Leshy

Leshy typically manifest as large, humanoid entities intricately composed of intertwined bark, roots, and lush moss. Their coloration varies between deep, earthy browns and vibrant mossy greens, often rendering them nearly indistinguishable from the forests they inhabit. Notably, their facial features, subtly etched within their woody exteriors, project a gentle, expressive demeanor. The eyes of a Leshy emit a soft, bioluminescent glow reminiscent of fungi or fireflies, shifting in color to reflect emotional fluctuations or changing seasons.   One remarkable trait of the Leshy is their innate shapeshifting ability, enabling them to alter their forms by blending with surrounding wood and plant matter. However, when interacting with other creatures, Leshy generally prefer to mirror the general shape and proportions of their conversational partner, fostering ease of communication and social rapport. This adaptive morphology appears less as a defensive mechanism and more as a conscious effort to harmonize with the beings they encounter.

Leshy do not appear to possess a natural withering point or senescence in the traditional biological sense. Instead, their lives are largely shaped by their environment and external circumstances. In regions of stable, flourishing woodland, a Leshy may persist for anywhere between 50 to 200 years. Their eventual demise is more often the result of external threats such as deforestation, wildfire, or violent intrusion other than from any intrinsic decline. In this way, their longevity serves as a quiet indicator of the forest’s health.   Due to their shapeshifting nature, Leshy exhibit no consistent physical changes associated with age. Young Leshy may adopt forms indistinguishable from their elders, and vice versa, often tailoring their appearance to suit their role, audience, or personal whim. This fluidity of form can make aging Leshy through visual observation exceedingly difficult, and has led to more than a few misclassifications in early field research. Age, for a Leshy, is better inferred by their knowledge, behavior, and familiarity with local ecosystems rather than by any visible sign.

Leshy are incapable of reproduction during their lifetimes. Instead, the cycle of their existence continues through a singular and deeply magical process that occurs upon their death. When a Leshy dies, its body gradually reverts to a more plant-like state, often retaining the semblance of its face. If conditions are met, a full moon during the summer solstice, this dormant form will bloom in the dead of night. Given the rarity of this alignment, it may take several years for the transformation to occur.   During the bloom, the Leshy releases pollen into the surrounding forest. This pollen seeks out and merges with decayed stumps scattered through the woodland. After a period of roughly two months, these infused stumps give rise to new Leshy, typically one to three per bloom. Each Leshy blooms only once, making the event both a final gift and a quiet legacy left to the forest.

Leshy are most commonly found in dense, thriving forests, where they dedicate themselves to the health and longevity of their woodland homes. Their presence is not passive; they actively nurture the ecosystem, tending to sick trees, dispersing seeds, and even deterring harmful creatures. Should a forest begin to die, whether from natural decay or external pressures a Leshy will often undertake a pilgrimage in search of a new home where its efforts might bear fruit.   These journeys are perilous. Away from the deep-rooted vitality of a flourishing forest, a Leshy weakens over time. If unable to find suitable woodland before its energy depletes, it may wither and collapse, leaving behind a statue-like corpse of petrified wood, silent, unmoving, and often mistaken for ancient driftwood or forest debris by the untrained eye.

While Leshy do not directly consume food in any traditional sense, it is widely theorized that they derive sustenance from tree sap. This assumption is supported by their tendency to linger near wounded trees and the subtle absorption patterns observed in their root-like limbs. However, despite many attempts by researchers and druids alike, no Leshy has ever provided a clear or consistent explanation regarding their nutritional habits.   When questioned, Leshy often respond with cryptic phrases or deflections, seemingly amused by the inquiry. Some have suggested that this evasiveness is a intentional form of cultural secrecy or perhaps a reflection of their alien way of thinking. As a result, the exact nature of their sustenance remains one of the more enduring mysteries in Leshy biology.

During the winter months, Leshy enter a state of deep hibernation. They achieve this by burrowing into the earth and taking root, allowing their body to conserve energy much like a tree in dormancy. This period of rest continues until ambient temperatures consistently rise above 35°F. Remarkably, it is possible to unearth a dormant Leshy during this state. When removed from the soil, they remain unconscious and inert until sufficiently reheated, showing no signs of awareness regardless of physical disturbance.   Research suggests that Leshy can persist indefinitely in this hibernative state, though early or unnatural awakenings tend to provoke severe agitation. This is especially true if they are revived outside of their home forest, where the sudden loss of environmental familiarity can result in distress or aggression. For this reason, interference with a hibernating Leshy is strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary.

Leshy frequently serve as guardians of the forests they inhabit, though their methods are not always what one might expect from a protector spirit. Rather than immediately resorting to violence or overt displays of power, many Leshy adopt a more mischievous approach, using illusions, disorienting sounds, and subtle manipulation to confuse and deter intruders. Lumberjacks in particular, especially those who act with greed or disrespect, are known to fall victim to such tactics, often finding their tools misplaced, paths distorted, or memories muddled.   However, such trickery should not be mistaken for weakness. When provoked beyond patience or when the forest is gravely threatened, a Leshy is fully capable of revealing the immense power it holds. Some have been documented to grow over 50 feet tall, becoming towering, wrathful embodiments of the woodland’s fury. In such moments, all notions of playful guardianship vanish, replaced by the terrifying presence of a force of nature unleashed.

Leshy are not reliant on social interaction, but many enjoy small gatherings with trusted companions, usually other Leshy or local druids. They are known for their love of games and gambling. Accepting a Leshy’s offer to play is generally a sign of mutual trust, and while the stakes are not often serious, the games themselves can be quite competitive.

Use of Leshy in products is squarely illegal and should be reported immediately. Any trade or harvesting of Leshy parts is considered a severe crime under international conservation laws.

Leshy are often depicted with mossy green beards, but this is more a stylistic convention than a universal trait. In truth, their appearance varies widely, shaped by personal preference and available vegetation. Many favor wild, matted growths of moss, vines, or bark, but the specific styling differs between individuals.

Leshy are most commonly found within the dense, temperate forests of Europe. These woodlands, rich in deciduous trees, provide the ideal conditions for their growth, camouflage, and connection to the broader forest root work that supports their sensory abilities.   While Europe remains their highest concentration, Leshy are not strictly limited to this geography. They have demonstrated the ability to live in nearly any forest primarily composed of deciduous trees, provided the ecosystem is healthy and undisturbed.

Leshy are wise and clever, but show little interest in formal learning. Their knowledge is experiential, shaped by long lives spent observing and interacting with the forest. As a result, their wisdom is practical rather than academic.

Leshy possess an extraordinary form of sensory awareness derived from their connection to the rootwork of the forest. Through this vast subterranean network, they can feel the presence of movement, disturbances in the soil, and subtle shifts in their environment with remarkable precision.
While they do have eyes and ears, these traditional senses are comparatively muted. As a result, Leshy may sometimes lean in uncomfortably close during conversation, not out of aggression or curiosity, but simply to better perceive the individual before them.

Leshy were most populous before the industrial revolution on earth and were threatened at being phased out alongside many natural forests but since the introduction of proper zoning laws and nature sanctuaries they have been able to stabilize their population