Leshen Druid

The **Leshen Druid** is an exceptionally rare and almost mythical variant of the Ancient Leshen. Its physical appearance is similar to that of a regular Leshen, but with a much more robust and imposing build. Its body is covered in a loincloth and cloak made entirely of moss. One of the most striking features of the Leshen Druid is the several mushrooms growing all over its body, ranging in size and color, giving the impression that it has been naturally adorned with forest vegetation. Its horns, unlike the common Leshen, are made of sturdy wood, which enhances its imposing presence.

The Leshen Druid is not actually a druid or affiliated with any human or non-human culture. The name comes from their striking similarity to the first druids in the early days of humankind.

## Abilities

Similar to standard Leshens, Leshen Druids possess the ability to control the plants and animals that make up their forest environment. However, their power extends beyond that of common Leshens or even other Ancient Leshens, as they have the ability to control monsters that are not typically part of the ecological niche of their habitat.

In addition to their formidable control over the forest, its inhabitants, and some monsters, Leshen Druids also have the ability to shape-shift, granting them a versatility that makes them all the more deadly. They can assume the guise of a harmless old man, luring unsuspecting prey into a false sense of security before revealing their true form. They can also transform into a tree branch, seamlessly blending into the surrounding forest and allowing them to observe their prey from a distance. Another tactic is transforming into a flock of birds that swoop down on their victims, pecking and scratching with deadly precision. These shape-shifting abilities make them incredibly difficult to track and even harder to defeat.

It is believed that due to their immense power, Leshen Druids have the ability to travel between different spheres with ease, much like common Ancient Leshens. However, the knowledge of this supposedly multiversal abilities remains a mistery.

## Leshen Druids in history

According to folklore, the reverence some villages and other human communities have for standard Leshens is believed to stem from a time when Leshen Druids were far more prevalent and had significant influence in the forests. These Leshen Druids were known to demand sacrifices from nearby human settlements in exchange for the use and protection of the forest. These sacrifices were believed to appease the powerful Leshen Druids and ensure the safety of the local communities.

Over time, as the influence of Leshen Druids waned and their populations declined, and especially since the birth of the Order of Witchers in the 10th century, the sacrifices became less frequent, and the stories of their power faded into legend. However, the respect and reverence for the forest spirits remained in the hearts and minds of the people, leading them to view standard Leshens as protectors of the forest.

## Rumors

According to legend, the last two known Leshen Druids in the Northen Kingdoms were destroyed in the 12th century, long after the fall of the Order of Witchers and the emergence of the schools. One was defeated by Old Keldar of the School of the Griffin in his youth, while the other was vanquished by Vesemir of the School of the Wolf shortly before the Kaer Morhen Pogrom.

The exact details of these battles have been lost to time, but it is said that the Leshen Druids put up a formidable fight, utilizing their powerful control over the forest and their shape-shifting abilities to their advantage. Keldar and Vesemir were both skilled Witchers, renowned for their combat abilities, and their victories against the Leshen Druids solidified their place in Witcher mythos.

Despite the destruction of these two known Leshen Druids, rumors persist of their continued existence. Travelers to the far reaches of the Northern Kingdoms, in regions like Kovir, report sightings and encounters with creatures matching their descriptions. Some believe that there may still be active Leshen Druids deep in the forests, using their powers to control and protect their habitats from those who would seek to harm them. However, such stories are often dismissed as mere legend, and the true fate of the Leshen Druids remains shrouded in mystery. But it is also believed that there is at least one remaining specimen of Leshen Druid that still resides deep in the forests of Brokilon. According to the tales of travelers, there may be more of these powerful forest spirits in the Far North, where they continue to exert their dominance over the wilds.

## Trivia

* Based in this Fan Concept Art from r / witcher : Leshen Druid.
* Also based in a mix between The Witcher 3 Leshen, Book! Canon Leshen and Nightmare of the Wolf Leshen.