Vodyanoy - Benevolent water Spirit
Warden's notes #1
Warden Notes Introduction:
“Warden Notes” are here to introduce you to the world of Zilinad, where my series “Claws and Gears” will take place.
In each “Notes” post, you’ll get an introduction to one of the supernatural beings that Wardens encounter on their journeys and contracts. This way, you’ll learn more about the world of Zilinad and the people who try to protect it. Zara Hrabova is the protagonist of the series. Occasionally, you’ll even see some notes from her. In the post below I’ll introduce you to the first supernatural being - Vodyanoy, and then later on to Zara’s mentor.
Spirits Section
Name - Vodyanoy
General information
Common Names: Water Spirit, Vodník, Vodyanik
Classification: Spirit, can be both benevolent and malevolent
Appearance
Physical Description: Usually appears as an old man. Commonly has a beard and long hair interwoven with algae and other water plants. Skin can vary from bright green to dark bluish. Sometimes wears an imitation of human clothes, though often appears naked. And are also known to carry smoking pipes. Some Vodyanoy have glowing tattoos, visible at night. These spirits also take on characteristics of the water body they protect and its surroundings.
Abilities: Vodyanoy are known for dragging people to the bottom of lakes and rivers, but only when angered and after warnings are ignored. They can shapeshift into various animals, both water and land creatures, but not other monsters. They can also shapeshift their fish tails into legs. Vodyanoy have control over the fish and animals in the bodies of water they inhabit and can move water at will, sometimes even damaging dams.
Origins and Mythology
History: Records of these water spirits date back to the earliest written word of Zilinad. Settlers by the water would encounter Vodyanoy and learn to coexist with them, as these spirits would bring fish and assist during dry seasons. However, there are also records of Vodyanoy washing away entire villages when mistreated or disrespected.
Geographical Distribution: Typically found guarding large bodies of water or swamps.
Legendary Background: Vodyanoy are part of what Wardens call Nature Guardians, which include Leshy and Metsaemas. These spirits protect their natural territories and were brought to this world by the Great Mother. Maintaining peaceful relationships was easier when settlements were small, but as towns became cities and cities grew into small kingdoms, things have changed, and not always for the better
Abilities and Powers
Strengths: The spirit is strongest in its home territory, and it’s power is more potent in the water than on the land.
Weaknesses: Weak to iron and electrical attacks. Can be killed, but only in corporeal form, on the soil, with an iron dagger piercing its heart. To make it corporeal, Vodyanoy needs to want to interact with physical world.
Behavioural Traits: Usually calm and harmless. Locals are aware of the Vodyanoy's preferences—good tobacco, pleasant conversation, liquor, and smoked meat. If locals need help from the spirit, they offer these as gifts. However, disrespecting Vodyanoy or its home invites retribution. Most cities practise appeasement to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Threat Level
Danger to Humans: Medium to High, depending on the relationship the local settlements have with the spirit.
Warden’s Notes: These water spirits are part of the ecosystem of Zilinad. Wardens respect these creatures and usually try to find a peaceful solution, so both sides can return to their usual way of living. There are organisations that can get rid towns and villages of these spirits for a hefty fee, but doing so often causes significant damage to the local ecosystem.
Warden’s Encounter Story
Warden’s Name: Evelyn Thorne
Location and Time: Near a small town of Gribovitsa, Year 651, 26th of Summer Sonnet
Initial Situation: Evelyn had just finished a contract in Gribovitsa, where she had helped rid the locals of a haunting ghost. Despite her success, the locals remained distant and weary, so she decided to camp in the woods rather than stay in town.
Description of the Encounter:
Evelyn started a fire and was grilling two rabbits she had caught. As the rabbits were nearly done, she lit her pipe. Suddenly, her horse neighed, and she heard wet footsteps. The air grew humid, and she felt drops begin to cling to her skin. When she turned around, she saw an older man, half-naked, with green, frog-like skin. His long beard was tangled with algae,leaves and you could see a frog’s head popping out here and there. His hair held water lily leaves. He was chewing on a smoking pipe and looked her up and down before glancing at the log opposite her.
“Would you mind if I join you?” he asked in a high voice. It was the first time Evelyn had met a Vodyanoy.
“Not at all,” she replied, gesturing for him to sit. The being waddled closer and sat on the log.
“Would you mind if I borrowed some of your tobacco as well?” he asked. Evelyn nodded, finished her pipe, and walked over to him.
“Thank you,” he said, preparing his pipe. Evelyn waited patiently. When he finished, he lit it with a stick from the fire, took a deep breath, and exhaled smoke through his nose. A big smile spread across his face.
“This is proper tobacco, not the passable stuff those villagers have. What you have is exquisite,” he said.
“I didn’t expect you to be a connoisseur,” Evelyn replied, then added, “What should I call you?”
“Oh, my apologies. Where are my manners?” The old man stood and extended his hand. Evelyn shook it, surprised by his strong grip, despite his moist, porous skin. “My name is Muddy Fish’o’tailed.”
“Evelyn Thorne.”
“Nice to meet you, Evelyn,” Muddy said, taking another puff from his pipe. “What brings you here?”
Evelyn at first hesitated, and didn't know what to say. “Well, I work for—”
“I know you’re a Warden,” Muddy interrupted with a wave of his hand. He exhaled heavy smoke. “For a Warden, you have a good taste in tobacco, I have to say.” He took another puff from his pipe ”I’ve seen my fair share of your kind, so don’t worry. I have no quarrel with your lot—well, until now.” He winked at her. Evelyn wasn’t sure if it was meant to put her at ease. It did not.
“There was a ghost haunting their temple. I was sent to look into it.”
“Did you put the spirit to rest?” Evelyn nodded. “Poor souls. It’s fascinating how some can’t leave this world behind, even in death.”
“Emotions are powerful. People forget how much energy they can hold.”
“Indeed.” Muddy looked at the rabbit and licked his lips. “Could I have a piece?”
The rabbit was cooked through. Evelyn took out her knife and cut it into pieces, handing some to Muddy.
“Thank you, kindly,” he said, smelling the piece before tossing it into his mouth. He moaned with pleasure. “Delicious. Did you add any spice?”
“Just some herbs I found in the area,” she replied. Muddy nodded, then grabbed a bone knife from his belt and cut another piece for himself and a larger one for Evelyn.
“You wouldn’t have anything to chase this down with?” he asked. Evelyn smirked.
“You don’t waste time, Muddy,” she said, tossing him a flask. Muddy popped the cork, inhaled the fumes, and smiled.
“Slivovitza! I’ve missed you,” he said, taking a generous sip before passing the flask back to her. Evelyn raised the flask to him and took a sip, tasting the familiar burn of the spirit with a hint of algae. “Why should I? The night is so beautiful, so I felt like stretching my legs tonight. And I stumbled into your little camp, I would say that the threads brought us together.” To which Evelyn rolled her eyes
They continued chatting. Muddy was curious about the world and surprised to hear about mechanical mounts and streets lit by energy. He also asked about the Warden business. Evelyn explained how, with cities growing and natural habitats shrinking, more monsters were adapting to city life. However, the Whispering Forest remained a stronghold of nature, fiercely protected by druids.
After about an hour, Muddy stood and looked at the moon.
“Time flies. I should head back, or the missus will worry.”
“A missus?” Evelyn blurted out.
“Yes, a Rusalka named Anna. A beauty with bright emerald hair and violet eyes. She helps me tend to the lake and river. I couldn’t do as much without her.” Evelyn smiled hearing this, though the smile faded away.
“It’s true; you shouldn’t keep your loved one waiting,” Evelyn replied.
“Indeed. Thank you, Evelyn, for keeping me company tonight.” After a moment he added. “You don’t need to worry about your safety. You’re under my protection until morning. Safe travels tomorrow. Who knows, we might meet again.” Muddy Fish’o’tailed waved goodbye and wandered away from the firelight into the night. About a quarter of an hour later, Evelyn heard a loud splash. She tucked herself closer to the fire, rested her head on the log, and fell asleep.
Muddy kept his promise. The night passed without incident. In the morning, Evelyn gathered her things, doused the embers with water, saddled her horse, and left the forest. Before leaving, she turned her horse around and waved to no one in particular.