The uhlihul

[drawn July 2022]

Uhlihul are an uncommon kind of fey more likely to be found in colder forest environments. Like many sylvan creatures they have a deep connection to nature and seek to proliferate it in their environment. In particular, an uhlihul’s specific domain of nature is ecological succession, exploitation of resources, and the progression of energy though systems. The creature wanders its territory, leaving mold inviting insects - generalists that are good at taking resources, in its path.

They unlike most fey don’t mind humans. They see people cutting down trees and building a town no different to other animals making nests. But uhlihul can be a nuisance. They’ll nonchalantly invite pests to take over villages. Some places have made an “agreement” with their local uhlihul to offer it spare iron as tribute, in exchange for leaving their homes alone and using its power to encourage crop growth instead. uhlihul Can turn invisible and are seldom seen in the open.

Their bodies are weak to metal, but they have a special organ in their neck that’s immune. In it they magically liquify (the metal doesn’t heat up) and store consumed iron to be used as a potent anti-sylvan weapon. Despite being indifferent and even curious of humanoids, uhlihul are belligerent against other fey. Any others are chased out.