The Spirit of the Forest is a shapeshifting, bear duidae that defends forests from destructio — whether it be from natural disasters or the activities of organisms. These beings quench out of control blazes, scare off or kill those that consume too many resources, purify woodlands of disease and pestilence, and protect all fae that live within their bounds. If many animals are endangered after particularly destructive events, the Spirit of the Forest will shuffle through several forms, casting much-needed spells; digging in the dirt, touching its snout to the ground, stepping in place, running in circles, snorting, and leaping in zigzagging motions are a few movements included in these magical rituals. Spells may include: creating lakes or rivers in times of drought, restoring trees to house and feed animals, opening caves for creatures to hide within, bringing forth fruit-bearing foliage, and other, nature-oriented spells. The Spirit of the Forest is also said to be responsible for the creation of several chimeric animals, who aid the beast in a variety of ways.

The true forms of these beings are only seen while they are sleeping, first born, and when they retire from life. At these times, they are indistinguishable from everyday black bears; males (190 - 660 lbs) are larger than females (90 - 180 lbs), but both grow no longer than 4.5 ft. At all other times, the fae appear as a chimeric being made up of 2-3 woodland creatures or the form of any being that has ever lived in their forests.

Spirits of the Forest eat fruit and other vegetation found within their domains. They are not territorial, only bristling at or harming those they deem dangerous to the forest; however, each fae watches over a large patch of land they view as their own. These beings do not die from the process of aging, but may be killed if severely wounded. Though their bodies do not naturally deteriorate, the creatures tire of living after many years; when they feel they are ready to move on, they travel to a beautiful, magical lake, where they become part of the waters, resting forever.

It is said that some of these duidae look upon humans with kindness and invite them into their communities; these humans are usually respectful of nature and/or persecuted, endangered, or hunted by others. They do not speak to people, but look them in the eyes, their proposition offered with a long glace, heard within the mind, though not spoken. Once offered, the decision is final. If accepted, the invited become hairier and hairier—until one day they find themselves entirely covered in black fur. One or more Spirits of the Forest will guide them to their mystical lake, where they learn how to be one of the duidae and complete their transformation.

The Midsummer Beast

During the hottest days of summer, the Spirit of the Forest takes on a new form—one that is an amalgamation of several different creatures into one bright, fiery body: the Midsummer Beast. Each Midsummer Beast is unique, with some preferring agile animal forms, while others prefer powerful or intimidating physiques. The creatures enter this form to mate, but lose their personalities, becoming purely chaotic and instinctual, causing what they seek to eliminate—destruction. The Midsummer Beast exudes wild magic that is especially irritating to canines; it increases their general activity, makes them more likely to act aggressively, and destroy foliage around them—pulling grass from the ground, shredding flowers, and ripping bark from trees. The fae’s powers also seem to agitate humans, making them more likely to fight or bicker.

The Midsummer Beast’s mating ritual is a complex and wondrous sight. Each duidae has a unique dance that may be comprised of fluttering wings or swoops, leaps from cliff edges or treetops, patterns of movement speckled with bucks, pawing, prancing, and hops, in addition to bows, two-legged stances, and paths drawn in the dirt with horns or feet. Congregating in groups, males and females gravitate towards individuals they find most appealing, dividing up at the end of the day. Once reproduction has occurred, the duidae go their separate ways. Females gestate for eight months before giving birth to 1 - 2 young. The creatures grow rapidly and are fully mature at one year of age; after this short time, they have learned all they need to know from their mother, separating from her during their second summer.

Journey to Healing and the End

When a Spirit of the Forest is injured, sick, or desires the end of their life, they travel to a mystical, legendary lake hidden within the Great Smoky Mountains. All bears know of this lake, seeking its powerful, purple waters in times of need. The lake’s water heals all wounds and illnesses of those that wash within it; when one exits the lake, they find themselves refreshed, healthy, and without physical imperfections; however, today the lake’s water dwindles dangerously low, possibly drying up completely as belief in fae diminishes. Some people believe that this lake is located between the Oconaluftee and the Tuckasegee rivers, where Water Bears live in aquatic dens.

Spirits of the Forest who come to the waters for eternal rest delve into its depths and drink. Their body dissolves painlessly into thousands of golden air bubbles, which rise rapidly to the surface; there, part of them traverses to the skies, as if carried by a gentle breeze, and another part remains in the lake forever, giving it power and life. It is said for every one of these fae’s deaths, the sun gains a beam of light.

The Spirits of the Forest also come to this special lake when they have lived for over 200 years or when there are too many of their kind. If the creatures are killed by other organisms, they revert to their true forms and die as an average animal—but with even greater suffering.