Dryad

Dryads are a kind of Tree Spirit who resemble a strange amalgamation of plant-life and humans.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dryads typically have four limbs as normal humanoids and a head and stand about the same height as humans, rarely being significantly taller.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dryads only appear in heavily forested areas. Their physiology being tied directly to ancient trees.

Growth Rate & Stages

Young Dryads appear as a small rooted tree, unable to move and simply growing as any other tree. As they develop they eventually start to move and take notice of their surroundings, eventually pulling their roots up to wander after about three years of growth. Young Dryads are fiercely protected by their older kin and other Tree Spirits.

Ecology and Habitats

Deep Forests.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dryads can sustain themselves by burying their roots and gaining nutrients from the soil. However they can eat in a manner similar to other humanoids as well and even gain nutrients from it. The irony of a plant eating an animal is strange to some.

Biological Cycle

Dryads sport leaves for most of the year, but lose them in the deep of winter. Some dryad tribes traditionally hibernate during this season but due to increased contact with races that do not hibernate this practice has been dropping off among the more active Dryads.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

While not exploited personally the Dryads sacred forest homes often come under threat by "civilization" and Dryads can often clash with logging groups.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Forested Areas

Average Intelligence

Dryads don't much liked Mathematics but are excellent at herbalism and nature lore.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Dryads almost always live together with Fairies and other Tree Spirits.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Fae

Lifespan

~170 years

Average Height

~1.9 meters

Average Weight

110 kg

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Often Dryads skin favors greens, browns, and the occasional pure white. Often these feature patterns in them that are reminiscent of tree-bark. Their "hair" is more akin to leaves and most often appears in various shades of green although occasionally you get red or pink leaves as well. It can be dotted with various flowers of a massive variety of colors.

Dryad Racial Stats

Ability Score Increase +2 Wisdom

Size Medium

Speed 25 ft.

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• Barklike Skin You gain +1 to your AC total due to your hard, barklike skin
• Roots Run deep You can gain nutrients from the ground and do not need to eat provided the ground is able to sustain you. Certain areas of the planet will not be able to sustain you this way. In addition you ignore any rough Terrain in a forest or swamp. In addition when you rest to regain HP you add twice your con modifier to the HD roll instead of just once
• Season The season a Dryad takes form in has a major impact on their personality. Pick one of the following seasons for your Dryad to have emerged during.

Spring

• Ability Score Increase +2 Charisma
• Beauty of Spring You gain proficiency in Persuasion and Deception
• Rebirth When you receive healing you gain additional HP equal to your proficiency bonus. Only once per healing effect.

Summer

• Ability Score Increase +1 Strength
• Prepared for War You gain proficiency in two Martial weapons of your choice and the Athletics skill.
• Toughened You gain an additonal 1 hp per level

Autumn

• Ability Score Increase +2 Intelligence
• Inquisitive You gain proficiency in the Investigate and Arcana skills.
• Roots You have a deeper understanding of those who came before and after. You may cast Speak with Dead once per

Winter

• Ability Score Increase +1 Constitution
• Survivalist You gain proficiency in Perception and Survival skills.
• Cold Attunement Winter Dryads have resistance to cold damage.