Tik Tik

Filipino Aswang which attacks and consumes human flesh. Can transform into a variety of common animals, including dogs, bats, birds and pigs. Includes several subspecies, including the wak-wak, which transforms into a large bird and the zegben, which favors Tasmanian devil shape.

Basic Information

Anatomy

In human shape, tik tiks usually appear as slender human women. They are so convincing in this shape that they are often integrated smoothly into human life, holding jobs and otherwise acting as normal members of society. The change comes after dark, when they become emaciated versions of dogs, birds, pigs, etc. They possess a long, proboscis-like tongue for feeding and are frequently so slender that they can hide easily among bamboo posts.

Genetics and Reproduction

Stories vary on how tik tiks reproduce, further complicated by the stories of aswangs, which overlap in lore. Aswang tribes have been obviously reluctant to clarify the details to joining their families and tik tiks seldom survive encounters with hunters long enough to answer questions.
Lore states humans become aswangs by tying a fertilized chicken egg to their stomachs. The chick passes into their body and grants them the abilities of the monster. It can supposedly pass its abilities on to another person by holding their mouth close to another as they are dying. The validity of any of this is wibbly at best.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to their preference for human fetuses, tik tiks have an unfailing ability to detect pregnancy in humans.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

According to lore, tik tiks can be detected with albularyos oil , a specifically enchanted oil made with coconuts and sacred plants. The oil boils when in the vicinity of a tik tik. It also does damage much like any boiling oil if thrown at them.
Tik tiks are also weak against garlic and religious artifacts. They are best approached by day, as they are weakest then. Decapitation kills them and they take particularly painful damage from stingray whips.

Works Cited:

1. https://mythology.net/monsters/aswang/
2. Realms of Myths and Reality - vol 5 The Aswang Complex in Philippine Folklore