The Dryads of Valsora
Life grows where the blood of a dying Dryad flows.
This homebrew race is a rework from an existing homebrew that can be found herePhysical Description
The Dryads of the Elderwood have been known to come in many forms and sizes. They can be as different from each other as the myriad of trees that grow in their beloved homeland.
As a matter of fact, a Dryad can choose his or her appearance.
Over the course of many years the dryad can slowly shape her form according to her desires and aspirations. Apart from borrowing too much from the human race (something that can be frowned upon from the rest of her kin), she can incorporate physical characteristics from the animal kingdom to her body such as fangs, horns claws and fur for example. Dryads view their body as a form of creative expression, however no matter how extravagant their choices may be in regards to their appearance, the echoes of Valsora always remain visible on them. Leaves and vines often sprout in their hair, their claws and horns may be made out hardwood and roots often come out of their skin.
History
Not many people know the true origin of the Dryads. Some say that the Elder Forest is so full of life and primal magic that one day the trees awaken, and so the Dryads begun. One thing is true. The Dryads of Valsora are the stewards of this ancient world. By many they are called “the First Children” of Kuthra although a historical reason for such a title does not exist. If the legends are true however, the Dryads share the same flesh, the same blood and the very same life force with the forest they inhabit.Society
Dryads are mostly solitary creatures. They do not organize in settlements or villages as we understand them. They prefer to live under the trees and the sun alone, enjoying the full company of the wild nature around them and the various animals. Their pursuit is to Preserve and Offer to Kuthra, finding her face in the forest that gave birth to them. There is however a hierarchy to their society. Important decisions regarding the-well being and future of the Forest are usually taken by a council of ancient elders which the rest of the Dryad folk trust and respect.
Concept Art by Guild Wars 2
Dryad Traits
Humanoids made of Wood. Guardians of the Forest. Watchers of Nature.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Age. You age just like a tree, very slowly, which means you can live anywhere from a few hundred years to a few thousand.
Alignment. Dryads tend to be lawful and are rarely evil, following and protecting the "law" of the forest.
Size. Dryads come in many sizes, ranging from a little under 6 feet to almost 14 feet tall. Your size is dependant on your subrace.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Barkskin. You have a naturally occurring tough skin covering you from head to toe. When unarmored, your Armor Class is equal to 12 + your Dexterity modifier.
Forest Blend. You have advantage on Stealth checks made to hide amongst foliage, trees and other plant life.
Plant. Your creature type is both fey and humanoid. Depending on your physiology and the shape of your body you can be vulnerable to fire damage, since you are essentially made of plant matter.
Photosynthesis. Being a plant-based life form, your main nourishment is through photosynthesis. Being in bright sunlight will regenerate hit points equal to your proficiency bonus at the end of each hour you spend this way. On the other hand, if you aren't in sunlight for a number of days equal to your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier you will start to decay, taking one level of exhaustion at the end of each long rest until you do so. The only way to recover these levels of exhaustion is by resting under sunlight.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan. Some Dryads that deal with druid-folk also know Druidic themselves.
Subrace. Pick one from Guardian and Watcher.
Guardian
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.Size. Your size is Large.
Earth Shatter. Your massive size combined with your primal earth magic is a force to be reckoned with. When you hit the ground, the earth around you shatters and tears creating an area of difficult terrain spanning a circle with a 20-feet radius (you are not affected by this terrain). Any enemies found within this radius must succeed on a Str saving through of DC 12+ your proficiency bonus or fall prone.
Watcher
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.Size. Your size is Medium.
Tree Stride. Over time you have learned the skill of using trees as a type of transportation. Once every turn, you can use 10 feet of your movement to step magically into one living tree within your reach and emerge from a second living tree within 60 feet of the first tree. You appear in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the second tree. Both trees must be of at least Large size.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Dryads have not been known to reproduce...they have been known to enjoy quite a lot of sex though...
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dryads enjoy all short of food and drink. However Sunlight is absolutely vital for their survival.
Art by Unknown Artist
The Dryads of Valsora have an obvious Fey ancestry. They are commonly referred to as The First Children of Kuthra, however their true origin, as is with the real nature of the Elder Forest, is lost and forgotten.
Comments