Aliases: The Reed-Man, Crookback, The Ditch-Haunter

Description:

Humanoid fae, stooped and elongated, with back curvature resembling a bundle of reeds. Wears decayed human garments coated in mud. Mask-like visage constructed from woven cattails; eyes black, reflective.

Nature and Behaviour:

Occupies liminal terrain — ditch edges, sinking paths, and crossing points between road and marsh. Mimics human laughter, song, or distress to lure victims off stable ground. Generally non-lethal; appears to feed on confusion and humiliation rather than life-force.

Can emerge abruptly from shallow water, using reed-stilts to appear taller. Barters for trinkets and “truths.” Persistent folklore suggests he exacts tolls in falsehoods — every lie told in his presence becomes a physical weight, drawing the speaker deeper into the mire.

Field Notes:

Audio surveillance captured laughter matching missing persons (Case MI-03-1976). Subsequent area inspection revealed mud impressions resembling reed stilts. No organic samples retrieved.

Containment Protocols:

Mark unsafe paths with iron stakes. Avoid verbal exchanges; respond with silence. Should Crookback Jack initiate trade, withdraw without payment — he cannot pursue beyond solid ground.