Dryii

*This article is of a subspecies of the Dryad. For the main page, click here*

The oldest variation of the Dryads, most closely related to the ancient *Dytrae*, *Dyrii*, or Forest Dryads are plant-based organisms that often resemble tree bark and long grass. While not the most common of Dryads, their population is still quite high in comparison to other variants.

## Appearance and Anatomy

*Dryii* typically will have rough, bark-like skin on their bodies, except in areas such as the face or hands, where skin is much colourful and softer, similar to a flower’s stem. Pigmentation of these soft regions is often green, though red and blue colours are not exactly unknown. When Decaying, the bark parts will become white, and the soft regions will become brown, then white.

*Dryii* are bipedal, and by average approximately 6’ in height. Their limbs are often long in nature, and their torsos are quite compact in comparison to their more lean arms and legs. Near the end of their hands is a ring of loose, short tendrils. These tendrils are reproductive grafts, and will transplant themselves onto their seeds to exchange genetic material.

Like it’s other variations, *Dryii* do not have a skeletal structure, nor do they have lungs. Their internal structure consists of a series of chambers where food is digested, that branch off one oesophagus.

## Reproduction and Children

*Dryii* will often use tree seeds to carry their children, hence why they often grow with bark-like skin. These seeds will be placed in secure locations near larger trees, and the seed will grow it’s roots intertwined with this parent tree. It will then take all the nutrients from this tree, and then will grow into a *Dryii* Sprout. This process will usually take between 5-7 months.

One *Dryii* from the Sprout's tribe of origin, never the parents, will be sent to watch over the Sprout and teach them the ways of survival and their tribe. After 20 years, the young *Dryii* will undergo a trial set by their tribe, and on success, be welcomed as one of their members.

## Diet

*Dryii* are incapable of processing meat-based organisms, however, despite this *Dyrii* still eat very little plant life. They typically forage for berries and transform their fingers to absorb sap. A common misconception about Dryads is their ability to use photosynthesis, and *Dryii* are no exception. *Dyrii* gain little to no nutritional benefit from sunlight, though it is true *Dryii* physically perform worse in dark environments such as caves, though the reason for this is unknown.

## Behaviour and Culture

*Dryii* are often found in nomadic familial tribes that travel through large forests and plains. It is rare for a *Dryii* to be found without its tribe nearby, and rarer still for a *Dyrii* tribe to have a permanent home. *Dryii* tribes are often quite small, between 10 and 30 on average. Some tribes will often map out paths to move through during the seasons, noting the migration patterns and growing of local fauna and flora.

While the *Dryii* are a friendly race, they are quite closed off to non-Dryad foreigners. As such, their spoken language is a lot less developed in comparison to other Dryad variants. However, *Dryii* will often intermarry between tribes and trade in both goods and information.

Compared to variations such as the *Shielee* and *Leidrie*, *Dyrii* are much more in tune with their homes and have a heavier emphasis on environmental conservation. Usually within a tribe there will be a few members whose role is solely controlling how a *Dryii* tribe affects their environment and what outside forces are causing problems.

## Notable Historical/Mythical Dryii

### The Stringed Matron

Stemming from an Ancient fairy tale about a *Dyrii* mother who, after losing her family, loses sanity and lives in a ‘fake world’ where she puppeteers her clan’s corpses and those unlucky enough to find themself in her domain, this mythical figure is often used to scare children away from straying from home, even in non-*Dryii* cultures. While her existence is unknown, it’d be best not to tempt fate.