Dryads (ˈdraɪæds)
The Forest People. The Trees That Speak.
In the deep reaches of the Faelands, the Dryads take up residence in a variety of plants. A humble and nature-loving folk, the dryads feel a deep connection to the earth and to each other.
Able to communicate with plants, dryads have a general knowledge of the health of a location. Although these creatures are often rooted in the area where their original plant is, some crafty dryads have been able to transplant themselves into pots, allowing them to travel the world with their life source. However, these dryads are weaker than their stationary kin, since their roots cannot grow as deep.
Dryad Features
- Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence and Wisdom scores increase by 1. Your Strength score decreases by 2.
- Age. Dryads age differently depending on the type. All are intellectually mature as soon as they are created. Tree Dryads can live to 300 years and Blossoming and Bush Dryads only live from about 50-80 years of age.
- Alignment. As speakers of the forest, dryads are usually good or neutral.
- Size. Dryads are different sizes depending on the type. Tree Dryads will grow to be 8 feet on average, Bush Dryads will grow to be 5-6 feet on average, and Blossoming dryads will very rarely exceed 4 feet.
- Speed. Your walking base speed is 30.
- Languages. Dryads speak Fae and Common. They can also speak to plants at will.
- Vulnerability. Your plant-like body makes you more vulnerable to fire.
- One With the Forest. You are very in tune with nature and are able to help certain plants grow. You gain Druidcraft as a cantrip.
Subraces
Tree Dryads
Tall and sturdy, Tree Dryads are known as the Protectors of the Forest. Their tough skin and larger size give them the strength needed to protect the woods where the other dryads live.- Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
- Tough as Bark. You are able to cast Barkskin once per short or long rest.
Bush Dryads
Shorter and sprier, Bush Dryads are the most common of all dryads. They fill the forests in great populations, and due to their rambunctious nature and wanderlust, they are the most common dryads to be spotted by other races.- Berries A' Plenty. Most Bush Dryads have berries that can be harvested by others. You are able to cast Goodberry once per long rest.
Blossoming Dryads
Small and fair, the Blossoming Dryads have the greatest diversity among their dryad typing. Flowers, cacti, and mushrooms are all variations that these dryads can take. Due to their beauty, they are often sought after by powerful Fae. Due to their small size, they are easy to control but hard to catch.- Diversity Among Plants. There is great diversity among Blossoming Dryads. Due to this, all specialize in slightly different things. You gain 2 ability points to put into whatever attributes you choose.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Unlike most of the other species, dryads do not have any specific leader or person in power. Once dryads come of age, they are allowed to join a group council that votes on important matters. Dryads are not required to participate in this council, and all rules that are decided on by the council are further discussed to take into account individual circumstances.
Domestication
Blossoming Dryads are a sought after commodity by powerful Fae nobles and royalty. These dryads are usually ripped from their homes as young saplings and transplanted in the gardens and homes of the Fae who own them. These dryads can be used purely for decorative reasons, or they can be harvested for herbs, mushrooms, and flowers.
Civilization and Culture
Common Myths and Legends
- The Great Tree. Spanning miles in height and with roots that run through an entire forest, the Great Tree is a myth from Dryad culture. Believed to be the original dryad, the Great Tree is a tale passed through countless generations. Some of the wandering dryads have even spent their entire life in search of it.
Notable Locations
- The Faelands
Geographic Distribution
Notable Dryads
- None Found
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