Nachtalb

Nachtalb is a Hostile Spirit — a nocturnal 'alp' that visits sleepers with the weight of a dream. In the field it is rarely 'seen' as a solid form; observers report a low, ink-dark outline at the edge of vision or a brief silhouette like a small horse or crouched child that slips away when looked at directly. Smell: a sharp, metallic tang — like cold iron left out in rain — undercut with the must of old straw and linen. Sound: a slow, rasping breath close to the ear, punctuated by faint, hoof-like taps that do not match any footfall in the room; some witnesses note a soft, repetitive whisper as if a lullaby carried through wet wool. Temperature: a sudden, localized chill that numbs the collar and chest, leaving skin damp with cold sweat and sometimes a thin ring of condensation on the pillow where the pressure rested. Note: the Nachtalb's presence is most pronounced between the second and fourth hour after midnight, in closed, poorly ventilated rooms where hearths are cold.