Dryad

Monitoring from the deep lush forests of the Ituna, ever vigilant against evil's depredations. These individuals have the head, arms, and torso of a beautiful elf, but the lower body of a stag. Their eyes are gentle and calm, but they hold a deadly spear in their hands. They don't appear to want to use the spear in their hands—but if they had to, they could. They are the **dryads**, the protectors of nature herself.

Males have antlers and leaf manes that flow down their backs, resembling stags. Females, on the other hand, more closely resemble fawns. Outsiders have a difficult time distinguishing between males and females. As described by some accounts, male dryads are very feminine-looking and beautiful. The only differences are that they are slightly taller and have antlers.

While they prefer peace and despise unnecessary violence, the dryads are willing to give their lives to protect the Ituna's wildlands if necessary. They are inquisitive, but only a few of them leave the forests. They have a strong bond with the Grove, and some of them can visit it in their dreams. Individuals who have a special connection and a deep bond with nature and the Grove can become Druids. Druids are highly respected in Dryad society, often serving as spiritual leaders. Their job is to protect both their village and all of nature's creations. These Druids are known as Keepers.

## **History**

### **Background**

The first written encounters with dryads occurred nearly 4000 years ago, when they were encountered by the early Builders. They were described as graceful beings who exuded nature's powerful life force. The Builders had some regard for them. Following the Great War between the Acheadalyra Empire and the Watchers of the Damned, the woodland dryads emerged from their secluded homes and began healing the lands in other areas. Some cultures regard them as good omens, if not deities.

There haven't been many studies into the Dryads' history as a whole, but legend has it that they are the children of Cernos, an ancient being of the times. Cernos, a wise and powerful ancient who took the form of a massive white stag. He was one of the world's first sentient beings, roaming the land as a protector of nature a long time ago. His power, according to the Dryads, lay in nature itself, and he was responsible for the creation and nurturing of nature throughout the world. There is no actual evidence to support this, but given the mystery surrounding their entire civilization, this is the only plausible explanation, and adventurers and scholars alike agree on it.

## **Culture**

The dryads have been bound to nature for eons, shaping their culture into what it is today. The Dryad society was founded on the principle of protecting nature, as evidenced by their connection to nature. The Dryads have developed a reputation for being slow to change as one of Ituna's most ancient races, having witnessed the passage of time, the rise and fall of civilizations, and the evolution of culture. They experience emotions as deeply, if not more so, than the younger races because they are slow to anger and slow to cool down. While they are generally happy and cheerful, their minds have seen a lot and they have a sharp wit and sense of humor. Dryads do not form nations or live in large groups in any way. They live in small villages in deep forests all over the world, where they are the most in touch with nature. Dryads do not eat animal products and instead eat a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Dryads have strong empathy for nature's children and can influence an animal's attitude through body language, vocalizations, and demeanor.

### **Faith**

Due to their close connection to druidism and nature, the dryad religion may be polytheistic, but the majority of their religion revolves around Cernos, the Ancient White Stag. Cernos is revered in Dryad society, and temples and shrines are built to honor him. Dryads with natural white fur are considered a blessing for this reason. Some legends even claim that the Dryads are Cernos' direct descendants, owing to their deer-like appearance. His priests, the Sisters of Cernos, are the spiritual leaders of the Dryad society, second only to the Druids. Dryads revere their ancestors as well. This worship manifests itself in the form of offerings, which are traditional dishes blessed in the Temple of the Great Stag. Surprisingly, some races worship dryads, seeing them as the embodiment of Mother Nature herself.

### **Gender roles**

Men in dryad society serve as artisans, craftsmen, and homemakers for the race. Although there aren't many men who are druids, the order within the culture is almost entirely male. The Sisters of Cernos, on the other hand, permit men to become priestesses. They will then dress and act like females. Men appear to care for children in the same way that human females do, frequently worrying or doting on their children. While not all families are traditional, men are still more likely to be the primary caregivers for their children.

Women, on the other hand, serve as huntresses, warriors, and priestesses. Even today, the Dryads' standing army is almost entirely composed of women. Women are frequently Cernos priestesses, learning about the Ancient Stag and their people's theology. Women, like men, appear to be capable of being artisans. Women can also become keepers if they have a strong enough connection to nature.

### **Bisexuality**

In dryad culture, it is allowed for males to behave and exhibit feminine characteristics. It's unclear where this came from, but one theory suggests that due to men's roles in their society, or perhaps due to the similarities in appearance of both genders, dryad males look very feminine by default. It fostered this type of acceptance by allowing men to dress femininely and frequently act in ways that matched their behavior. According to various accounts, males frequently play the roles of priestesses in ceremonies, and there are rare reports of high-ranking personnel in the hunting party who were, in fact, males.

Unsurprisingly, dryads, unlike other cultures and races, support bisexual behavior and relationships. It appears that there are no social boundaries for this, and dryads are free to love anyone.

### **Aging and Lifespan**

By the standards of other races, most dryads are considered ancient. Some dryads can live for several thousand years or more due to their longevity and close connection to the Grove. If legend is to be taken seriously, the dryads are true descendants of Cernos, but another explanation could be that they have gained this long-lasting gift of life due to their cultural ties to the Grove and frequent visits there. Make no mistake about it: the dryads aren't immortal. They age and die just like everyone else in the world, but because of this natural gift, they can live for a very long time.

Interestingly, dryads stop aging physically when they reach adulthood, which is around the age of twenty. Male antlers will continue to grow, but only to a certain extent because it appears that only Keepers can obtain the massive antlers.

### **Technology**

In comparison to other races, the dryads' use of technology is rather limited. Instead, they rely on their magic and the natural world's benefits. However, this does not imply that they are primitives. Dryads, in fact, are skilled builders and stonemasons. They can construct stone structures, and because of their affinity for nature, they can manipulate trees and turn them into homes. The dryads don't invest much in warfare because of their peaceful lifestyle.

### **Cuisines**

Hunting is a necessary part of nature, and the dryads recognize this; they do not condemn the wolf or bear for their role in it. There is no real contradiction in the beliefs of those who hunt, take what they need, and respect where that bounty comes from. The dryads are vegetarians. Dryads do not eat animal products and instead enjoy a variety of vegetables, fruits, and dishes made from natural ingredients. This concept pervades their cuisine.

Because they value nature, it's no surprise that their signature fruit salad includes foraged forest ingredients such as wild hive honey, pine nuts, berries, fruits, and mixed herbs. Nut flours, made from various nuts found in their groves, are one of the dryads' most important basic ingredients. Nut flours are a versatile alternative to regular flour. They are simple to obtain and use, and they contribute to beautifully moist and flavorful dishes. Some of their most well-known dishes include blueberry pies and almond cakes. One of the Dryads' most well-known dishes is fermented vegetables, which are mostly fermented with juice from various fruits, giving the dishes a fragrant aroma and a sweet natural taste.

### **Customs**

Dryad burials are carried out in a natural manner, returning the deceased to nature. It is said that dead dryads go to the Grove and rest there for all eternity. Priestesses begin by using magic to cleanse the body of all impurities, and then mend the body for a final viewing. The priestesses then sing their traditional arias from their temples, pleading with Cernos to guide the deceased to the Grove, after which the remains are placed on a flower-draped bier, carried to a grove, and laid out on a patch of grass. A Keeper then provokes the growth of plants around the corpse, resulting in a diverse array of florals that surround and eventually completely encase the body. The corpse will then be transformed into an enchanted oak tree, blooming in all directions. The tree will then bear acorns based on the exact number of the deceased's family and friends. The acorns will serve as a token of remembrance for the living to remember their loved ones. Disturbing the remains of those who have died is frowned upon, but it is sometimes deemed necessary due to circumstances.

Due to their incredibly long lives, the Dryads do not celebrate birthdays in the same way that other cultures do. However, when a dryad reaches adulthood, there will be a ritual to commemorate the achievement. The entire village will be decorating their homes and preparing traditional dishes to celebrate. This is one of the most important events for the dryads. Everyone will have a good time with the activities, and when the rite of adulthood begins, the young dryads will be blessed by their Keepers and Priestesses.

### **Adventurous Dryads**

The majority of dryads live in the forests, frolicking with the animals, dancing in the rain, and occasionally unleashing nature's wrath on their enemies. Some dryads, on the other hand, leave their forests to become adventurers. For some, encounters with hostile forces arouse this desire — they want to fight nature's enemies. Others are curious about the world outside their forests and want to visit new places and meet new people. Other dryads regard adventuring dryads as unusual. After all, dryads have an innate sense of curiosity. However, daring dryads are still labeled as outcasts who defy their species' natural tendencies.

### **Keepers**

Keepers are dryads who are exceptionally gifted at druidism and have a close relationship with the Grove. They have enormous antlers and brilliant amber eyes, unlike normal dryads. Although they resemble other dryads in appearance, their upper bodies have a tree-like texture with leaves and barbed vines that grow out, resembling both treants and flora. Keepers have many strange powers over nature and are considered to be among the best druids in Ituna. They are wise and powerfully attuned to nature, and they prioritize the preservation of balance above all else. Though they usually stay within Astora's sacred groves, the keepers always answer the call to arms when nature is in danger.

Keepers are known for their druidic abilities to heal and restore life, but they are also capable fighters in their own right. The keepers use the forests to their advantage in battle. When they are in danger, the keepers use their deep connection with nature to summon the ancient beings of the land to their aid. These treant-like creatures are strong and appear to be sentient; they quickly come to the keepers' aid and protect them. They can also use the dense undergrowth and their own speed to outmaneuver opponents and avoid melee. If necessary, they can induce plant growth to produce dense undergrowth. By creating and entangling their opponents with deep, ancient roots, the keepers hope to keep their enemies away from themselves, and immobilize them so their allies can attack stationary targets. A wise keeper, on the other hand, knows when to retreat, which is not cowardice, but wisdom and experience.

Keepers, like all dryads, are trained as versatile warriors in addition to their druidic power from a young age. They have mastered the art of spear throwing. They can hurl enchanted spears at close range and switch to melee when necessary.

### **Notes on Culture**

Dryads have a friendly and symbiotic relationship with most animals in their lands, and can coexist peacefully with them, viewing them as close kin and respectfully addressing them with friendly nicknames.

The dryads have a deep reverence for life. As one of nature's children, they understand that every life, no matter how small, is significant. They do not torture prisoners, nor do they enjoy causing unneeded casualties. Outsiders are frequently treated with the utmost hospitality.

Dryads use their vine-like hair to make necklaces and symbolic jewelry. These are symbols of their sacred friendship, trust, and love for one another.

## **Appearance**

The majority of dryads are slim, athletic, and graceful, and are considered very attractive by current standards. Aside from their distinctive four-legged deer body in the bottom half, they resemble elves in appearance. Dryads have imposing statures, standing an average of 6-7 feet tall. They are very slim, with defined muscles, indicating the strength that both their minds and bodies possess. They are breathtakingly beautiful, lithe, and curvy. Males and females share many feminine characteristics, with the exception of antlers, which are only found in males. The race's leafy hair, long pointed ears, and natural features suggest a feral yet beautiful grace. Their skin tone is an unusual pale purple pastel color, and their hair is green from nature. Their hair is particularly intriguing because it appears to be leaves and vines growing out of their scalp, adorned with flowers and other florals. This is possibly the most compelling evidence of the dryads' close relationship with the enigmatic natural realm known as the Grove. Their eyes are a lustrous amber color that shines brightly even in the dark. This enables them to have perfect vision at night.

### **White Fur**

White-colored fur, as opposed to the normal brownish deer body, is a sign of inherent druidic potential and a sign destined for greatness in dryad society and belief. Because of their faith and claim to be Cernos' descendants, white fur is considered rare and sacred, and is thus regarded as a symbol of underlying greatness.

Though white fur indicates a natural affinity for druidic magic, it does not imply that all white-furred dryads become druids, or that normal dryads are unable to do so. At the end of the day, it is your hard work, understanding, and love for nature that truly distinguishes you as a druid.

### **Tattoos**

Many dryads wear symmetrical markings that have meaning. They select their markings after the rite of adulthood. Though they are not required to, some dryads believe they should and consider it a fashionable choice. The marking is done by their community's priestess. Dryads who perform notable deeds can be honored by having their existing tattoos embellished. Tattooing symbolizes their close relationship with nature. A common shape is stylized claw marks and leaf symbols.