulak experience, providing rich narrative opportunities and emotional depth.

Unique Wovkulak Perk and Flaw

To emphasize the unique nature of the Wovkulaks as undead werewolves, every Wovkulak character will start with a special Perk that highlights their undead resilience, wolflike strength, and agility. Additionally, their Flaw in the Passions system will reflect their internal struggle and the darker aspects of their nature.

Unique Wovkulak Perk: “Undead Predator”

Undead Predator: As a Wovkulak, you possess the resilience of the undead combined with the strength and agility of a predator. This unique Perk grants you the following benefits:

• Enhanced Strength: You have superhuman strength, giving you a +1 bonus to all Combat tasks.
• Undead Resilience: You are resistant to non-magical physical damage. Reduce physical damage taken by 1 point for each attack.
• Heightened Agility: Your wolflike agility grants you a +1 bonus to all Athletics tasks.
• Regeneration: You heal rapidly from wounds. Recover 1 point of Stress at the end of each scene, provided you have fed recently.

Unique Wovkulak Flaw: “Tormented Soul”

Tormented Soul: The remnants of your human consciousness are constantly at war with your monstrous nature. This internal struggle manifests as a Flaw, influencing your actions and decisions.

• Description: Your mind is plagued by memories of your past life and the horrors you have committed as a Wovkulak. This inner turmoil often leads to bouts of guilt, rage, and self-doubt.
• Mechanic: Whenever you act in a way that conflicts with your moral values or are reminded of your human past, you gain 1 point of Angst. High Angst levels (4-5) can lead to debilitating psychological effects, such as hesitation in combat or difficulty making decisions.

Setting: Kyiv, Ukraine

Overview:

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, stands as a city of stark contrasts. Its ancient cathedrals and monasteries, with their golden domes and crumbling stone walls, coexist uneasily with sleek, modern skyscrapers that pierce the skyline. Bustling markets and serene parks are interspersed with abandoned industrial zones and war-torn neighborhoods. The city’s streets pulse with a blend of old-world charm and futuristic decay, setting the stage for a world where the supernatural hides in plain sight.

The Atmosphere

Kyiv’s atmosphere is thick with tension and urgency, amplified by the ongoing war with Russia. The city’s inhabitants navigate daily life under the constant threat of conflict, creating an environment where every shadow holds potential danger. This backdrop enhances the gothic punk aesthetic—an urban landscape that is both vibrant and decaying, a testament to resilience and ruin.

Key Locations

Andriyivskyy Descent

A winding historic street known for its art galleries, theaters, and vibrant street life. At night, the Descent transforms into a haven for the city’s underground, where artists, rebels, and supernatural beings mingle under the cover of darkness. The street’s cobblestone paths and gas lamps evoke a sense of old-world mystery, while graffiti and neon signs add a punk edge.

Podil District

One of Kyiv’s oldest neighborhoods, filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and hidden alleyways. The Shroud uses this area for its clandestine operations, taking advantage of the district’s labyrinthine layout. The juxtaposition of centuries-old architecture with modern urban decay creates a perfect setting for espionage and intrigue.

Chernobyl Museum

A place of eerie remembrance and fascination, the museum stands as a monument to human error and resilience. The Silverbane Circle has repurposed parts of the museum for their research, drawn to the parallels between the nuclear disaster and their own cursed existence. The museum’s dimly lit halls and haunting exhibits add a somber, gothic atmosphere to their work.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

An ancient monastery complex with catacombs and tunnels, the Lavra serves as a spiritual center for the Wild Claws. The sacred grounds offer a connection to nature and the primal forces that the Wild Claws revere. By night, the Lavra becomes a site for rituals and gatherings, its quiet reverence contrasting with the wild energy of the Wovkulaks.

Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)

A symbol of Ukrainian resistance and independence, Maidan is a bustling hub of activity and a potential power base for the Moonblood Covenant. The square is often the site of protests, rallies, and clashes, making it a focal point of both human and supernatural power struggles. Its imposing monuments and modernist architecture embody the spirit of defiance and resilience.

Abandoned Industrial Zones

Scattered around the outskirts of the city, these areas are perfect for secret meetings, training, and refuge for Wovkulaks avoiding human detection. The rusting machinery and crumbling factories provide a stark, gothic backdrop for the darker aspects of Wovkulak life. These zones are frequented by those who seek to harness their primal power away from prying eyes.

The Gothic Punk Aesthetic

Kyiv’s gothic punk aesthetic is a blend of the old and the new, the beautiful and the decayed. The city’s ancient buildings, with their intricate stonework and weathered facades, stand alongside modern constructions of glass and steel. Neon signs flicker in the night, casting eerie glows on the cobblestone streets below. Graffiti covers the walls, a testament to the city’s rebellious spirit and the constant struggle between authority and anarchy.

The war has left its mark on Kyiv, adding to the city’s sense of decay and danger. Bombed-out buildings and makeshift barricades are common sights, blending with the gothic architecture to create a unique urban landscape. The constant presence of military patrols and checkpoints adds to the atmosphere of tension and surveillance, making the city feel like a living, breathing entity always on the edge of chaos.

Living in Kyiv

For the inhabitants of Kyiv, life is a delicate balance between survival and rebellion. The city’s human residents go about their daily lives, navigating the dangers of war and the hidden threats of the supernatural. For the Wovkulaks, Kyiv is both a hunting ground and a refuge, a place where they can hide in plain sight while grappling with their dual natures.

Integrating the War:

Impact on Wovkulak Society:

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has a profound effect on Wovkulak society, influencing their goals, alliances, and day-to-day survival.

• The Moonblood Covenant sees the war as an opportunity to seize power amid the chaos, recruiting disillusioned soldiers and civilians to their cause.
• The Shroud works tirelessly to protect their kind from both human and supernatural threats, often engaging in espionage and sabotage against those who might expose or exploit them.
• The Silverbane Circle focuses on humanitarian efforts, aiding both humans and Wovkulaks affected by the war, while continuing their quest for a cure.
• The Wild Claws view the war as a tragedy but also as a sign of the corruption of urban life. They advocate for returning to nature, using the conflict as a rallying cry for their cause.

The Factions

The Moonblood Covenant

Philosophy: Embrace the Beast
Goals: Harness and perfect the powers of the Wovkulak for dominance.
Hierarchy: Highly structured, with a strict chain of command.
Activities: Ritual hunts, combat training, and the study of ancient Wovkulak lore.

Description: The Moonblood Covenant believes that the Wovkulak curse is a gift to be embraced and perfected. They view their transformation as a path to ultimate power and seek to dominate both the human and supernatural worlds. Members undergo rigorous training to hone their abilities and control their transformations. The Covenant values strength, discipline, and loyalty, and its leaders are often the most powerful and ruthless Wovkulaks.

Suggested Skill: Combat
Combat proficiency reflects the rigorous training and martial prowess that members of the Moonblood Covenant strive to perfect. This skill enables characters to excel in both hand-to-hand and weapon-based combat, embodying the Covenant’s philosophy of embracing and harnessing their primal power.

The Shroud

Philosophy: Conceal and Protect
Goals: Maintain secrecy and protect Wovkulaks from human persecution.
Hierarchy: Decentralized, with small, autonomous cells.
Activities: Espionage, infiltration, and sabotage of anti-Wovkulak groups.

Description: The Shroud is dedicated to protecting Wovkulaks from discovery and persecution by humans. They operate in the shadows, using espionage and infiltration to gather information and sabotage those who threaten their kind. Members are skilled in disguise, stealth, and subterfuge. The Shroud values secrecy, intelligence, and adaptability, and its members often live double lives, embedded within human society.

Suggested Skill: Infiltration
Infiltration skills are crucial for members of The Shroud, enabling them to move undetected, pick locks, and bypass security systems. This skill embodies the faction’s focus on secrecy and protection, allowing characters to effectively gather information and carry out covert operations.

The Silverbane Circle

Philosophy: Seek Redemption
Goals: Find a cure for the Wovkulak curse and atone for their actions.
Hierarchy: Egalitarian, with decisions made by consensus.
Activities: Research, alchemy, and humanitarian efforts.

Description: The Silverbane Circle believes that the Wovkulak curse is a blight that must be eradicated. They seek redemption by finding a cure and atoning for the harm they have caused. Members engage in research and alchemy, seeking both magical and scientific solutions. The Circle values compassion, knowledge, and cooperation, and its members often work closely with human allies in their quest for a cure.

Suggested Skill: Knowledge (Occult)
Knowledge (Occult) is essential for members of the Silverbane Circle, reflecting their dedication to understanding and ultimately curing the Wovkulak curse. This skill allows characters to delve into supernatural lore, perform rituals, and conduct the necessary research to find a solution.

The Wild Claws

Philosophy: Return to Nature
Goals: Live in harmony with nature and resist urbanization.
Hierarchy: Tribal, with leadership based on wisdom and experience.
Activities: Wilderness survival, ecological activism, and spiritual rituals.

Description: The Wild Claws reject urban life and seek to return to a more natural existence. They believe that the Wovkulak curse has disconnected them from their true selves and that living in harmony with nature can restore balance. Members practice wilderness survival skills and engage in ecological activism to protect natural habitats. The Wild Claws value harmony, spirituality, and respect for nature, and its leaders are often the most experienced and wise Wovkulaks.

Suggested Skill: Survival
Survival skills are vital for members of the Wild Claws, enabling them to thrive in harsh environments, find shelter, water, and food. This skill aligns with the faction’s philosophy of returning to nature and living in harmony with the natural world.

Mechanics: Hunger, Stress, and Angst

Hunger Track (0 to 5)

• Starting Level: 0
• Increasing Hunger: Increases by 1 each day without feeding.
• Feeding: Reduces Hunger by 3; feeding on human flesh reduces it by 5 but adds 2 Angst Points.
• High Hunger Consequence: At level 5, characters must roll to resist involuntary transformation.

Stress Track (0 to 5)

• Starting Level: 0
• Increasing Stress: Increases upon failing tasks or encountering traumatic situations.
• Reducing Stress: Recovered by resting or acting in alignment with Passions.

Angst Track (0 to 5)

• Starting Level: 0
• Increasing Angst: Increases when taking actions against moral values, failing significant tasks, or feeding on human flesh.
• Reducing Angst: Achieved by resolving conflicts, fulfilling goals, or performing actions aligned with Passions.

Interaction and Conflict

These factions coexist in a delicate balance, with alliances and rivalries shaping the dynamics of Wovkulak society. Conflicts often arise over differing philosophies and goals, leading to power struggles, clandestine operations, and outright battles.

• The Moonblood Covenant vs. The Silverbane Circle: These factions are often at odds, with the Covenant viewing the Circle’s quest for a cure as a betrayal of their true nature, while the Circle sees the Covenant as dangerous extremists.
• The Shroud and All Factions: The Shroud maintains a network of spies and informants within all factions, sometimes playing them against each other to maintain balance and prevent any one faction from becoming too powerful.
• The Wild Claws and Urban Factions: The Wild Claws frequently clash with urban factions like the Moonblood Covenant, as they oppose the Covenant’s desire for dominance and view urban life as corrupting.

Skills

Characters in “Wovkulak: Shadows of the Night” are defined by their proficiency in various skills, each ranging from 1 to 5.

Skill List:

• Athletics: Physical endurance and strength activities.
• Combat: Proficiency in hand-to-hand and weapon-based combat.
• Driving: Operating vehicles.
• First Aid: Basic medical assistance.
• Infiltration: Stealth and bypassing security.
• Intimidation: Using fear to influence others.
• Investigation: Gathering information and clues.
• Knowledge (Occult): Understanding supernatural lore.
• Leadership: Influencing and managing groups.
• Perception: Noticing details and surroundings.
• Persuasion: Convincing others.
• Scavenging: Finding useful items in urban areas.
• Stealth: Moving undetected.
• Survival: Thriving in hostile environments.
• Tactics: Planning and executing strategies.

Perks

Perks provide characters with unique abilities or advantages in specific situations.

Sample Perks:

• Night Vision: See clearly in darkness, +1 to Perception and Stealth at night.
• Enhanced Reflexes: Quick reactions, +1 to Combat and Athletics.
• Regeneration: Rapid healing, recover 1 Stress point per scene.
• Master of Shadows: Blend into surroundings, +1 to Infiltration and Stealth.
• Terrifying Presence: Instill fear, +1 to Intimidation and Persuasion.
• Hunter’s Instincts: Track and hunt prey, +1 to Survival and Tactics.
• Lorekeeper: Knowledge of the occult, +1 to Knowledge (Occult) and Investigation.

Passions

Passions represent a character’s motivations, goals, relationships, and flaws, providing mechanical benefits when actions align with them.

Sample Passions:

• Goal: Control the Beast – Gain an advantage when suppressing Wovkulak nature.
• Motivation: Protect the Innocent – Gain an advantage when shielding innocents.
• Relationship: Loyal Packmate – Gain an advantage when aiding a fellow Wovkulak.
• Flaw: Haunted by the Past – Gain an advantage when influenced by past guilt.
• Goal: Find a Cure – Gain an advantage when researching a cure.
• Motivation: Revenge – Gain an advantage when seeking revenge.
• Relationship: Secret Protector – Gain an advantage when secretly helping a human.

Sample Plot Hooks

1. War Profiteers

Hook: A rogue faction within the Moonblood Covenant is selling Wovkulak blood to desperate human soldiers, promising enhanced abilities. Players must stop them before the situation spirals out of control.

Details:

• Setting: The black market in Kyiv, hidden beneath the city’s war-torn streets, serves as the hub for these illicit transactions.
• Key NPCs:
  • Viktor “Ironclaw” Petrov: The leader of the rogue faction, a former military officer turned ruthless enforcer within the Covenant.
  • Captain Serhiy Kovalenko: A desperate Ukrainian army officer who has started using the Wovkulak blood to gain an edge in combat.
• Challenges:
  • Infiltration: Players must locate and infiltrate Viktor’s heavily guarded base of operations, hidden in an abandoned subway station.
  • Moral Dilemma: Do the players destroy the blood supply, risking the lives of the soldiers who now depend on it, or do they try to find a way to neutralize its effects safely?
  • Combat: Confronting Viktor and his loyalists, who are enhanced by the very blood they are selling.

2. The Missing Scientist

Hook: A leading researcher from the Silverbane Circle has disappeared. Clues suggest they were abducted by a group looking to weaponize the Wovkulak curse for the war. Players must rescue the scientist and prevent a catastrophe.

Details:

• Setting: The search spans from the Chernobyl Museum to a secretive military laboratory on the outskirts of Kyiv.
• Key NPCs:
  • Dr. Olga Morozova: The missing scientist, known for her groundbreaking work on the Wovkulak curse.
  • Colonel Ivanov: The ruthless military leader behind the abduction, aiming to create an army of Wovkulak-enhanced soldiers.
• Challenges:
  • Investigation: Players must follow a trail of clues, including encrypted messages, hidden laboratories, and reluctant informants.
  • Rescue Operation: Penetrating the heavily fortified laboratory where Dr. Morozova is held.
  • Ethical Choices: Deciding whether to destroy Ivanov’s research, which could cure the Wovkulak curse but also has the potential to create a new kind of biological weapon.

3. Urban Legends

Hook: Strange sightings and attacks are reported around Kyiv, blamed on supernatural creatures. The Shroud dispatches players to investigate and cover up the incidents, ensuring the Wovkulak secret remains safe.

Details:

• Setting: Various locations across Kyiv, from haunted ruins to crowded markets.
• Key NPCs:
  • Anna Voloshyn: A local journalist investigating the supernatural sightings, who could either become an ally or a threat.
  • Mikhail “Whisper” Kuznetsov: A seasoned member of The Shroud who provides players with critical information and resources.
• Challenges:
  • Surveillance: Identifying the source of the sightings, which may involve rival factions, rogue Wovkulaks, or even entirely new supernatural entities.
  • Containment: Managing public panic and misinformation while neutralizing the threats.
  • Public Relations: Deciding whether to collaborate with or silence Anna, balancing the need for secrecy with potential long-term benefits of an informed ally.

4. Sacred Grounds

Hook: The Wild Claws discover that a new military base is being built on ancient sacred grounds. Players must navigate the complexities of war to protect the site, balancing diplomacy and direct action.

Details:

• Setting: The contested sacred site, an ancient forest on the outskirts of Kyiv, rich with spiritual significance for the Wild Claws.
• Key NPCs:
  • Nadia “Moonshadow” Vasilev: A respected shaman within the Wild Claws, passionate about protecting the sacred grounds.
  • General Petro Andriyenko: The military leader overseeing the construction of the base, more interested in strategic advantage than spiritual concerns.
• Challenges:
  • Diplomacy: Engaging with General Andriyenko and other military officials to negotiate a halt to the construction.
  • Sabotage: If diplomacy fails, covertly disrupting the construction efforts without sparking open conflict.
  • Rituals: Performing ancient rituals to awaken the protective spirits of the forest, providing both spiritual and tactical advantages.

5. Internal Strife

Hook: Tensions within and between factions reach a boiling point as the pressures of war intensify. Players must navigate political intrigue, forge alliances, and prevent a civil war among the Wovkulaks.

Details:

• Setting: Secretive faction meetings, disputed territories within Kyiv, and covert operations in neutral zones.
• Key NPCs:
  • Sergei “Ironclaw” Volkov: A militant leader within the Moonblood Covenant pushing for war.
  • Elena “Whisper” Kuznetsova: A senior operative in The Shroud advocating for peace and unity.
  • Dr. Ivan Romanov: A key figure in the Silverbane Circle, seeking to mediate and find common ground.
• Challenges:
  • Mediation: Facilitating peace talks and negotiating compromises between faction leaders.
  • Espionage: Uncovering and thwarting plots by extremists on both sides who seek to escalate the conflict.
  • Alliance Building: Forming strategic alliances and leveraging influence to stabilize the Wovkulak society.