DRYADS

Singular: Dryad (DRY-ad)

Plural: Dryads (DRY-ads)

At first glance, dryads are often confused with elves, askeri, or fairies, given their pointed ears and tendency to disappear into the flora around them. The main difference between dryads and other creatures, however, is a dryads’ unique connection with their soul tree, a tree that their life force is not only bound to, but one that they can merge with at will, “becoming” that tree in essence in a process that is considered rejuvenating and, in long enough bouts, a replacement for eating or sleeping. A dryad’s life force is bound to their tree, and if either is injured or dies, the other will follow within a matter or minutes or, at most, days. A dryad cannot stray far from their tree for too long without consequences, but with enough concentration and energy, it is possible for a dryad to move their tree to a more convenient location, though it is not advisable to do this more than a few times a year.

Dryads are said to look like their trees, and their skin tones can range from typical humanoid colours to more uncommon ambers, whites, and olive greens. Some dryads report their hair colour changing with that of the leaves on their tree as they shift throughout the seasons, and freckles, birthmarks, or blemishes can arise on the skin in reflection of blemishes, moss, or markings on their respective tree.

Dryads in attendance at Alentia’s Sanctuary often take pains to move their trees to the Greyshadow Woods before the school year begins, to have it close in case of a stressful week.

100+ YEARS.

Average lifespan

TREE BINDING.

species abilities

BAARCHON.

PATRON DEITY