Dryad

"Okay, how about this? Where's the best place to hide a tree?"
"In the forest, duh."
"Now, how do you find the tree again?"
"That's easy. You burn the whole damn forest down."

-Conversation between two human soldiers

Dryads are a race of tree nymphs, protectors of the forest.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dryads, like all nature spirits, are always female and will appear as young teenage girls, with dark green hair and light green skin. Their skin is colored green due to chlorophyll, and their clothing is created from nature, often grass or leaves. Dryads remain neutral unless the threat is against their trees. If a dryad's tree is cut down, she will die too, and vice versa.

Genetics and Reproduction

A dryad is born whenever a new tree is born. Each tree is tied to a dryad.

Ecology and Habitats

Dryads can live anywhere that trees can. They will not be found in places that are extremely cold, or deserts, for example.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dryads only require sunlight to produce their own food.

Biological Cycle

Dryads, much like alraunes, will grow irritable in fall and winter, turning brown and losing all their leaves. In spring they are restored.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Rarely, dryads can have pointed ears instead of rounded.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Global

Average Intelligence

Human or higher

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dryads can sense magic and life energy with in a certain radius. Additionally, if something is happening to their tree, like being touched, broken, or carved on, the dryad will feel the sensation, though it will not cause any damage to them directly.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Any symbiotic or parasitic species that can affect trees can also affect dryads.

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Dryads are always female, and so there are no gender ideals.

Average Technological Level

Dryads have no use for technology.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Language of the World

Common Taboos

Dryads won't go anywhere near fire, for obvious reasons.

Common Myths and Legends

There were myths about nature spirits being all-knowing, until recently when they were disproven - nature spirits are just excellent listeners.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Dryads get along well with all races, even the residents of Hell or "darker" versions of a race.

Scientific Name

Varying, though the classification is the same as their tree

Lifespan

50-5000

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Height

5-6 feet (152-183cm)

Average Weight

140-170lbs (63.5-77 kg)