Cayutha et Tristutha

Cayutha are creatures of the water, normally found by rivers and lakes. Travellers have oft found good fortune when meeting such creatures, and the name that these creatures are known by translates from the old tongue to mean "Helper" or "Aid". They are by nature very shy and it is rare for one to choose to manifest itself into a physical form before a stranger, but should one pique their interest or pity, they are a sure way for things to improve.

Their gifts allow them to soothe the pains and aches of those that they choose, and those who encounter them often feel a distinct lifting of their spirits and rejuvenation of their vigor at their presence.

There have been many a tale from adventurers that claim that in their darkest hours, they were saved from injury, pursuit or guided to safety by one of these fair creatures of the rivers, turning a journey once thought lost to tragedy into one of great success and wonder.

However, a warning to those who scorn them, the Cayutha are sensitive people and their aid or even showing their appearance is a great act of trust on their part, and so rejecting them is one sure way to feel their wrath and power. An uprooting of the surrounding earth to bury those that displease them, or a froze icicle through the heart is the least those unfortunate and foolish souls can hope for.

Should the Cayutha become encumbered by bitterness, sorrow or dejection then it is likely that they can become creatures of those feelings, the waters they live in becoming murky and swamp like. Such creatures are known as Tristutha are as feared as the Cayutha are venerated, filling the hearts of those who near them with sorrow, despair, and fear. They often appear manifesting in the form of the swampy lands that they inhabit, no longer joyous or gaily frolicking amongst the waters, but instead still, and slow, heads bowed and somber.

Should such creatures take not of passersby the Tristutha will attempt to draw you into their somber mood, for misery loves company, and should they be angered they will drag you into the swamps drowning travelers confusing them and causing them to get lost in the their lands until death takes them.

Some theorise that it is possible for these creatures to be restored to the nature of their Caythura cousins, just as it is possible for the Caythura to be turned to Tristutha by ill manner or misfortune that cut too deep, perhaps the opposite can save these wretched creatures. However, such a theory remains just that, since it is rare enough for one to survive an encounter, however brief with such creatures, let alone remain in its presence long enough to attempt to uplift its gloomy demeanor enough to restore it. There are tales of such things occurring of course, yet these are oft dismissed as fanciful tales spoken by boastful men and have little evidence to accredit them.

So it is that in the opinion of this author that should the reader ever find itself unlucky enough to encounter a Tristutha then they should endeavour to their utmost to leave its territory as soon as he may, and not attempt to, by some vain hope of valor, or misguided charity, restore this lost soul to its former self.

Of all the children of the Elfennol there is little evidence of such contrast between two parts of the same people. It is undoubtedly true that depending on whom you meet, it can be either a great boon or great doom for any travelers that chances upon one of these two creatures.

Excerpt from "Fabulis Animantium", by Favonius Justinianus.