Sylloren (SILL-or-en)

Deep within ancient woodlands, silent sentinels stand rooted yet ever-watchful, their bark-encased bodies adorned with twisting ivy and budding flowers. These enigmatic beings are the Sylloren—rare plantfolk who measure time in centuries and guard the forests with unwavering devotion. Legends speak of their millennial lifespans, mysterious blooming rituals, and a solitary nature that keeps them hidden from mortal eyes. Beneath their gnarled exterior lies an intricate green musculature, supporting both their surprising agility and the tiny ecosystems of moss, fungi, and vines that make each Sylloren unique. Elders recount tales of seeds planted in secret groves and offspring destined to grow alone, forging a deep-rooted independence that characterizes every member of this elusive species. Yet despite their remote existence, the Sylloren stand as living symbols of the forest’s resilience, ready to rise in its defense whenever nature’s balance teeters.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Sylloren are towering plant-humanoids, their bodies composed of thick bark plating that serves as both armor and exoskeleton. Beneath this protective layer lies a dense, fibrous green musculature that grants them surprising agility despite their size. Their circulatory system is based on a sap-like fluid that thickens upon exposure to air, sealing wounds naturally and aiding in regeneration. Unlike mammals, they rely on a combination of photosynthesis and nutrient absorption from the soil, allowing them to sustain themselves without traditional food consumption. Their faces are entirely wooden, sculpted by nature into expressive contours, with deep-set polished brown eyes that provide excellent low-light vision. A defining feature of the Sylloren is the foliage that grows upon their bodies—moss, ivy, and delicate flowers flourish across their limbs, while a crown of vines and blossoms adorns their head. Over centuries, their bark thickens and knots, reflecting their age and experiences. Though resilient to most physical harm, they remain vulnerable to fire and extreme cold, their bark offering little protection against such elemental forces. They possess heightened environmental awareness, able to sense disturbances in the surrounding ecosystem through subtle vibrations in the ground. Every century, they undergo a rare blooming phase, during which males release pollen and females produce a single seed that must be planted in fertile soil to create new life. This slow reproductive cycle, combined with their deep-rooted territorial instincts and the destruction of their natural habitats, has rendered them critically endangered. The Sylloren embody the balance of nature—ancient, enduring, and fiercely protective of the lands they call home.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Sylloren possess a unique reproductive system that blends botanical and sentient traits, ensuring their species' survival despite their extreme rarity. Their genetics are primarily structured around plant-like asexual and sexual reproduction, though unlike most flora, they have a highly specific and time-sensitive reproductive cycle. They are dimorphic, with distinct male and female forms, yet both sexes bear flowers and contribute to the pollination process.
Approximately once every 100 years, a Sylloren enters its blooming phase, during which it produces specialized flowers that release pollen (in males) or develop a single seed-bearing bulb (in females). This phase lasts only a few weeks, and if fertilization does not occur within this window, the flowers wither, and the cycle will not repeat for another century. Once a female Sylloren’s seed has matured, it must be planted in fertile soil within days, or it will dry out and fail to grow. Unlike traditional plants, Sylloren seeds do not germinate immediately; instead, they undergo a slow embryonic development process that can take several months before a new Sylloren emerges.
Their genetics combine hereditary traits with environmental adaptation, meaning that the offspring inherits aspects of both parents but also takes on characteristics influenced by the land in which it grows. This results in variations in bark texture, coloration, and the types of flora that grow on their bodies, reflecting the climate and ecosystem of their birthplace. Sylloren born in humid jungles may develop vibrant, broad-leafed foliage, while those from colder regions may have denser bark plating and coniferous growth.
Due to this slow and isolated reproductive process, Sylloren grow up entirely alone, as the parent has typically moved on before their offspring awakens. This instills a strong sense of independence, reinforcing their solitary nature and making encounters between mature Sylloren exceedingly rare. Their slow reproductive cycle, combined with deforestation and habitat destruction, has led to their critically endangered status, making each new Sylloren birth a rare and precious event.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Sylloren have a highly specialized dietary system that allows them to sustain themselves without traditional food consumption. As plant-based beings, their primary source of energy comes from photosynthesis, supplemented by nutrient absorption from soil and water. Their bark-plated bodies are embedded with chlorophyll-rich tissues, allowing them to convert sunlight into sustenance. During the day, they instinctively position themselves to maximize exposure to light, often standing motionless for extended periods to absorb energy efficiently. However, they can also survive in darker environments by drawing nutrients from the earth through root-like tendrils that extend from their feet during periods of rest.
Though they do not require solid food, Sylloren are capable of absorbing organic matter from decaying plant life, much like fungi or certain types of trees. When necessary, they will press their hands or feet against the soil, extracting minerals and decomposed nutrients to maintain their strength. This ability allows them to survive in harsher environments where sunlight is scarce, though they become less active and more sluggish in prolonged darkness.
Water is an essential part of their diet, as it fuels their sap-based circulatory system and aids in growth and regeneration. They naturally absorb moisture through their bark, but in particularly dry conditions, they will seek out water sources and submerge their limbs or root-like extensions to replenish their reserves. Sylloren living in arid climates have adapted to store moisture in thicker bark plating, much like desert flora.
Despite their ability to sustain themselves independently, they have a deep, instinctual connection to the land they inhabit, often maintaining the health of surrounding flora as a form of reciprocity. They do not consume or damage living plants, as they view them as kin rather than resources. Instead, they act as caretakers of the ecosystems they inhabit, ensuring balance while taking only what is necessary to survive.

Behaviour

The Sylloren are deeply solitary beings, shaped by centuries of isolation and an intrinsic connection to the land they inhabit. Unlike social creatures that rely on community, the Sylloren operate as independent guardians, each attuned to its own ecosystem and dedicated to maintaining its balance. Their personalities are often calm, deliberate, and observant, shaped by their long lifespans and the slow, cyclical nature of their existence.
Despite their stillness and patience, the Sylloren are far from passive—they are fierce protectors of their domains and react aggressively to threats against the natural world. Their territorial instincts stem not from selfishness but from a deep-seated responsibility; they do not claim ownership over the land but instead act as its caretakers. Any disruption—whether deforestation, magical corruption, or reckless expansion—is met with calculated retaliation. When angered, a Sylloren is unyielding and relentless, often using its knowledge of the terrain and plant life to overwhelm intruders rather than engaging in direct confrontation.
Due to their extreme longevity, Sylloren experience time differently from most sentient beings. Where mortals rush to achieve their goals within fleeting lifetimes, the Sylloren think in decades, centuries, and natural cycles. This can make them seem detached or unfeeling, but in reality, they are simply unmoved by urgency unless the balance of their domain is immediately threatened. Their decisions are methodical, their responses measured, and their patience nearly limitless—unless their forest, desert, or grove is in peril.
Because they are born alone and grow without direct guidance, Sylloren develop a powerful sense of independence and self-reliance. They do not seek companionship often, nor do they easily trust outsiders. While they are not inherently hostile, they approach others with caution and skepticism, weighing intentions before offering assistance or forming bonds. However, those who earn a Sylloren’s trust will find them loyal beyond measure, willing to fight and endure centuries of hardship to protect those they deem worthy.
Although they lack traditional emotions in the way that mammals do, Sylloren do experience grief, contentment, and even forms of joy—but these emotions are slower to surface and longer to fade. The loss of a great tree or the ruin of a sacred grove might weigh on them for centuries, while the return of balance or the rebirth of a damaged forest brings them an enduring, quiet satisfaction.
At their core, the Sylloren are creatures of patience, wisdom, and purpose, bound to the natural order and driven by an instinctive need to maintain the harmony of their surroundings. Whether revered as guardians, feared as vengeful spirits, or dismissed as mere legends, they remain steadfast, watching the world shift around them with the unyielding presence of ancient trees.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Sylloren possess a unique array of sensory and extrasensory capabilities, shaped by their plant-like physiology and deep connection to the natural world. Their sight, though somewhat limited in depth perception due to their deep-set, polished brown eyes, is highly sensitive to low light, allowing them to see clearly in dense forests or shaded environments. They lack external ears, but their hearing is attuned to vibrations, allowing them to detect movement through the ground and shifts in air pressure rather than relying on traditional sound waves. Their sense of touch is extraordinarily refined, as their bark-plated bodies contain numerous stomata-like pores that can perceive even the slightest changes in temperature, moisture, and airflow.
Beyond their physical senses, the Sylloren exhibit a form of extrasensory perception, particularly in their awareness of plant life. They can sense disturbances in the surrounding ecosystem, such as dying trees, poisoned soil, or unnatural presences. This ability functions almost like an extension of their nervous system, allowing them to feel the well-being of the flora around them. Older Sylloren, especially those who have remained in one place for centuries, develop a deep-rooted awareness of their environment, sometimes even detecting subtle shifts in the balance of nature from miles away. Some believe this connection allows them to communicate with other plant life, though whether this is a form of direct communication or simply an instinctive response remains unknown.
In addition, Sylloren can detect magical energy tied to the natural world, sensing the presence of druidic magic, ley lines, or arcane corruption that disrupts their domain. This extrasensory awareness makes them particularly wary of unnatural forces, and they are known to react aggressively to necromantic or destructive magic. While their perception does not extend into full telepathic abilities, their bond with nature grants them an unparalleled connection to the land, making them both formidable guardians and living conduits of the wild’s ancient wisdom.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The Sylloren, being living ecosystems in themselves, host a variety of symbiotic and parasitic organisms that thrive on or within their bark-plated bodies. Some species coexist harmoniously, offering benefits in exchange for shelter, while others act as harmful parasites, slowly sapping their strength.

Symbiotic Species

Whispermoss – A bioluminescent moss that grows on the bark of older Sylloren, glowing faintly in darkness and brightening in response to movement. It serves as an early warning system and passive camouflage, blending with naturally glowing flora in some forests.
Rootkin Beetles – Small burrowing insects that tunnel through a Sylloren’s bark, feeding on decayed material and harmful fungi. Their presence prevents rot and disease, making them valuable to their hosts.
Skyweaver Vines – A vine species that wraps around a Sylloren’s limbs, sprouting flowers that attract pollinators. While the vines draw nutrients from the Sylloren, they also absorb excess moisture, reducing the risk of bark rot.
Thrumroot Mycelium – A fungal network that intertwines with a Sylloren’s lower body, extending into the soil to aid in nutrient absorption. This connection also enhances the Sylloren’s ability to detect environmental changes through subtle chemical signals.

Parasitic Species

Barkblight Fungus – An aggressive fungal infection that spreads through a Sylloren’s bark, softening and rotting it from within. If not removed, it can hollow out entire sections, forcing the Sylloren to shed infected bark to survive.
Hollowroot Worms – Sap-feeding parasites that burrow into a Sylloren’s limbs, creating hollow channels that weaken their structure. Younger Sylloren are especially vulnerable to infestations, which can render their bodies brittle and fragile.
Shadeleeches – Small, shadow-dwelling creatures that cling to a Sylloren’s body, feeding on its energy and reducing its ability to photosynthesize. They are particularly dangerous to dormant or aging Sylloren, gradually weakening them over decades.
Bloodthorns – A parasitic vine that pierces deep into a Sylloren’s bark, feeding on their sap while spreading aggressively. Unlike beneficial vines, Bloodthorns suffocate their hosts, and the only way to remove them is by forcefully tearing them out, leaving painful scars.

Civilization and Culture

History

The origins of the Sylloren are shrouded in myth and legend, their existence predating even the earliest recorded histories of mortal civilizations. Some believe they were created by Sylvanna, the Verdant Mother, as guardians of the wild, given form from the oldest trees to ensure balance and protection over nature. Others claim they emerged naturally, ancient spirits of the forest given physical form through the slow and deliberate will of the land itself. Whatever the truth may be, the Sylloren have walked the world for millennia, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, the expansion of civilizations, and the slow, creeping destruction of the natural world they hold sacred.

In the earliest days, Sylloren were far more numerous, living in vast, undisturbed ecosystems where their kind flourished. They rarely interacted with other intelligent species, existing as silent sentinels that guided the growth of forests, maintained the health of the land, and warded off those who sought to exploit nature’s bounty. Their relationships with druids and ancient nature-worshiping cultures were one of quiet respect, with some mortals revering them as divine envoys of the earth itself. However, as civilizations expanded and the hunger for land, lumber, and resources grew, the Sylloren found themselves at odds with those who saw the wilderness as something to be tamed rather than preserved.
The great deforestations of early kingdoms saw the first great Sylloren extinctions, as many were cut down alongside the groves they swore to protect. While their bark-plated bodies were resilient, fire and metal proved to be their greatest weaknesses, and few were able to withstand the sheer force of human, elven, and dwarven expansion. Some chose to fight, striking back against those who desecrated their lands, leading to centuries-old tales of vengeful forest spirits and walking trees that slaughtered entire logging camps. Others retreated deeper into untouched lands, vanishing into the heart of sacred groves, remote jungles, and forgotten valleys, leaving only stories behind.
By the time of modern history, the Sylloren had become incredibly rare, their numbers dwindling to the point of near extinction. Legends of their kind persisted, but sightings became few and far between, leading many to believe they were little more than myth. Those that remain are often solitary, guarding the last remnants of ancient forests, watching as the world around them changes at a pace they cannot control.
Despite their near disappearance, the Sylloren endure—silent, patient, and waiting, for the forests to reclaim what was lost.

Genetic Descendants

• Coniferous Sylloren
• Desert Sylloran
• Jungle Sylloren

Scientific Name

Sylvorendrus arborvitae

Lifespan

1,000 years, though some are rumored to be as old as the forests they protect.

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered (CR)
The Sylloren are an incredibly rare species, with an unknown but likely dwindling population. Their solitary nature and slow reproductive cycle contribute to their scarcity, as they only bloom and reproduce once every century, and even then, their offspring take months to emerge. Many young Sylloren do not survive past their initial growth stage due to habitat destruction or environmental changes.

Average Height

6 to 8 feet

Average Weight

300 - 500 lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Sylloren exhibit a broad range of natural hues, influenced by their environment and personal growth cycle. Each Sylloren’s coloration is unique, shaped by its environment and the passage of time, further emphasizing their connection to nature and individuality.

I had wandered the deepwoods for centuries, yet never had I seen one with my own eyes—until that night. The air was thick with the scent of rain-soaked earth, and the moonlight wove silver threads through the canopy. There, among the ancient roots, it stood. Not beast, nor man, nor mere tree, but something far older. It knelt before a sapling, its bark-bound fingers brushing the fragile leaves with the reverence of a priest at prayer. I did not speak. I did not breathe. For in that moment, I understood—I was not the guardian of these woods. I was merely a guest in a realm that belonged to them.

— Eldrin Vaelor, Elvish Ranger of the Sylvarian Wilds

Sylloren Species Block

Homebrew

Sylloren

The Sylloren are ancient plant-humanoids, deeply tied to the land in which they take root. Rare and solitary, they serve as guardians of the wild, maintaining balance within their ecosystems and ensuring the natural order is preserved. Their bodies are composed of thick bark plating and fibrous musculature, with moss, vines, and flora growing across them as if they were walking extensions of the forests, jungles, or deserts they call home. Though they resemble sentient trees, they are far more than simple constructs of wood, possessing deep wisdom, strong emotions, and an unwavering connection to nature.
Sylloren lead long and solitary lives, often going centuries without seeing another of their kind. They grow slowly over time, maturing over decades, and can live for up to a thousand years. Unlike most creatures, they do not require traditional food, instead absorbing nutrients through sunlight and the soil, much like plants. Though they are slow to trust, once they form a bond with another, their loyalty is eternal, and they will fight tirelessly to protect those they deem worthy.
Their presence is often met with a mixture of reverence and fear. To those who cherish nature, they are sacred beings—living embodiments of the wild's will. To those who seek to exploit the land, they are relentless adversaries, ancient sentinels who do not forgive those who threaten the balance.

ability score increase: Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Strength or Dexterity score increases by 1

age: Sylloren grow at a slow but steady rate, reaching full maturity around 50 years old. They live up to 1,000 years, though some ancient individuals have survived even longer by merging with their environment.

alignment: Sylloren are deeply connected to the natural world and tend to be Neutral, often leaning toward Neutral Good or True Neutral as they seek balance rather than dominance.

Size: Medium

speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan. Additionally, you can communicate simple ideas with plants through subtle shifts in scent, movement, or color, though they cannot speak back.

race features:

Living Wood

Your body is made of bark plating, vines, and fibrous musculature, making you more resilient than flesh-and-blood creatures.

• You have resistance to poison damage and advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.
• You do not require food as humanoids do but must absorb sunlight and water. You must spend at least 1 hour in natural sunlight or consume 1 gallon of water per long rest to sustain yourself.

Rooted Resilience

Your semi-plant nature makes you resistant to external manipulation.

• You have advantage on saving throws against being paralyzed, stunned, or put to sleep.
• You do not need to sleep, but you must enter a dormant state for 4 hours during a long rest, remaining aware of your surroundings.

Photosynthetic Recovery

• When you take a short rest in direct sunlight, you can regain an additional number of hit points equal to your proficiency bonus per hit die spent.

Barkskin

Your hardened exterior grants natural protection.

• When you are not wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier.
• You can still use a shield and benefit from this trait.

Nature’s Camouflage

Your body blends into the natural environment, making you difficult to detect.

• You can attempt to hide when lightly obscured by foliage, mist, or other natural terrain.

Subraces: Biome Variants

Depending on where you were grown, you have distinct traits based on your environment. Choose one of the following:

Forest Sylloren

You hail from lush forests and groves, thriving in dense woodlands where your kind has long stood as guardians.

• Natural Stride: Difficult terrain composed of nonmagical plants or undergrowth does not cost you extra movement.
• Druidic Connection: You learn one druid cantrip of your choice. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Coniferous Sylloren

You have adapted to cold northern forests, with rough bark and pine-needle-covered limbs.

• Cold Resilience: You have resistance to cold damage.
Winter Walker: You can move across difficult terrain caused by snow or ice without needing extra movement.

Jungle Sylloren

You originate from dense tropical rainforests, where agility and adaptability are key to survival.

• Vine Swinger: You have climbing speed equal to your walking speed.
• Toxic Secretion: You can cast poison spray once per long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Desert Sylloren

You are a survivor of arid wastelands, hardened by relentless sun and scarce water.

• Spined Retribution: You can cast Thorn Whip once per long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
• Water Retention: You only require half the amount of water other creatures need to survive.

Sylloren stand between 6 and 8 feet tall, their bodies covered in bark plating that thickens with age, sometimes forming knots and ridges over time. Despite their size, they are not as heavy as one might expect, weighing 300-500 lbs due to their hollow yet strong plant-fiber structures. Their outer shell is tough and resilient, with different textures and tints depending on their environment—some bearing smooth, deep green bark like jungle trees, others with rugged, cracked surfaces like conifers or sun-scorched desert wood. Their limbs are sinewy and flexible, more akin to woven vines or branches, allowing them agility despite their sturdy build.
Their heads are crowned with thick foliage, which varies depending on their region—lush leaves and flowers for forest dwellers, pine needles and snow-laden branches for coniferous Sylloren, dense jungle fronds for rainforest kin, and hardy, drought-resistant growths for those born of the desert sands. Their eyes are deep-set and wooden, glowing faintly with an inner life force, often appearing as polished amber, verdant green, or the rich brown of ancient wood. Their faces are expressions of nature itself, carved from bark, their mouths blending seamlessly into their features.
Sylloren do not reproduce as animals do. Instead, every century or so, they bloom, producing pollen and a seed pod that must be planted in fertile soil. However, due to the rare and solitary nature of their existence, it is unknown how many truly exist in the world. The slow and delicate nature of their reproduction means that every new Sylloren is a precious rarity, their numbers dwindling as the wilds they protect continue to be threatened by expansion, war, and industrialization.
Though they may remain silent observers for centuries, when the balance is disturbed, the Sylloren will rise—ancient, unyielding, and unshakable as the forests themselves.