
### **The Beast That Comes with the Moon**

Every year, as the Lunar New Year approaches, homes are swept clean, doors are painted red, and firecrackers explode in the streets. These traditions may seem like mere festivity to an outsider, but their origins lie in survival—because once, long ago, the Nian came.

The wind carries a faint, guttural growl through the valleys, unsettling the livestock before the villagers even sense the shift in the air. Described in hushed voices by the elderly and half-believed by the young, the Nian is no ordinary beast. It is a terror of the dark season, a creature that emerges when the old year dies, seeking to devour and destroy before the new year can begin. They say it slumbers deep in the mountains or beneath the sea, waking only when hunger calls it forth. And when it comes, villages fall silent, doors are locked, and prayers are whispered in the dim glow of lantern light.

### **A Monstrous Visage**

The Nian is unlike any earthly predator. Its body is enormous, covered in thick, coarse fur that shifts in hue like storm-lit clouds. Some say it looks like a great lion, others swear it has the twisted horns of a dragon, curling like frozen rivers. Its eyes glow an unnatural yellow, gleaming with an intelligence that makes it all the more dangerous.

Its jagged, gnarled teeth seem endless, and its claws carve through stone with ease. The air turns heavy and still, as if even the wind dares not move in its presence. Those who have seen its tracks speak of something impossibly large, prints deep enough to mark the earth for weeks after it has passed.

But the worst part? The Nian does not kill for sport. It kills because it is hungry.

### **The Endless Hunger**

The Nian feeds at the turning of the year, drawn by the scent of life and the warmth of celebration. Many once tried to appease the beast with gold, fruit, or incense, but these gifts were always ignored, their altars shattered in the morning. It cares not for these gifts—it hunts only for living flesh. It hunts cattle, pets, and sometimes, people.

The stories tell of entire villages falling to its hunger before the traditions were known. Doors left unguarded, homes without their protective symbols—these were the ones it devoured first. The beast would descend from the mountains or rise from the depths, its massive form moving with terrifying swiftness, snatching livestock and children before vanishing into the dark.

### **How It Was Defeated—Or Was It?**

For generations, the Nian returned every year, an unstoppable force of destruction. That was until the people learned its weaknesses.

- **Fireworks and Loud Noises**: The Nian, for all its power, is deeply afraid of sudden, sharp sounds. The crackling of firecrackers sends it fleeing, its ears too sensitive to bear the assault.
- **The Color Red**: It despises red, though no one knows why. Red banners, red clothing, and red-painted doors drive it away.
- **Bright Lights**: The beast thrives in darkness, its eyes accustomed to the shadows. Lanterns and fires disrupt its vision, making it hesitant to approach.

Armed with this knowledge, the people fought back. Red lanterns were hung at every door. Drums and gongs were struck with all the force they could muster. Explosions of firecrackers lit up the night, creating a storm of sound that sent the Nian fleeing. Some say it returned to the mountains, others that it slunk back into the sea.

But no one believes it is truly gone.

### **Other Tales of the Nian**

Some say the Nian was never alone—that its kin still lurk in the forgotten corners of the world. Others whisper that lesser Nian-like creatures still lurk in the deep forests and forgotten caves, waiting for their moment to strike. Others speak of the Nian retreating into deep mountain caves, waiting for the day when the firecrackers go silent and the people forget their defenses.

### **Signs of Its Return**

The Nian is rarely seen—but those who dismiss it may not be looking closely enough. Whispers persist of strange disappearances, of clawed tracks appearing where none should be. The signs are there for those who dare to notice:

- **An eerie silence before the new year**: No wind, no birds, no distant village sounds—only an unnatural stillness.
- **Strange claw marks on trees or rocks**: Deep, deliberate scratches that do not match any known animal.
- **Unexplainable disappearances of livestock**: Entire farms left in eerie silence, with doors shattered and fences broken, yet not a single body to be found.
- **Children speaking of glowing eyes in the dark**: Dismiss them at your peril. The young often sense what adults refuse to see.

### **A Word of Caution**

Even now, as firecrackers burst and red banners wave, people follow these traditions—not just for celebration, but as a safeguard. Few dare to test what happens if they are ignored.

So when the new year arrives, celebrate well. Light your lanterns, wear your red, and make as much noise as you can. Some whisper of a village where firecrackers failed—and by morning, not a soul remained. The Nian still prowls, lurking in the dark places of the world. Some say it is already here, moving in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. If you listen closely, you may hear its breath in the wind.

Stay vigilant. Stay safe. But if the firecrackers fail, and the silence lingers too long—run.


Nian – The Lunar Beast of Terror


### **Echoes of Broken Steel**

The sound of iron shattering in the dead of night is the only warning some get. Blackened footprints, scorched into the earth, mark the path of something monstrous—something insatiable. It is said that when a Bulgasari descends upon a village, no blade, no armor, no chain is spared from its insatiable hunger. Warriors stand helpless as swords rust in their hands. Merchants weep over shattered wares. When the beast departs, it leaves only brittle husks where iron once stood.

### **The Devourer of Iron**

The Bulgasari is unlike any ordinary predator. It is a beast covered in tough, needle-like spines, its hide growing harder with every piece of iron it consumes. Some say it moves like a bear, others like a hunched boar, while some claim it resembles a monstrous pangolin clad in jagged plates. Regardless of its form, all accounts agree on its immense size—large enough to crush carts beneath its bulk. Sharp spines jut from its back, each one glimmering with an eerie sheen, as though still hot from the forge. Its tusks, curved and wicked, glint under the moonlight like polished daggers.

Its most terrifying feature, however, is its mouth—a jagged maw that devours iron as if it were dry leaves. It consumes swords whole, grinds armor to dust, and drinks molten metal like water. Some say that the more iron it consumes, the stronger it becomes, its body forging new plates with each meal.

### **Born of Wrath, Sustained by Hunger**

Legends tell that the first Bulgasari was not born, but **given life**—a creation meant to end war but destined for ruin. It was meant to be a guardian, an end to the bloodshed that steel had wrought. Yet, as it fed, its hunger deepened. No weapon, no chain, no scrap of metal could sate its growing appetite. That night, the creature **stirred**—its form shifting unnaturally, growing beyond the monk’s control. With a hunger boundless, it swept through the land, devouring swords, armor, and fortresses alike before disappearing into the mountains, leaving only rust and ruin in its wake.

Tales of the Bulgasari have endured for centuries, passed down through generations, though whether the beast itself endures or only its legend remains uncertain. Others believe it is eternal, wandering the world in search of iron, never satisfied, never dying.

### **Where the Iron Eater Roams**

It is said that these creatures are drawn to places rich in iron, though whether they truly roam the lands or are simply a tale to keep blacksmiths wary is uncertain. **Ruins and battlefields** are common hunting grounds, where shattered weapons and rusted armor lie scattered. **Mountain forges**, too, attract their hunger, drawn by the scent of molten metal and freshly hammered steel. Villagers who rely on iron tools live in fear of the beast, for even a simple horseshoe could lure disaster.

Signs of the Bulgasari’s presence are unmistakable:

- **Metal corrodes overnight**: Swords left unsheathed weaken and crumble.
- **Rust-covered footprints**: As if the ground itself carries the decay of every weapon it has consumed.
- **The silence of crows**: Even scavengers flee in the wake of its hunger.

### **A Hunger That Never Ends**

The Bulgasari is spoken of as **relentless**, an unstoppable force that sweeps through iron-rich lands, leaving only ruin in its wake. It does not stalk like a tiger or strike like a wolf. It descends like a storm, driven only by hunger. It does not need to sleep, nor does it tire. Some survivors claim it **smells iron from miles away**, drawn to even the smallest traces.

Attempts to fight the beast are said to end in disaster. Arrows bounce off its metallic hide, and spears shatter upon impact, leaving warriors defenseless as their weapons crumble in their hands. Warriors speak of entire regiments whose weapons rusted to dust before they could strike, forcing them to flee with nothing but their bare hands. Even the mightiest warriors, clad in the strongest steel, have been left defenseless as their weapons crumbled in their hands.

### **Escaping the Bulgasari’s Grip**

Few who claim to have survived an encounter with the Bulgasari tell of one thing—leave no metal behind, lest the beast follow its scent.

If you suspect a Bulgasari is near:

- **Abandon iron**: Any weapon, tool, or piece of armor will betray your presence.
- **Flee to wooden structures**: The beast shows no interest in stone or wood.
- **Distract it with bait**: Some have survived by hurling weapons into the distance, giving them precious moments to escape.
- **Fire and ash**: Though the Bulgasari is drawn to flame-heated metal, it despises soot and ash. Smearing your weapons in burnt charcoal may slow its advance.

### **When Metal Screams**

If you wake to find your sword rusting beside you, listen closely. Some believe the wind carries faint echoes of the Bulgasari before it arrives—whether truth or superstition, none dare to test. If the scent of rust lingers in the air, it may already be too late. The Bulgasari is never far when iron begins to vanish. And should you ever hear the grinding of metal in the dead of night, do not reach for your blade—it will betray you before the beast ever does.

Bulgasari – The Iron-Eating Nightmare


### **Phantom Flames of the Dokkaebi – Will You Follow?**

Travelers tell of eerie, flickering lights in the deep woods, dancing like fireflies but larger, wilder. A strange hum fills the air, a barely perceptible vibration that tingles at the edge of hearing—like laughter from something lurking just beyond sight. If you follow them, you may stumble upon a shadowy figure hunched over a makeshift stone table, rolling dice or chuckling to itself. You have found a **Dokkaebi**, and your night has just taken a turn for the unpredictable.

Among those who have glimpsed them, Dokkaebi are known as neither wholly benevolent nor purely evil. Instead, they thrive on trickery, games, and a peculiar sense of justice. Some may lure you into a game where the rules shift as they please, tipping the odds just enough to make victory seem within reach—until it isn’t. Win, and you might leave with untold riches. Lose, and you may find yourself at the mercy of their whims.

### **The Trickster’s Grin – A Face You Won’t Forget**

Dokkaebi are unlike any goblin you may have heard of. As an old storyteller once put it, 'They wear mischief on their faces and trouble in their eyes.' Unlike the small, skulking goblins whispered about in distant lands, these creatures loom tall, their grotesque features stretched into exaggerated expressions of amusement or menace. Standing taller than a man, their bodies are **twisted mockeries of human form**, with deep red or blue skin, bulging eyes, and long, bristling hair. Their mouths stretch into toothy grins, and their ears twitch at the faintest sound of amusement.

But their most recognizable feature is the **Dokkaebi Hat (Gat)**, a magical item that grants them the power of invisibility. Some are said to wield a **Dokkaebi Bangmangi (club or staff)**, an artifact capable of summoning wealth, objects, or even changing fate itself—though different stories attribute varying powers to it, often favoring the Dokkaebi rather than its victims.

### **Pranks with Purpose – The Strange Morality of the Dokkaebi**

Dokkaebi’s mischief is rarely random—it is either a test of wit or a game for their own amusement. Their antics often target **the greedy, the cowardly, or the unworthy**, while those who show kindness, wit, or bravery may earn their favor—or at least escape unharmed.

#### **Notable Traits and Abilities:**
- **Shapeshifting**: Some Dokkaebi can change their form, often appearing as an old man, a lost traveler, or even an animal to play tricks on unsuspecting victims.
- **Invisibility**: With a tip of their hat, they vanish from sight, making them all the more difficult to detect—or escape.
- **Wealth Manipulation**: Some possess the ability to summon gold, though by sunrise, it may be little more than dust and leaves.
- **Physical Prowess**: Despite their hunched, wiry forms, Dokkaebi possess uncanny strength and revel in testing it against those they encounter. They delight in testing travelers, always tilting the odds just enough to make victory seem within reach—until it isn’t.

### **Omen in the Air – Signs of a Dokkaebi Nearby**

If you find yourself wandering near an ancient burial ground, a forest clearing, or an abandoned house, be on guard. Dokkaebi favor these places, making them their lairs. Here are some telltale signs of their presence:

- **Flickering ghostly flames**: These eerie lights hover at dusk, casting an unnatural glow that lures travelers deeper into the woods.
- **Echoing laughter with no source**: A deep, mischievous chuckle bouncing between the trees is never a good omen.
- **Sudden changes in luck**: Found gold? Lost your food? Tripped over nothing? A Dokkaebi may be testing you.
- **Unusual requests from strangers**: If an old man challenges you to a game of chance or asks you to wrestle, be wary—it may not be a man at all.

### **Whispers in the Dark – Legends of the Dokkaebi**

Dokkaebi encounters leave behind tales of trickery and unexpected consequences—though a rare few claim to have earned their favor.

A greedy merchant, obsessed with wealth, once stole a Dokkaebi’s bangmangi, believing he had secured endless fortune. That night, he reveled in his newfound riches, stacking gold high into glittering towers. But when dawn arrived, his chamber was strewn not with treasure, but with rotting leaves, their damp stench filling the air. Panic seized him as eerie laughter echoed through the walls, unseen hands tugging at his garments. In terror, he flung the staff away and fled into the wilderness, vowing never to steal again. Some say he vanished, while others claim the Dokkaebi cursed him, ensuring he would never hold onto wealth again.

A poor woodcutter once laughed at a Dokkaebi’s jokes, earning its favor. Amused, the creature gifted him a small pouch that **always refilled with rice**, ensuring he never went hungry again.

### **Gambling with the Trickster – How to Escape a Dokkaebi’s Game**

If you find yourself facing one of these tricksters, heed the warnings of the elders and do not panic. There are ways to survive—or even leave the encounter better than you arrived.

- **Refuse their bets and games**: Dokkaebi thrive on competition and wagers, but the odds are rarely in your favor.
- **Exploit their vanity**: Some tales suggest that Dokkaebi fear blood, believing it taints them, while others whisper that fire unsettles them—though no one has tested this theory and lived to tell the tale.
- **Outwit them**: Dokkaebi respect intelligence. A clever riddle or a humorous response can sometimes amuse them enough to let you go.
- **Feign ignorance**: Choose wisely—the dullest prize is often the safest. Their gifts are often tricks in disguise.

### **A Trickster’s Parting Gift – Beware the Dokkaebi’s Last Laugh**

If you hear laughter behind you on a mist-laden trail winding through the woods, do not look back. Those who have turned have found only empty air, yet they wake up the next morning with their pockets empty, their shoes missing, and the unsettling sensation that something unseen is still watching. If you find gold in the forest, do not take it home. And if an old man with an oddly mischievous glint in his eyes offers you a wager, think carefully before accepting. Those who have played a Dokkaebi’s game know this truth: the rules shift like the wind, and never in your favor.

Dokkaebi – The Tricksters of the Twilight


### **Whispers from the River’s Edge**

They say the river looks different before a Kappa strikes. The water settles, glass-like, reflecting the sky with unnatural clarity. The usual chorus of frogs and cicadas goes silent. Then, before you can react, a green, webbed hand bursts from below, its clammy skin cold and slimy against your wrist or ankle, pulling you toward the depths.

Those who survive an encounter claim they felt no warning, no ripple, no splash—just a sudden, vice-like grip. If you are near a body of water in Kappa territory, stay alert. It watches from beneath, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

### **The Kappa’s Disturbing Form**

At first glance, the Kappa might seem comical—like a child-sized turtle with a grotesque, humanoid twist. But do not be fooled. It stands no taller than a young boy, with scaly green or bluish skin that glistens with moisture. Its limbs are spindly but strong, lined with clawed fingers webbed for swift movement through the water. Its most disturbing feature, however, is the **dish-like depression on its head**, filled with water. This liquid is the source of its unnatural strength, and should it be spilled, the Kappa weakens drastically.

Its eyes are sharp and calculating, often set into a permanent mischievous leer. Some say its beak-like mouth grins as it emerges from the river, revealing small, jagged teeth—better suited for devouring fish, but quite capable of tearing flesh.

### **Trickster of the Deep**

Unlike mindless predators, the Kappa is dangerously intelligent. It does not simply attack—it **lures, deceives, and manipulates**. Many victims are not dragged into the depths outright but tricked into lowering their guard.

One infamous tale tells of a Kappa tricking a weary traveler by offering to carry his heavy bundle across a shallow stream. But as soon as the man stepped onto its back, the creature plunged into the depths, laughing as the traveler scrambled to safety, soaked and humiliated. Other times, their tricks turn deadly. They are known to mimic human speech, sometimes repeating the last words spoken to them in an eerie, distorted voice. Some stories tell of travelers hearing their own names whispered by the river—only to realize too late that no one else was there. They may challenge travelers to wrestling matches, knowing their inhuman grip and agility make victory certain.

They are not without honor, though—**if a Kappa bows, it will spill the water from its head, rendering it powerless.** This curious trait is both a weakness and a test; those who outwit a Kappa with a deep bow might earn their life, or even an uneasy truce.

### **The River’s Warnings**

If you value your life, learn to recognize the warning signs:

- **Strange handprints**: Webbed, three-fingered imprints appear in the mud near rivers or wells, seemingly too small to belong to any man but too large for a bird.
- **Rotting fish along the shore**: Kappa feast messily, leaving half-eaten carcasses and cracked shells littering the banks.
- **Unusual politeness from strangers**: A Kappa in human disguise is unnervingly polite and avoids stepping too far from water. If a stranger refuses to bow first, be wary.
- **Laughter or crying near water**: Kappa are skilled mimics and may use the voices of lost children or distressed travelers to lure prey closer.

### **Tales of the Unfortunate and the Clever**

Many riverside villages tell tales of the Kappa, some serving as grim warnings, others as rare instances of begrudging respect between humans and the creature.

One such tale tells of a fisherman who was challenged to a wrestling match by a Kappa. Knowing he stood no chance against its unnatural strength, he relied on wit rather than force. As the creature lunged, the fisherman bowed deeply in feigned respect. Bound by its own code of honor, the Kappa reflexively returned the gesture—spilling the water from its head. Weakened, it collapsed, unable to move. Instead of striking the creature down, the fisherman refilled its head-dish with water, an act of mercy that did not go unnoticed. In gratitude, the Kappa vowed to never harm his family, and to this day, riverside villagers pass down charms and rituals to remind their children of this lesson: respect and wit can be greater than strength.

Another, darker tale speaks of a child who ignored the warnings of the river and went to play by the reeds. A Kappa dragged him into the depths, and all that remained was a lone sandal floating on the surface. Since then, mothers whisper the child’s name at dusk, hoping their voices will remind the Kappa that enough blood has been taken.

### **How to Outsmart a Kappa**

Despite their supernatural abilities, Kappa have several known weaknesses:

- **The Deep Bow**: If you bow to a Kappa, etiquette forces it to bow back, spilling the water from its dish and leaving it weak and disoriented.
- **Cucumbers**: Kappa are said to be obsessed with cucumbers, their favorite food. Many villagers carve their names onto cucumbers and toss them into rivers as an offering, hoping to sate the creature’s hunger before it turns to human prey.
- **Iron and Fire**: As creatures of water, Kappa despise fire and recoil from iron weapons. Many travelers carry an iron-tipped staff when walking near Kappa-infested waters.
- **Avoidance**: The simplest protection—stay away from still waters at dusk or dawn, when Kappa are most active.

### **One Last Caution**

If you hear a splash behind you and turn to see nothing but rippling water, do not linger. An old fisherman once claimed to have glimpsed something crouched at the riverbank, watching him with unblinking eyes. The next morning, he found wet, three-fingered prints trailing from the shore to his doorstep. He never spoke of it again. If the reeds begin to sway when there is no wind, step away. And if you ever find yourself face to face with a Kappa, do not panic. Instead, bow deeply and hope the creature values its pride more than its hunger.


The Kappa – The River’s Cunning Trickster

-------------------

### **Whispers in the Dark: The Leyak’s Presence**

If you ever see a flickering light weaving through the jungle at night, turn back. Some who follow it are never seen again. A trick of the mind, you tell yourself. But the light moves deliberately, as if it knows you’re watching. A shadowed figure emerges from the darkness—except its body is missing. The head floats freely, trailing a mass of glistening organs, its eyes burning with an unholy glow. By the time you fully comprehend what you're seeing, the creature is already closing in, its gaze locked onto you.

The **Leyak** is one of Bali’s most feared supernatural entities. Once human, the Leyak traded its soul for forbidden power, its form now a cursed reflection of its dark desires. It is not a creature in the traditional sense, but a human sorcerer corrupted by black magic, able to separate its head from its body and take flight in search of prey. It hungers for blood, particularly from those who are vulnerable or alone at night, and those unfortunate enough to encounter it are seldom seen again.

### **A Face of Horror: The Leyak’s Form**

In its human form, the Leyak is nearly indistinguishable from an ordinary villager—until night falls. That is when the transformation begins. As the sorcerer chants forbidden incantations, their head detaches from their body, rising into the air with a sickening slurp. The now-disembodied head floats, its trailing form suspended in the air, tendrils faintly glowing as if imbued with an unnatural energy.

Its face twists into something inhuman—wide, unblinking eyes that burn like embers, sharp fangs glistening with saliva, and a long, lolling tongue ready to lap up spilled blood. Some claim that Leyaks can stretch their necks to unnatural lengths, peering through windows and slithering under doorways. Others say they emit an eerie, rattling breath as they hover over their victims.

### **Unquenchable Hunger: The Leyak’s Thirst for Life**

 It preys on those who are most vulnerable, slipping into homes unseen, feeding on life essence while its victims sleep, leaving behind an eerie sense of dread. Midwives and villagers speak of sudden sickness in the night, a sign that the Leyak has passed unseen, leaving an unsettling presence behind.

The lost, the weakened, and those who mock the unseen forces of the island may find themselves hunted.  Those who sense it describe a creeping cold, as if the very air around them recoils in fear. The more terror it instills, the stronger it becomes.

### **How to Recognize a Leyak’s Presence**

The signs of a Leyak’s approach are subtle but unmistakable:

- **Flickering lights in the jungle**: Some villagers claim to see eerie lights weaving through the jungle, though others insist these are just tricks of the night meant to lure the unwary.
- **The stench of decay**: A nauseating mix of blood, rot, and sulfur follows them wherever they go.
- **Animals behaving strangely**: Dogs howl at nothing, chickens refuse to roost, and cows shudder in their pens.
- **Unusual sickness in pregnant women**: Sudden weakness, nightmares, and unexplained fevers may indicate an attempted attack.
- **A dry, rattling breath in the night**: If you hear this sound outside your window, **do not open it**.

### **Cursed Sorcery: The Dark Magic of the Leyak**

Not all Leyaks are the same. The most powerful of them are said to serve **Rangda**, the demon queen of Balinese mythology. These Leyaks can shapeshift into animals—usually black pigs, birds, or monkeys—to blend in and spy on potential victims. Some can even transform into normal-looking humans during the day, only revealing their monstrous nature at night.

### **How to Protect Yourself**

Despite their terrifying abilities, Leyaks are not invincible. For generations, villagers have passed down ways to ward off their attacks:

- **Sacred Mantras & Offerings**: Balinese priests and shamans can perform purification rituals and place protective charms around homes.
- **Sharp Objects**: Leyaks fear knives, scissors, and thorny branches, which can sever their trailing organs and cause fatal wounds.
- **Lime and Spices**: Hanging lime fruit, shallots, and garlic near doorways is believed to repel them.
- **Exposing Their True Form**: If a Leyak is identified during the day in its human disguise and its name is spoken aloud, it loses its power and dies by the next sunrise.

### **Cursed Encounters: Those Who Faced the Leyak**

There are many stories of unfortunate souls who encountered the Leyak and paid the price. Some say a young woman once mocked the Leyak, laughing off the warnings. That night, she awoke to a cold wind brushing against her cheek. A strange rattling breath filled her room. Paralyzed by fear, she could only watch as the disembodied head of a Leyak hovered over her, its eerie breath chilling her skin as it loomed closer. She was found the next morning, pale and trembling. Though still alive, she barely whispered a word, her gaze unfocused, as if lost in something only she could see.

Some whisper of a priest who claimed to have trapped a Leyak in a circle of salt, where it writhed and wailed as its strength drained away, until its cries turned weak and hollow. At dawn, the floating head collapsed, revealing what some say was the frail, withered body of a once-respected healer who had strayed too far into forbidden arts. The villagers, knowing what had to be done, burned the remains to ensure the evil could not return.

### **A Hunt That Never Ends**

A Leyak is most vulnerable before dawn, for it must return to its body before the first light of morning or risk perishing. As the night fades, its strength wanes, and if it fails to reunite with its body in time, it will not survive. Some whisper of hunters who claim to have seen the secret lairs of Leyaks, drawn by rumors of their headless bodies lying motionless, awaiting nightfall. But beware—if the Leyak senses danger, it will not retreat easily. Some say it lingers, unseen, its presence a whisper in the dark, waiting for its next chance to feed.

### **Your Last Warning: Beware the Leyak**

Bali’s beauty conceals the silent threat of the Leyak, its unseen presence lurking beyond sight, waiting for the right moment to emerge. If you find yourself in a quiet village and hear an unfamiliar voice whispering your name, do not answer. If you see an eerie light bobbing in the jungle, **do not follow it**. And if you hear your name whispered when no one is near, walk away without looking back—lest whatever called you decides to follow.



Leyak – The Nightmarish Predator of Bali

----------------------------

### **A Trickster’s Legacy**

They say the world is different because of Māui. The sun moves slower, fire burns at our command, and the very land beneath our feet was once a secret of the ocean. Yet every trick leaves its mark—scars upon the world. The sun, though tamed, still scorches; fire, though shared, does not always obey. Even the land itself remains rugged where Māui’s hands reshaped it.  His victories are the stories of gods deceived, forces tamed, and balances disturbed. And even now, the echoes of his tricks linger in the world he changed.

### **The Form of a Demigod**

Māui is no ordinary being. **A mix of mortal blood and divine lineage**, his shape shifts as easily as the tide. At times, he appears as a broad-shouldered warrior, his skin marked with the sigils of his conquests—each symbol a reminder of battles won, gods deceived, and natural forces bent to his will. Some say the marks still hum with magic, proof of his triumphs. Others call them scars, reminders of the chaos he left behind. Other times, he is a great bird soaring over the waves or a trickster hiding in the shadows, a mischievous glint in his eye.

### **The Sun Snared**

Once, the sun raced across the sky, leaving too little time for fishing, planting, or storytelling by the fire. Māui, ever defiant, refused to accept such a world. He wove ropes from his sister’s hair and **set a trap atop the highest peak**. When the sun rose, he ensnared it, holding it tight as it struggled. Only when it swore to move slower did Māui release his grip.

To this day, when clouds gather and the sun lingers in hesitation, some say it remembers the struggle—and fears another noose tightening around its fiery limbs. In some villages, offerings of woven flax are burned at dawn, a quiet gesture to appease the sun and ensure its light remains steady.

### **The Theft of Fire**

Fire once belonged only to Mahuika, the goddess of flames, who kept its secret within herself. But Māui, believing fire should belong to all, went to her in disguise, tricking her into revealing its source. One by one, he discarded the flames she gave him, demanding another, then another, until she **realized the deception**. Enraged, she hurled the last of her fire into the trees, where it now waits to be called forth by those who dare to strike flint to wood.

Still, when a fire burns too hot, too wild, consuming what it should not, it is said to be Mahuika’s anger, seeking the trickster who stole her gift.

### **Warnings of Māui’s Presence**

Legends say that even now, Māui’s influence can be felt. If you are wise, you will recognize the signs:

- **A sudden shift in weather** – A trickster’s presence often unsettles the world around him.
- **Shadows that move on their own** – He is known to watch from unseen places.
- **Fire that refuses to die** – Māui’s gift is not always tamed, and sometimes, it burns beyond control.
- **Fish that vanish from the nets** – Some say he still plays with the ocean, stealing from those who do not show respect.

### **Tales of Deception and Hubris**

Māui’s tricks were not always victories. Some tales serve as warnings of his boundless ambition.

One story speaks of his attempt to steal immortality. He believed that if he could enter the goddess of death, Hine-nui-te-pō, and emerge the way he came, he could grant eternal life to mankind. He crept into her sleeping form, **but a bird laughed at his arrogance**, waking the goddess. With one swift movement, she crushed him, ensuring that death would remain an unbroken cycle for all.

At least, that is what they tell. But some whisper that Māui was too clever to be caught by death—that he tricked even the goddess Hine-nui-te-pō, escaping into the world unseen, waiting for the right moment to return.

### **Final Words: The Trickster Never Sleeps**

Māui is said to be gone, but legends rarely stay buried. Some whisper that his laughter still rides the wind, that the sea still shifts in his name. And when the impossible happens—a fire where there was none, a shadow flickering in the lightless night—perhaps the trickster is near, watching, waiting. If Māui’s hand still shapes the world, how long before he strikes again?



folklore

Nian – The Lunar Beast of Terror

Bulgasari – The Iron-Eating Nightmare

Dokkaebi – The Tricksters of the Twilight

The Kappa – The River’s Cunning Trickster

Leyak – The Nightmarish Predator of Bali

Māui – The Trickster Who Reshaped the World