Lynchwoods rarely wandered far from civilization.
Unlike most monsters that preferred the deepest reaches of forgotten forests, these grotesque trees rooted themselves near villages, crossroads, and isolated settlements—places where fear and guilt flourished.
Their presence often revealed a great deal about the people living nearby.
Communities blessed with powerful adventurers or well-trained militias hunted the creatures relentlessly, refusing to allow such abominations to linger near their homes. But poorer settlements, those lacking the strength or resources to destroy them, learned to live beneath their silent judgment.
Some even welcomed them.
The Lynchwoods hunted only after nightfall.
When darkness swallowed the land, they awakened.
They preyed upon those fleeing into the woods after committing terrible crimes—murderers escaping justice, thieves betraying their companions, traitors abandoning their people, and countless others burdened by guilt.
