Ghost-Leaf

The Ghost-Leaf is a rare and eerie plant-undead hybrid inhabiting the most stagnant and magically-depleted sections of The Shrouded Boughs. These creatures appear to be large, withered mangrove leaves that have been reanimated by a lingering necrotic aether-pulse. They move with a jerky, floating motion and are often found in small groups called "Drifts" clinging to the undersides of rotting branches.

Ghost-Leaves are scavengers of "Life-Energy." They do not eat in the traditional sense, but instead drain the vitality and structural integrity of the plants and creatures they encounter. They are a particular hazard for the Wood-Wrights, as their touch can cause the strongest iron-wood to become as brittle as dry parchment in seconds. They are believed to be the spirits of trees that were killed by localized aether-leaks, though the Mist-Weaver Coven views them as a natural part of the forest's cycle of decay and rebirth.

Secret Motivation: The leaves are instinctively drawn to "Magical Decay." They often congregate in areas where the forest’s magical barrier is failing, using their necrotic energy to "dissolve" the remaining barrier and allow the mist to escape into the open ocean.

Adventure Hook: A large Drift of Ghost-Leaves has infested the Vow-Garden at The Mother-Root Shrine, causing the young mangrove saplings to wither. Elder Thorne hires the party to find a way to "lay the leaves to rest" without damaging the rest of the shrine’s flora.