The Yavmir Bestiary is an ongoing project, where Michael and Radiostorm brainstorm ideas for a slavic-themed fantasy setting. More information can be found at the WoR Wiki.
Some of the evils of Yavmir are brought to life through magic while are others borne from the land itself. The mysterious spirits known as Likho come into being in a different manner; forged from the fears and negative emotions of normal humans.
Likho most often form in small communities during periods of extreme duress. Perhaps a township is suffering through a harsh drought, a kingdom is victim to a pallid plague, or a rash of murders sweep through a region. These hardships often cause negative emotions to fester and grow, eventually coalescing into a dark, tangible spectre.
Small and relatively weak at first, a Likho will stealthily drift through populated areas feeding on the anger, despair, and suffering in order to continue its twisted growth. When they have reached full size they become more brazen in their tactics: stalking the streets at night while using their grotesque appearance to sow fear – all the while feasting upon the dread of their victims.
Likho can take a variety of shapes, but all share a single, large, yellow, unblinking eye. Their shadowy, charcoal grey bodies glide through the night air silently; ever in search of their next meal.
Illustration Credit: John Allison, Bad Machinery
