Suuvhatan
In a land dominated by forest, the dangers that lurk within the trees hold a special fear. From vicious animal attacks to getting lost in the sea of trees, these are manifestations of Suuvhatan - Shadows of the Trees.
Suuvhatan is an aspect of Karu, the forest god. He represents everything humans fear about the woods. His lower body is a moose, flanks dripping with moss. Rising up is a humanoid torso, made of twisting roots and branches rather than skin. Each arm ends in a hand with long, sharpened twig fingers capable of impaling a man. He has an antlered bear head above the neck.
His presence causes disorientation and makes travellers forget their way. It is his voice whispering in traveller's ears, urging them to leave the path, just this once, they won't go far. When he's nearby, wild animals become more aggressive and more likely to attack, and prey animals more alert to hunters.
Those who need to go into the forest pray to Karu for protection and beg him to restrain Suuvhatan. A common talisman carried by Karuvians is a lynx claw on a leather cord. The lynx is Karu's tausai, and when the claw has been blessed by a druid, it is hoped that it carries some of his protection.
Since the arrival of the Forest, many have blamed its malevolence on Suuvhatan. Especially in the early years, before it was better understood, the increasing disappearances of travellers and cursed trees were thought to be indications of Suuvhatan's increasing presence.
The Suuvites were formed during this period as a cult worshipping Suuvhatan above all other gods.