Leshy

Basic Information

Anatomy

Leshy are bipedal creatures that appear to have branches and leaves growing out of their bodies.

Biological Traits

If a lifespan for the Leshy exists, no one knows how long it is as all reported Leshy deaths have been at the hands of adventurers. They are incredibly magical creatures with access to incredible spells of natural origin. They are also able to transform into any natural element of the forest they inhabit. This can be a tree, an animal, or even leaves on the wind. They are even able to transform into people.
The only weakness a Leshy has is from magical fire.

Genetics and Reproduction

To those outside of the druid circles of the Alluring Forest, many do not know the origins of the Leshy. However, the druids know that the Leshy do not reproduce.

Ecology and Habitats

Leshy are exclusive to the forests outside the Alluring Forest.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Leshy sustains themselves on the flesh of animals and people, however, they do not need to eat often. It is theorized that they gain some nutrition from the forest floor as they bury themselves in dirt while they rest.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The blood and heart of a Leshy can be used in rituals to taint nature. It is for this reason that druids prefer to burn the remains of a Leshy.

Average Intelligence

Leshy are incredibly intelligent creatures able to come up with complex strategies for combating their foes. However, it has been known that a Leshy can be appeased when given sacrifices or generally left to its own devices. The anger of a Leshy has been known to wipe out entire settlements.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Gifted with incredible sight, the Leshy are capable of seeing in complete darkness. They are able to be blinded with bright light and tend to hide during the day. If the canopy of the forest is sufficiently thick, Leshy have been known to wander during the day as well. In addition to darkvision, they can also sense creatures that interact with plants as the Wood Elves do. These combination of perceptions make it incredibly challenging to sneak up on a Leshy.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

Leshy have been known to wear the bones and antlers of dead creatures. This can be anything from the antlers of an elk, to the skull of a Dragonblood. They tend to be wrapped in the leaves of plants that are growing out of them.

History

The Leshy is known as the dark guardians of the forest. Many do not know if a Leshy resides in their nearby forest, but it is widely accepted that all forests have one or two within them. Lumberers and hunters are cautious as they wander the forests looking for wood and game as a Leshy could be lurking anywhere. It is one of the biggest fears when wandering the woods at night. Many take precautions while wandering the woods in order to keep from angering a Leshy, such as avoiding whistling which can wake a Leshy from its slumber. Destroying parts of the forest are another way to anger a Leshy, so many take only what they need and avoid cutting down large amounts of trees. If the Leshy finds itself outside of the forest (especially during the day) is when its wrath will come to its greatest. An example of this was the Leshy of the Heartland Wood, where mass cutting of trees to make way for farmland angered a Leshy. It destroyed several hamlets and a village before it was brought down by a group of adventurers.
The origins of the Leshy are largely unknown to the populace. However, the druids of the Alluring Forest are well aware of its origins. As a druid is in the form of an animal (via its Wild Shape) it is possible for them to succumb to Nightfall Hysteria. During this time the druid loses control of their wild shape and often does not remember the experience. Should this happen too many times, the effects slowly begin to compound onto the druid turning them into a Leshy. There is no known way to reverse this. This is the origin of their magical powers and they only grow more powerful with time. The druids aim to keep this a secret from most of society as to not gain the hatred of society at large.

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Physique

Even though they are magical creatures, the strength of a Leshy is supernatural. They have a thick layer of skin that feels like bark in their Leshy form. People who have been hit by a Leshy compare it to the force of a falling tree, as their muscles are incredibly solid. While they are not fast creatures, their magic makes up for their lack of speed as they can transform into a literal cluster of leaves and reappear in another location. Ranged fighting is often the best approach, although even then it is still a challenging battle.