WALdSCHRAtE (FORESt SPIRItS)
These shapeshifters—also known as woodland beings or tree spirits—call ancient groves their home.
Some legends claim they can assume any form: from a stooped elder with skin like bark and hair made of moss and twigs, to a massive, clawed beast with antlers crowning its skull, or even ordinary forest predators like wolves, wildcats, and bears—or a flock of birds.
A forest spirit is extremely dangerous in combat, as it can summon the forest and all its inhabitants to its aid.Its command over both animals and plants leads many to regard it as the master of the forest. In some regions of the world, these creatures are even worshipped; a form of nature cult has developed around them, retaining followers in isolated forest communities to this day.
The inhabitants of these villages offer small game or birds to the forest spirit, worshipping it under the name Kerun or Kernos. These religious traditions have also spawned many legends of benevolent forest spirits that drive prey toward hunters, guide lost pilgrims back to the path, or rescue travelers from bandits.
The latter notion is entirely unfounded, however, as forest spirits are fiercely territorial and claim the woods they inhabit as their own domain.
Consequently, the appearance of armed men—whether bandits or soldiers—is viewed as a challenge or a direct threat, and the spirit will use every means at its disposal to destroy the intruders. This behavior gives rise to another widespread belief: that only the most noble-hearted hunters can pass through a forest spirit's territory unscathed.
