Dryad
Category: Races and Species
Region(s): Deep Forests
Type: Semi-Mortal Nature Spirits
The Dryads are an ancient and enigmatic race of semi-mortal beings in Fera, intrinsically tied to the natural world. Often mistaken for spirits, they are in fact corporeal and mortal—though they age slowly and possess an affinity for the forest that borders on the supernatural. Dryads are born of the deep woods, shaped by old magic and ancient covenants forged between nature and the primal forces of the world.
Each Dryad is bound to a specific natural domain, usually a forest, glade, or tree-cluster known as a Heartroot. So long as this sacred ground remains untouched, the Dryad endures. When a Heartroot dies—burned, desecrated, or poisoned—the Dryad withers, sickens, or dies along with it. This bond gives Dryads a fierce protectiveness over their lands and an innate hostility toward deforestation, corruption, and necromancy.
Dryads bear a humanoid form, often graceful and ethereal in movement, but marked by their arboreal nature. Skin tones range from bark-brown to mossy green, with hair resembling trailing vines, blossoms, or golden leaves in autumn. Some have eyes that glow softly in moonlight, and faint markings across their skin that change with the seasons.
Their appearance often shifts subtly depending on the region and type of forest they dwell in—those from pine groves appear sharp and dark-hued, while dryads of willow banks are slender, with weeping silver hair.
Dryad culture is oral, ritualistic, and deeply spiritual. They do not build cities or nations, but rather maintain sacred groves, stone circles, and hidden woodland sanctuaries. They believe in the Cycle of Renewal, a philosophy centered around death, decay, rebirth, and balance. Their songs are said to soothe beasts, calm storms, and call the rain.
Dryads rarely interfere in mortal affairs unless provoked, but they will rise in force when their woods are threatened. Some choose to walk the world, acting as envoys of the forest, guardians of ancient pacts, or seekers of lost groves. These wandering Dryads are sometimes called Leafborn or Warden-Kin.
Powers and Abilities
Relations with Other Races
Dryads are viewed with awe, suspicion, or reverence depending on the region. Dwarves see them as elusive and untrustworthy, while Elves—particularly the Asagi—consider them distant cousins. Human settlers often fear their wrath, especially those who build near ancient forests without proper rites or tribute.
Let me know if you'd like entries for named Dryad characters, subtypes like thornborn or deepgrove dryads, or famous historical events involving the Dryads of Fera.