An untidy introduction.
The Esper Woods is an expansive wild area populated by some of the most dangerous wildlife ever known. Their intelligence can reach levels above that of humans, and their abilities have been described as supernatural, drawing upon forces beyond human comprehension -- which is said to be how the Esper Woods got its name.
Human civilization does exist along the perimeters of the woods, and certain facilities have been sparsely dotted within the woods themselves, but humans hardly ever venture into the woods for fear of the creatures within. Many believe the creatures are evil beasts intent on reclaiming the territory humans have been taking over the course of centuries; unlike most land, when humans try to push into the Esper Woods, the creatures can push back.
The reality of the situation is a little more complicated. The creatures there are indeed quite rare, and they are constantly fighting for survival not just against humans, but all the other species. Yet despite their seemingly dire circumstances, they seem otherwise content with their lives. There are known enemies and rivalries among species, but it's never 100% the case. Predators and prey can sometimes find themselves as allies or friends; the relationships can vary wildly.
Because of this, these creatures have sometimes been the subject of research. A few dedicated human groups have become fascinated with certain species and study their respective behaviors and lives for the sake of better informing others of their nature. Their findings sometimes contradict the old tales and accounts of other people from the past, where the creatures are often painted as the antagonists of horror stories.
Perhaps the most well-known creatures in the Esper Woods are the Leppicorn and the Vylupe. They are typically viewed as sworn enemies, the respective prey and predator; yet they have both been recounted by humans as demons and/or monsters, ready to cause people dreadful harm if provoked or encountered. They are also both considered marvels of the natural world by their human admirers, a few of whom have wanted to take care of them as though they were pets. Whether these creatures would welcome the idea is unknown, as their personalities can vary wildly. Some are docile, some are volatile; some are smart and clever, while some can be foolish or careless. It can be a matter of both luck and circumstance.
Just as humans like to tell stories of the creatures in the Esper Woods, so too do the creatures themselves. Whether it be personal encounters, passed-down stories, or just basic hearsay, they let others know what to watch out for. It's what helps them prepare for the harsh environment they live in -- and perhaps, if they're very fortunate, even begin their own legacy.
