The villagers whisper of an emerald spirit that watches from the mangroves, an ancient serpent god who guards forgotten waterways and swallows those foolish enough to trespass. Offerings are still left beneath old trees. Hunters refuse to venture too far into the flooded forest. Children are warned never to whistle after sunset.

The truth is far simpler.

Iktan is no god—only an elusive emerald tree boa demihuman who has spent centuries living a quiet, peaceful life beneath the jungle canopy. He has no interest in worship, power, or prophecy. He enjoys warm sunlight, ripe fruit, gentle rain, and being left alone. If the stories surrounding him happen to keep his home safe from those who would destroy it... well, he's never found a reason to correct them.

Until, somehow...

You wander into his forest.