Field Notes Vol. 3 - The Hidebehind
Origin
Whispers of the Hidebehind trace back to the shadowed timberlands of the Appalachian frontier, where loggers told tales around firelight to explain the disappearances of their own. Said to have emerged from the grief-soaked soil of lost wanderers and forgotten hunters, the Hidebehind is not born—it is made from fear itself. It thrives in isolation, feeding on the dread of those who realize too late that they are not alone.
Some say it was once human, twisted by the forest’s hunger. Others claim it is older than the trees, a remnant of primordial terror that learned to adapt to modern silence. Below is the Official A.P.I.S Field Report, though, not much is known on this entity.
Entity/Creature Classification
Type: Cryptid / Forest Revenant
Threat Level: High (Predatory, Stealth-based)
Known Regions: Appalachian Mountains, Pacific Northwest, deep forest corridors across North America
Signs of Presence / On-Site Indicators
Sudden silence in the woods—no birdsong, no rustling.
The feeling of being watched, especially when turning your back.
Unexplained missing persons in logging camps or hiking groups.
Twigs snapping behind you, but nothing visible.
A lingering scent of damp earth and old pine, even in dry conditions.
Preventative Measures
Alcohol: Folklore insists the Hidebehind is repelled by strong spirits. Carrying a flask may deter it.
Eyes on the Back of Hats: Some woodsmen paint false eyes on their gear to trick the creature into thinking it’s being watched.
Never Travel Alone: It prefers isolated prey. Stay in groups.
Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors or polished metal may confuse its approach.
Strategy (If Encountered)
Do Not Run Blindly: It thrives on panic and will use your disorientation.
Back Against a Wall or Tree: Prevent it from circling behind you.
Use Fire or Light: Sudden illumination may disrupt its stealth.
Call Out Loudly: Alert others nearby. It avoids attention.
If grabbed: Fight with everything. It is not invincible, but it is fast and strong.
Abilities
Perfect Concealment: It can hide behind even the smallest object, always staying out of direct sight.
Silent Movement: No footfalls, no breathing—only the consequences.
Predatory Intelligence: It stalks with patience, choosing the moment of greatest vulnerability.
Physical Strength: Capable of dragging full-grown adults into the underbrush without a sound.
Fear Amplification: Victims report heightened paranoia and hallucinations before vanishing.
