Penanggalans no longer undead?

I was rereading Prince of Wolves last night, and as I read I cross reference, and I realized that in PF2 Penanggalans are now aberrations rather than undead. Wondering if there's a reason behind this change considering how 1E made them a very distinct form of vampire.

I just looked up "Penanggalan" and, while it's a "vampiric entity", it generally comes about through a curse, rather than becoming undead. My guess is that Paizo hewed closer to the original Malay folklore , as they have done with other mythology.

That tracks. Classifying them as a vampire was always something done from a western lens, a lot like deciding to squish jiang shi into being 'just another type of vampire' when their own mythology is plenty distinct.

Years ago, I was part of a home game that played PF1. We had to deal with quite a few of those things. Also reminds me that I need to get Prince of Wolves off my TBR pile eventually.

Years ago, I was part of a home game that played PF1. We had to deal with quite a few of those things. Also reminds me that I need to get Prince of Wolves off my TBR pile eventually.

It's a good'n.

Years ago, I was part of a home game that played PF1. We had to deal with quite a few of those things. Also reminds me that I need to get Prince of Wolves off my TBR pile eventually.

I will creatively interpret that as "To Be Remastered." ;)

Years ago, I was part of a home game that played PF1. We had to deal with quite a few of those things. Also reminds me that I need to get Prince of Wolves off my TBR pile eventually.

I might be on a bit of an Ustalav kick right now...

I see nothing wrong with this at all. Everyone loves a little Gothic horror every now and then.

Dooot doot doot doot! I found the answer when I asked the same question two years ago.

IIRC consulting with experts in the lore from those cultures.