Dryad

Dryads possess a human-like physique and are a nomadic race that dwell within forests.

They believe their bodies are husks of their true selves, and once they die they'll join their ancestors among the spirits of the trees.

Amber Decay

When a Dryad dies and is reunited with the earth (buried in the ground) an amber cocoon will gradually form around their corpse.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They have a hardening ability that changes their skin into ironbark called Ironbark Flesh, which has similar strength as standard iron. When they die and are buried beneath the earth they will turn into an amber cocoon, this is harvested by the Dryads and it than crafted as armour and weapons to fight against those that threaten the forest and overall nature itself. This amber is slightly different than normal amber produced from common trees and that is that it contains mana, leading to it being called Amberite. Due to Amberite's characteristics it works along side their ability Ironbark Flesh and greatly enhances their defensive capability.
Amberite + Ironbark Flesh

Genetics and Reproduction

Dryads reproduce sexually, a male Dryad, instead of sperm releases pollen and a female dryad, ovules that develop into seeds once fertilised by the males pollen.
A female Dryad can choose to either let the seed grow in her womb and later give birth in 9 months or she can plant it in the earth and let it develop into a baby which takes 9 years instead, the former is the norm while the latter is rarely used and if it used it is used due to dire circumstances.

Growth Rate & Stages

Seedlings - At this stage they are nothing more than a seed and will eventually grow into a baby Dryad. Baby - After 9-12 months the seed has finally developed into a baby Dryad that feeds on its mothers nectar (Dryad equilivent to human milk).

Ecology and Habitats

Dryads live in forests, woodlands and/or groves.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dryads are herbivores, and when they eat fruit, they'll find a suitable location to plants its seeds in.

Biological Cycle

During winter, Dryads enter a dormancy period and they sleep; this is called Slumber of the Woods which begins when they merge with a tree of their choice. This allows a Dryad to protect itself while it slumbers but it also allows a Dryad to share its conscience with the forest, even when the sleep, they can feel the wind, see the animals playing but more importantly locating intruders.

they wake up in spring and enter a oestrus period where they choose a mate to conceive a baby Dryad with.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dryads are usually name after plants.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Dryadian + Common

Common Dress Code

Their dress code is connected to their culture, and they believe clothing interferes with the bond between man and nature and the only reason they wear clothing is for the respect of morality of different races. And even if they will wear clothing it is made by weaving different kinds of leaves and flowers limited to the groin for both males a females as well for the bosom for females.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

When a Dryad is born it is given a tree to cultivate and a bond between the tree and the Dryad is born, the tree symbolises fate in the Dryadian culture, if it withers and dies it symbolises a life of bad fortune, on the other hand, if it prospers and bears fruit - it symbolises a life of good fortune.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

A baby Dryad is given a tree to cultivate and care for as if one of their own. During late autumn Dryads have a tradition of honouring their ancestors that dwell in the trees, called the Willows of Souls.

Common Taboos

Harming nature.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

As they age a slightly darker green mark forms on their skin starting at the navel - just like the growth rings in a tree.