Dryad
Dryads are very large autotrophic sophonts from the planet Dryex. They are gentle giants, enjoying frequent periods of sedentary life during which they exercise their minds in various ways. They also love to create things, believing that the ability to create is a divine gift.
The native name of the Dryads is unknown, because they are one of only a few species that communicate via an electrochemical approximation of telepathy. This kind of communication can only be received by members of the same species. They achieve this by using the large sensory bulges on their heads, which contains receptors for various senses. Dryads are also incredibly strong, which, combined with their regenerative abilities and their love of creation, makes them excellent builders.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dryads have a basic radial symmetry that their plant-like morphology often diverges from to varying degrees. Dryads have photosynthetic leaf-like structures on their heads to facilitate their photosynthesis. Their huge, teardrop-shaped "eyes" are specialized refracting lenses covering large patches of pinhole-camera pores packed full of photosensitive biochemicals derived from those that allowed phototropism. Similarly, their limbs are also derived from tropistic biochemicals that originally facilitated growth around objects.
Genetics and Reproduction
Adult dryads have flowerlike reproductive structures protruding from their heads, which are randomly pollinated by the various small macrofauna of Dryex. Once fertilized, the lightweight, bulbous flower bases detach from the adult dryad and become airborne, drifting until such time as the nymph (the term for a dryad seedling once it detaches) becomes large enough to root safely in the ground.
Growth Rate & Stages
Once rooted, the formerly airborne nymph is indistinguishable from the other plants except for the distinctive, broad leaves atop its head. The nymph remains rooted in the ground, absorbing nutrients and growing larger, until it reaches adolescent phase. The adolescent dryad then emerges from the ground, fully conscious, and assimilates into the society of the nearest settlement.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Dryads are found in sparse numbers across the galaxy, as the vast majority of their population elects to remain on their homeworld Dryex. However, there is a surprisingly large population on Hyrah colony worlds.
Average Height
6 caudons
Average Weight
3 tons
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