Dryad
Dryads are ancient and mystical beings deeply intertwined with the forests they protect. Known as the living spirits of the trees, these sentient creatures serve as the caretakers and guardians of nature. They can shift between two forms—a majestic tree form that blends seamlessly into the forest and a humanoid, vine-covered figure that allows them to interact with the world around them. While they prefer peaceful interactions, dryads are formidable protectors, using their innate magic and connection to the earth to defend their territories from harm.
The dryad’s unique anatomy, magical abilities, reproductive cycle, and environmental role, shedding light on these fascinating creatures and their vital relationship with the natural world. From their extraordinary senses to their deep-rooted bond with the forest, dryads embody both the gentleness and power of nature itself.
The dryad’s unique anatomy, magical abilities, reproductive cycle, and environmental role, shedding light on these fascinating creatures and their vital relationship with the natural world. From their extraordinary senses to their deep-rooted bond with the forest, dryads embody both the gentleness and power of nature itself.
by Valcin (Marc Zipper)
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dryads have two forms. The first resembles an old, towering oak tree, indistinguishable from a real one. The second is a bipedal female figure, their “walking form,” with dark green vine-like skin. Their body is covered in oak bark pieces, and their head is crowned by what looks like a bush but is actually a canopy of leaves. In this form, they can sprout small fauna—leaves, flowers, or even fruit. Their vivid green eyes, with dark green pupils, seem almost invisible. They have two hands with pointed fingers, and their bark is sharp enough to act as weapons.
Biological Traits
Dryads shift between tree form and walking form. In tree form, they conserve energy and require minimal sustenance, though they lose the ability to speak or use most magic. However, they gain magical resistance and durability, making them nearly impervious to ordinary weapons—only a magical axe can have a change of cut them down, and many spells fail against them.
In walking form, dryads are smaller, more agile, and able to interact with the world. This form demands more energy due to their increased activity, and their bark is thinner, leaving them somewhat weaker. Yet, in this state, they can cast a variety of spells.
Dryads are particularly vulnerable to fire, which bypasses their magical defenses and severely damages them.
Their fingers and arms can stretch over short distances, and they have several magical abilities. They can summon vines to do their bidding, reshape wood, and cast a sleep spell—beware the yellow particles. They can also phase through trees, using them as doorways for quick escapes or ambushes. Additionally, they possess healing powers, though only for plants.
In walking form, dryads are smaller, more agile, and able to interact with the world. This form demands more energy due to their increased activity, and their bark is thinner, leaving them somewhat weaker. Yet, in this state, they can cast a variety of spells.
Dryads are particularly vulnerable to fire, which bypasses their magical defenses and severely damages them.
Their fingers and arms can stretch over short distances, and they have several magical abilities. They can summon vines to do their bidding, reshape wood, and cast a sleep spell—beware the yellow particles. They can also phase through trees, using them as doorways for quick escapes or ambushes. Additionally, they possess healing powers, though only for plants.
CR 4
Dryad
N M Plant
Initiative: +4 Senses: Magical Senses they see magical aura, Tremor sense
I thought that was a Tree
Defense
AC: AC 17 Touch 14 Flat Foot 13
HP:
38
6d6+8
Fortitude: +7 Reflex: +9 Will: +7
Immune: Earth Magic
Weaknesses: Fire Double
Aura: Strong Magical Earth DR: 10
Offense
Speed: 30feet
Melee: Vine Claws 10 foot reach 1d12 +0 piercing
Space: 5ft
Spell-like Abilities: At Will/ Entangle (DC 16), wood shape (1 lb. at a time), Alarm,
3x Day/ deep slumber (DC 17), tree stride, Elemental Burst 3d6 (DC17)
2/day, cure moderate wounds 2d8+ 6 (plants only)
Shift into tree from cant use spell and DR 50 and spell resistance 50% all but fire and any skill use to hide +20 unless in front of the person when shift
Statistics
Str 10, Dex 19, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 16
Base Attack: +3 CMB: +3 CMD: 17
Feats: Great Fortitude, Stealthy, Weapon Finesse, blindsight
Skills: Skills Climb +9, Craft (sculpture) +11, Escape Artist +15, Handle Animal +10, Knowledge (nature) +11, Perception +11, Stealth +15, Survival +10; Racial Modifiers +6 Craft (wood)
Ecology
Environment: Deep Large Froest
Organization: Solitary or in group of 3
Tree From Telepathic Link with other Dryads in Tree From They do use Runic Magic
Genetics and Reproduction
Dryads can only give birth twice in their lives. It takes about 60 years for a dryad to absorb enough pollen to fertilize and sustain a seedling. The seed lives inside the dryad until the last year or two, at which point it sits atop their canopy in tree form or within their bush in walking form. This is their most vulnerable stage, as if the seed is taken by a creature or bird too early, it will lack the nourishment needed to grow. Between fall and winter, the dryad digs to prepare space for the seedling. They find a fertile, sunny patch, plant the seed, and water it to ensure growth.
Growth Rate & Stages
Over its first nine years, the dryad grows from seedling to tree. Early in life, they appear like any other tree but possess natural magical defenses. Only other Dryads will be able to identify other dryads from regular trees by sight. Around their tenth year, they shift to walking form for the first time, developing their personality and utilizing memories passed on from their ancestors. For the next decade, they grow mentally, expanding their knowledge.
Tree form grows 1-3 feet per year, while walking form grows more slowly. Though mentally adult at 20, dryads continue growing as long as they have water and sustenance. Some dryads regulate their intake to control their growth.
Tree form grows 1-3 feet per year, while walking form grows more slowly. Though mentally adult at 20, dryads continue growing as long as they have water and sustenance. Some dryads regulate their intake to control their growth.
Ecology and Habitats
Dryads live in dense forests to access the nutrients they need. This also provides camouflage when in tree form. Often, Earth Ley Lines are found nearby, providing additional nourishment.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dryads photosynthesize, absorbing sunlight for nutrition and drawing mana from their surroundings. Regular water, minerals, and soil nutrients are essential for their survival. They can also asorb in to for some energy Earth Mana.
Biological Cycle
The biological rhythms of dryads are deeply connected to the natural cycles of their environment. During the spring and summer, dryads are most active, drawing energy from the abundant sunlight to strengthen their walking form and enhance their magical abilities. This is also when they engage in tasks such as nurturing young seedlings, maintaining the forest's balance, and growing new foliage or fruit.
As autumn approaches, they begin to conserve energy, spending more time in tree form. In this state, they draw sustenance from the soil and gather nutrients to survive the colder months. Their magical abilities become less active, though their defensive capabilities, such as resistance to external threats, are heightened.
In winter, dryads enter a semi-dormant state, relying primarily on stored energy. Their walking form becomes rarer as they revert to tree form for longer durations to conserve their strength. During this period, they are more vulnerable to fire and other damaging forces, as their regenerative abilities are significantly reduced.
Age also plays a role in their biological cycle, with younger dryads remaining more active throughout the year, while older dryads spend increasing time in tree form as they grow larger and conserve energy more efficiently. Older dryads tend to become more territorial and protective of their forest as they reach advanced stages of their life cycle.
As autumn approaches, they begin to conserve energy, spending more time in tree form. In this state, they draw sustenance from the soil and gather nutrients to survive the colder months. Their magical abilities become less active, though their defensive capabilities, such as resistance to external threats, are heightened.
In winter, dryads enter a semi-dormant state, relying primarily on stored energy. Their walking form becomes rarer as they revert to tree form for longer durations to conserve their strength. During this period, they are more vulnerable to fire and other damaging forces, as their regenerative abilities are significantly reduced.
Age also plays a role in their biological cycle, with younger dryads remaining more active throughout the year, while older dryads spend increasing time in tree form as they grow larger and conserve energy more efficiently. Older dryads tend to become more territorial and protective of their forest as they reach advanced stages of their life cycle.
Behaviour
Dryads are deeply attuned to nature, with their behavior shaped by the rhythms of the forest they protect. They are generally calm, peaceful beings who prefer harmony and balance. They view themselves as stewards of the woodland and prioritize the health of their environment over personal needs. This connection to nature often results in a meditative or serene demeanor, with dryads spending long periods in contemplation or tending to the forest.
While they are peaceful by nature, dryads are highly protective of their territory. If their forest is threatened, they can become fierce defenders, utilizing their powerful magic and intimate knowledge of the terrain to ward off intruders. They are strategic in combat, preferring to use Natural Magic, ambush tactics and the plant life to confuse their enemies, and they rarely engage in direct confrontations unless necessary.
Psychologically, dryads are strongly community-oriented, relying on the presence of other dryads or the natural world for a sense of security. They form close bonds with other forest creatures and can communicate with plants and animals on a fundamental level. Despite their connection to nature, dryads are intellectually advanced, often possessing ancient wisdom passed down through generations. They are capable of complex thought and can learn from their experiences, though they rarely engage with modern technology or human civilizations, finding them disruptive to the natural order.
Emotionally, dryads are patient and deliberate, rarely acting impulsively. They experience emotions deeply but express them subtly, often reflecting the moods of the forest. Anger, for example, might manifest as a sudden storm or an overgrowth of thorny vines, while joy could be seen in a burst of flowers or flourishing plant life. Dryads value balance in all things, and they often act as mediators or healers, seeking to resolve conflicts in ways that preserve harmony. However, they can also hold grudges, especially against those who repeatedly harm the forest, becoming implacable enemies to those who disrespect nature.
While they are peaceful by nature, dryads are highly protective of their territory. If their forest is threatened, they can become fierce defenders, utilizing their powerful magic and intimate knowledge of the terrain to ward off intruders. They are strategic in combat, preferring to use Natural Magic, ambush tactics and the plant life to confuse their enemies, and they rarely engage in direct confrontations unless necessary.
Psychologically, dryads are strongly community-oriented, relying on the presence of other dryads or the natural world for a sense of security. They form close bonds with other forest creatures and can communicate with plants and animals on a fundamental level. Despite their connection to nature, dryads are intellectually advanced, often possessing ancient wisdom passed down through generations. They are capable of complex thought and can learn from their experiences, though they rarely engage with modern technology or human civilizations, finding them disruptive to the natural order.
Emotionally, dryads are patient and deliberate, rarely acting impulsively. They experience emotions deeply but express them subtly, often reflecting the moods of the forest. Anger, for example, might manifest as a sudden storm or an overgrowth of thorny vines, while joy could be seen in a burst of flowers or flourishing plant life. Dryads value balance in all things, and they often act as mediators or healers, seeking to resolve conflicts in ways that preserve harmony. However, they can also hold grudges, especially against those who repeatedly harm the forest, becoming implacable enemies to those who disrespect nature.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
A dryad's bark is cherished as a conduit for Earth style magic and enchantments. It is also known for producing exceptionally durable weapons or bows.
The flowers produced by a dryad possess distinct magical characteristics that alchemists seek for their concoctions.
The flowers produced by a dryad possess distinct magical characteristics that alchemists seek for their concoctions.
Average Intelligence
Though intelligent, dryads have little interest in technology. They excel in magic, biology, and agriculture but generally avoid human civilization unless necessary.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dryads possess two primary senses that function similarly to sentient beings, though with some notable differences due to their unique biological and magical nature. Their primary mode of perception in their walking form is visual. Their eyesight is comparable to that of most other creatures, allowing them to perceive the world clearly, though they lack any extraordinary enhancements like night vision or telescopic sight. Visual perception is only active in their walking form, as their tree form remains static and blind to the outside world.
In addition to sight, dryads rely heavily on touch. Their tactile perception is incredibly advanced, far beyond that of most species. Instead of using the typical neuronal energy found in other beings, their nervous system transmits signals through calcium pathways. This system makes their sense of touch hyper-sensitive, allowing them to detect even the smallest of changes in their environment. This heightened tactile sensitivity is particularly useful when they are in their tree form, as they can feel the vibrations of creatures walking on the ground or the slightest movement of air through their leaves and branches. Despite the sensitivity of their touch, dryads are unable to perceive taste or smell. While they do possess a mouth, it is used solely for communication rather than consumption, as their method of nourishment comes from photosynthesis and absorbing nutrients from the soil.
Dryads possess a chakra network system, a highly specialized set of energy pathways that serve to compensate for their lack of certain sensory abilities. This network allows them to access and perceive the flow of natural energies in their environment, including the energies of living beings, plants, and the earth itself. It greatly enhances their ability to sense even the faintest disturbances in nature. This extrasensory ability makes them keenly aware of changes within their territory, whether from the movement of animals, the shifting of plants, or the approach of intruders. Dryads can perceive vibrations in the wind and earth, and through these subtle movements, they can identify the presence of any creature entering their domain.
Their chakra system also aids in interpreting magical energies. Dryads are inherently attuned to the magic of the earth, and they can sense the presence and type of magical energies in the beings around them. This magical perception allows them to discern the emotional states and energy signatures of others, though not in the way one might read surface emotions or thoughts. Instead, dryads experience the energy emanating from a person, animal, or plant, which gives them a general sense of that being’s emotional state — calm, agitated, joyful, sorrowful, etc. This extrasensory ability, however, does not extend to understanding moral alignments or intentions. They cannot sense good or evil, only the raw emotions that color the magical energy of a being.
In addition to detecting emotional states, dryads can perceive the health and vitality of plants and animals within their environment. This ability is particularly important for their role as protectors of the forest. They are able to tell if a tree is suffering from disease or if an animal is injured or ill. This extrasensory connection to nature allows dryads to act as caretakers, nurturing the health of the forest and maintaining its balance.
Furthermore, while in their tree form, dryads are able to remain deeply connected to Elema’s mana. They become conduits for the natural energy that flows through ley lines and other sources of magical power. This connection not only sustains them but also strengthens their extrasensory perception, allowing them to communicate with other dryads over long distances by transmitting subtle energy pulses through the ground or trees. This communal network of energy creates a kind of telepathic bond between dryads, enabling them to share information about threats or changes in their environment.
Lastly, dryads are able to channel their own internal energy to create protective wards or enchantments over their forest. These wards are extensions of their extrasensory abilities, allowing them to sense when boundaries are crossed or when harmful magic is being cast in their territory. While they do not rely on technological systems, their mastery over natural magic and energy allows them to defend their home in subtle and powerful ways.
In addition to sight, dryads rely heavily on touch. Their tactile perception is incredibly advanced, far beyond that of most species. Instead of using the typical neuronal energy found in other beings, their nervous system transmits signals through calcium pathways. This system makes their sense of touch hyper-sensitive, allowing them to detect even the smallest of changes in their environment. This heightened tactile sensitivity is particularly useful when they are in their tree form, as they can feel the vibrations of creatures walking on the ground or the slightest movement of air through their leaves and branches. Despite the sensitivity of their touch, dryads are unable to perceive taste or smell. While they do possess a mouth, it is used solely for communication rather than consumption, as their method of nourishment comes from photosynthesis and absorbing nutrients from the soil.
Dryads possess a chakra network system, a highly specialized set of energy pathways that serve to compensate for their lack of certain sensory abilities. This network allows them to access and perceive the flow of natural energies in their environment, including the energies of living beings, plants, and the earth itself. It greatly enhances their ability to sense even the faintest disturbances in nature. This extrasensory ability makes them keenly aware of changes within their territory, whether from the movement of animals, the shifting of plants, or the approach of intruders. Dryads can perceive vibrations in the wind and earth, and through these subtle movements, they can identify the presence of any creature entering their domain.
Their chakra system also aids in interpreting magical energies. Dryads are inherently attuned to the magic of the earth, and they can sense the presence and type of magical energies in the beings around them. This magical perception allows them to discern the emotional states and energy signatures of others, though not in the way one might read surface emotions or thoughts. Instead, dryads experience the energy emanating from a person, animal, or plant, which gives them a general sense of that being’s emotional state — calm, agitated, joyful, sorrowful, etc. This extrasensory ability, however, does not extend to understanding moral alignments or intentions. They cannot sense good or evil, only the raw emotions that color the magical energy of a being.
In addition to detecting emotional states, dryads can perceive the health and vitality of plants and animals within their environment. This ability is particularly important for their role as protectors of the forest. They are able to tell if a tree is suffering from disease or if an animal is injured or ill. This extrasensory connection to nature allows dryads to act as caretakers, nurturing the health of the forest and maintaining its balance.
Furthermore, while in their tree form, dryads are able to remain deeply connected to Elema’s mana. They become conduits for the natural energy that flows through ley lines and other sources of magical power. This connection not only sustains them but also strengthens their extrasensory perception, allowing them to communicate with other dryads over long distances by transmitting subtle energy pulses through the ground or trees. This communal network of energy creates a kind of telepathic bond between dryads, enabling them to share information about threats or changes in their environment.
Lastly, dryads are able to channel their own internal energy to create protective wards or enchantments over their forest. These wards are extensions of their extrasensory abilities, allowing them to sense when boundaries are crossed or when harmful magic is being cast in their territory. While they do not rely on technological systems, their mastery over natural magic and energy allows them to defend their home in subtle and powerful ways.
Lifespan
Around 300 Years
Average Height
Tree From around 34 to 100 foot tall Walking From Around 7 to 10 foot tall
Average Weight
Tree From can be between 1000lb to 3000lb Walking From 350 to 500lb
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