Jimplecute

 

The jimplecute is a vampiric reptile from Ozark legend. It is a rarely heard of fearsome critter and shouldn't be confused with the gowrow, the more famous reptile from the region.

There are two different descriptions of the jimplecute. The original appearance is of a long serpentine reptile, yet still baring short legs. It has skin the texture of dead leaves, which allows it to hide better in the forests. It even had the chameleon like ability to change color, so to blend in with leaves of different seasons. This jimplecute is able to wrap around its victims like a python to immobilize them while it feeds on their blood.

The more modern version of the jimplecute is of a vampiric dinosaur, usually something similar to a raptor. This interpretation comes from the book We Always Lie to Strangers by Vance Randolph, which is a book about Ozarks folklore. There Mr Randolph describes the jimplecute as a prehistoric. Although I think he meant that all reptiles are primitive in his eyes, and people have taken that line out of context.

Regardless of appearance, both version of the creature have the same behaviour. That is to wait along roadsides at night and attacking lone travellers out after dark. The jimplecute would drain them entirely of blood, leaving a pale lifeless body. Oddly in spite of having fangs the jimplecute left no marks on the body, causing anyone to find the victim to believe they died of fright alone. It's also said the jimplecute was able to swallow its victims whole like a snake. I guess it could do either depending on how hungry it was.

It's said that the jimplecute tires quickly, something common of cold blooded reptiles. So if it missed its first strike against its intended target, the victim could run away and escape. Fighting the jimplecute is near impossible, as its hide is thick enough to repel gunfire and knife cuts. If one were to encounter a jimplecute it's best to fight it with fire, or just run for your life.