Most Domovoy are small Fae, known less by direct sightings than by the disturbances they leave behind. Some attach themselves to ordinary households and remain near the same hearth for years or generations. Those that linger long enough may grow to extraordinary size. Floorboards complain beneath empty rooms, furniture shifts without help and household stores diminish in quantities difficult to blame on mice. Offerings left nearby may even stir or briefly acquire a life of their own.

During the Winter Debt, these ancient Domovoy sometimes abandon secrecy. Known respectfully as Lords of the House, they settle openly beside the hearth, eating and drinking whatever is placed within reach.

Their appearance is generally considered fortunate. Local tradition holds that other Hidden Folk will not enter while such a being keeps the hearth. Whether this is protection or simple territorial possessiveness is uncertain, but households visited by Old Grandfather usually keep his cup full and leave him undisturbed.

Families accustomed to years of unexplained disturbances may find the identity of their unseen housemate less surprising than its dimensions. There is some evidence that homes occupied by these ancient Domovoy suffer fewer unwanted visitations, though the reason remains uncertain.