Leshy

The Leshy live in the dark pine forests of the Baltic countries, although some have recently made their way to other areas of the world. They are shape-shifters and can make themselves small enough to hide under leaves or change into ancient and tall trees, forest animals or even swirls of blowing dust and leaves. Usually the Leshy remain in human form, but they are easily recognized due to their blue skin, which is  a result of their blue blood. The Leshy wear their clothes backwards and wear their shoes on the wrong feet.

The Leshy can be cruel to those who abuse the forest and its creatures or playfully malicious to those who just wander into their territory. It is often said that the Leshy is that which you can feel watching you in the woods, but never manage to see. That tingle up the spine and the raising of the hairs on the nap of the neck are sure signs of a Leshy being near-by.

The Leshy's most common activity is to cause travellers to become lost in the forest. In the winter a Leshy will brush away the footprints of travellers in the snow, so that they can not retrace their steps. If you have the misfortune to run into an unfriendly Leshy, the best way to thwart him is to wear your shoes on the wrong feet and your clothes backwards. This will confuse the Leshy who will not be able to tell which way you are going