Laiths

Laiths are a fictional species that appear in the fantasy novel "The Serpent Gate" by author Brian Lumley. Within the context of the novel, laiths are described as ancient, powerful, and malevolent beings. They are often depicted as having a deep connection to the earth and possess immense, primal strength. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, but they are understood to predate many other races in the narrative's world. Laiths are not humanoid in their typical portrayal, often being described with monstrous or elemental features, suggesting a non-humanoid physiology and a connection to raw, untamed forces. Their motivations are generally presented as hostile and destructive, posing a significant threat to the protagonists and the established order of the world. They are not individuals in the traditional sense but rather an ancient, unified force with a singular, dark purpose. Encounters with laiths are rare and usually result in significant peril. Their presence often signifies a major crisis or a turning point in the story. The lore surrounding laiths suggests they are tied to ancient rituals and forgotten magics, making them a formidable and terrifying element of Lumley's imaginative universe.