#leshak

[caffeinesystem]

I’m going to gradually repost some of my favorite pieces from my old artblog. Chronicles of Darkness party (at the time of drawing--Leshak, the lady in the “god nerfed me” shirt is sadly no more) in @shiftythrifting shirts (mostly??) because sometimes you gotta

[albumarchives]

Leshak | Chertovorot (2009)

[beyondthepalerpg]

Leshak

The manifestation of nature’s wrath, the leshak are the violent protectors of the wilds. While protectors, a leshak is not a pleasant force in any forest. Animals flee from even sleeping leshak, giving it a wide berth and refusing to approach. When angered, a leshak sends animals for miles into a frenzy; riling them in violence and madness, causing a cacophony of noises few could ignore.

Beyond their purpose as a guardian and defender of nature, leshak seem to possess no personality traits. While they are clearly thinking creatures, they cannot speak and will not socialize with others.  Attempts to communicate with dryads by druids garner no response, only a lingering sense of lurking anger and patience.

Leshak intelligence seems to be below human, similar to that of apes, as they have shown to understand cause and effect, causing landslides or avalanches to wage war, or use improvised weaponry, like fallen logs as clubs. They seem aware of the dangers of fire, cold iron and weaponry, and will wait for an opportune time to strike.

Leshak appear as a vaguely man or ape shaped creature constructed out of wood, vines and other vegetation.  The plant life that makes up a leshak’s body is passively gained through the creature’s life, absorbing fallen branches, stumps and logs as it travels. This means each leshak is unique to their own habitat, much like dryads. All leshak lack facial features, though their heads will swivel and look about as if the creature had eyes.

If passive, a leshak will appear as a large mound of earth, stone and vegetation. Few could identify a slumbering leshak by appearance alone. Only when roused to the seemingly disparate pieces animate and one can make out the shape of arms, legs and body.

Within the lashak is a heartstone. Unlike dryads, who plant their hearts within the land, the leshak bury theirs in their chests, protected with layers of wood, moss and earth. This affords them a great deal of power and regeneration unless their heart is pierced directly by cold iron.

If something threatens a leshak’s territory, the creature often takes the most direct method of remedying the situation. Tales of loggers, miners or hunters going missing in the forests can often be attributed to a provoked leshak. Often, these parties are unaware of the nearby threat, as leshak only vocalize their displeasure in loud, warbling cries that resemble a deer’s call and the creaking of wooden limbs. Masked by the sudden panic in local wildlife, the leshak’s attack comes without warning.

The bodies of leshak victims are rarely found. Normally, a leshak throws the bodies to nearby animals or stores them beneath trees, attempting to heal the damage done by the offenders. Those that are found are often mistaken for bear maulings.

In combat, a leshak uses its great size and power to its advantage. It will attempt to crush foes under foot or pound them into the earth with giant fists. A leshak does not cast magic like most nature spirits, instead infused with druidic magic that amplifies its already impressive defenses. The creature’s wooden hide is often likened to iron or steel, an impenetrable armor that protects the leshak’s heart.

Leshak frequent all natural, isolated locations, including forests, beaches, mountains and swamps. Occasionally, a leshak may pursue a vendetta into more populated areas. Signs of a leshak include vandalized machines or buildings, unusually nervous wildlife and frequent missing persons reports, specifically those who may harm the local flora or fauna.

Artwork by Tomis-JB  Support Beyond the Pale via Patreon!

[natasailincic]

Spring is here, and I felt like sketching a Leshy, a woodland spirit from Slavic folklore :) • • • Portfolio and bio : • Official site New work, news, events : • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram Work in progress, tutorials, videos : • Patreon Prints and goodies: • Etsy • Society6 • • • © Nataša Ilinčić, please do not remove credits