Bestiary › Glade Hopper

The Glade Hopper is a lively, energetic presence in the forest, known as much for its speed as for its troublesome sense of humour. With long, expressive ears that twitch constantly, it seems perpetually alert - though whether it's watching for danger or its next bit of mischief is anyone's guess.

Quick on its feet and lighter than it looks, the Glade Hopper moves through the forest in bounding leaps, weaving effortlessly between trees and over roots. It has a knack for appearing exactly where you least expect it, often watching with a cheeky curiosity before darting off again.

Unfortunately for travellers, the Glade Hopper has a habit of "collecting" things. Small trinkets, loose tools, bits of food - anything unattended is fair game. Anything attended, for that matter, if it thinks it can get away with it. It doesn't steal out of necessity so much as amusement, often stashing its finds in hidden burrows or hollow logs. Recovering your belongings can turn into a game of its own, assuming you can keep up.

Despite this, the Glade Hopper is not malicious. In fact, some who have interacted with it patiently report that it can be coaxed into returning stolen items - sometimes even adding something extra in exchange, as if playing a game only it fully understands.

If you find yourself in the company of a Glade Hopper, keep a close eye on your gear - and perhaps try not to take it too seriously. After all, in a forest filled with ancient powers and hidden dangers, a little mischief might be the least of your worries.