The Woad

Wrought from elder trees within the deep places in the woods, the Woad roam its thickets guarding the spiritual groves. They have deep connections with the forest, and all other sylvan creatures. Woad have a vaguely humanoid shape, but with bodies made of bark, and hair made of twigs and leaves. They are often found living with dryads, centaurs, satyrs, and others. They have a particularly close connection with Treants, often calling them grandfather trees. They view Treants as having exceptional wisdom, and hope to one day acheive their state of being. Most Woad talk of needing a home and seek to cultivate a "World Tree."

Breath of Life

Yera goddess of nature blessed the youngest saplings of the woods with life after the god war abated, so that they may protect all things within nature, particularly the vessel of her essence, Firadorasil. Now but a sapling within the Eiglanthis Forest, if nurtured to maturity it will become a true world tree. As such, Woad have some innate ability with nature magic, and very long lives. Though the Woad live long lives, they are impulsive. They often seek the approval of the council of grandfather trees to leave their Thickets to explore the world. Most requests are denied. The Verdian Dream has particular interest to them. However, if a Woad takes the Wardens oath this wanderlust is abated for a time. These Woad become sworn guardians of Firadorasil, and take up arms to protect the sapling no matter the cost.

To Plant a Tree

The Woad are an old race, almost as old as the elves. Due to their wanderlust, some have made voyages outside of the great forest. Now Woad by the hundreds have begun leaving their Thickets. A few Jarls, Chieftains, and Lord Mayors around Elturia have taken in Woad emissaries, in hopes of impressing this "new" race. Others have been skeptical and have turned them back. What most do not know, is that the Woad are in search of something. Firadorasil has produced 3 seeds. Yera fears that the younger races are beginning to lose their way, steering too close towards the ideologies that civilization brings. The Wardens search for three worthy places in order to plant a seed of the world tree. Natural warding will protect the sapling for a year and a day, after which the tree will need to be guarded.

Woad Traits

As a Woad you have the following Traits.
Age. Woad mature around the age of 50 and typically live to around 750 years old.
Creature Type. You are a Humanoid/Plant.
Size. Woad range from about 5 to 6 feet tall.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Sun Fed. The sun itself helps make the food you need with simple, natural processes. You do not require food as long as you have spent at least 4 hours in bright sunlight. You must still drink, and you must still eat if you don't do this. Take Root. When you take a long rest, you must spread your roots into a place, staying inactive and motionless rather than sleeping. While like this, you appear as a small plant, but it doesn’t render you unconscious, and you can see and hear as normal.
Natural Magic. You know the druidcraft cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Barkskin spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the spike growth spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells. When you reach the appropriate level, you may considered these spells "prepared" at all times, and use any spell slot of the appropriate level to cast them.
Commune with Nature. When you reach 7th level, you may cast Speak with Plants at will.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write common and Sylvan.