A unique creation of the Goddess Rasha, Dryads are the smallest civilized race in the lands of Istaria and are similar in nature to their distant relatives, the Elves. They average in size from three to four feet tall, though their small stature matters little when they are hovering or darting quickly through the forest on gossamer wings.
Dryads have the most advanced starting magic of any race, concentrating first on defense.
It is said that grandmaster Dryad mages are some of the most powerful in the lands. Those of dubious or evil character who come across a Dryad in the forest are very wary for this reason, not knowing if the creature is a master of magic, or simply a young inexperienced explorer. Since Dryads don't reflect age very much, it's almost impossible to tell how old they are by looking at them. Orcs and Goblins, the blood enemies of Dryads, are especially wary, immensly fearing Dryads because of their magical abilities. Though Dryads make extremely good mages, they also make some of the best rangers and archers.