Dryad: Difference between revisions

Dryads (/ˈdraɪ.æd/;) are a humanoid race of people who currently reside on the '''Warped Isles''' and on '''Omis'''. They are connecteddescended from the island of [[Lesbis]], and now are believed to have nearly gone extinct in the naturalWarped Isles, as for a time, that was their sole place of worldresidence. The term Dryad originates from the old Fae name for the Spirits of the Forest., Althoughalthough it has come to describe the Dryads by outsiders. They are often characterized by shorttheir taller statures and leafy clothing decorated in beads and jewelry. Dryads also have rough, almost woody skin with the texture of of a sapling's bark. They live in communal societies around and within [[Great Trees]], forming ''orders''. Dryads have become very talented at camouflaging with the forest around them, and can often be mistaken for a saplingtree in theirthe woods they reside.

Once the Fae came into contact with other peoples, namely [[Astravia]], the term came to instead describe the '''People of the Forest'''. Over the next centuries, the term was used to describe a specific group of infernalspeople who lived deep within the jungles on the isle of [[Lesbis]]. Despite its use by outside groups to describe the Dryad people, the Dryads themselves never use the term. An order instead refers to themselves with the same name as the tree in which the order resides.

Dryads are often mislabeled as "Tree People", with many believing they are solely made from wood. Dryads are descendedwooden, fromhowever they have been animated by the [[Infernals]]Forest Goddess. As a result, they sharehave manyall similarthe characteristics,necessary andorgans areto classifiedfunction as humanoid mammalshumanoids. They have four limbs, two arms and two legs, and are shortertaller in stature, averaging a height of 5'511" between both males and females. Dryads also have a full digestive tract, circulatory system, endocrine system, and respiratory system.

Dryads can be characterized by thetheir rough and almost woody skin. ThoughIn itDryads isunder oftenapproximately mistaken40 foryears beingof woodage, itthe isskin muchhas closera tomuch callousmore found onsapling-like humanstexture. TheAs texturethey evolvedage, fromthe largeskin amountsbegins ofto timeharden spentand aroundmore sharpclosely andresemble roughtree bark,. causingOne amajor resistancedifference tobetween chafingDryads builtand uphumans overis time.that Overthey do not centuriessweat, aas traitthey becamehave dominantno inpores whichor barkhair likeon linesthe becameskin. visibleThe theresult naturalis patternsless sensitive skin, givingas thewell skinas poor thermo-stasis in the appearancebody. Over thousands of ayears youngthis tree.has Thisimproved, pairedhowever naturallyheat withand thecold camouflageare theystill developed,an issue. Dryads prefer to live in warm and thehumid developedenvironments, patternsor weretemperate necessaryclimates towith theirmild survivalwinters.

Like all descendants of the Infernals, dryadsDryads have horns on their head, which extend from the top of the forehead. They are formed with a bone at the core fused to the skull. This is surrounded by a thin layer of almost spongy tissue that is extremely sensitive to the touch. This is then surroundedcovered by an outer layer of keratin, that contains as many nerve endings as the Dryad's skin. As such the horns are similar in taxonomy to almost any horned animal.

Unlike most infernal subspecies, theThe horns haveof becomeDryads muchare larger inquite comparisonlarge. Modern Dryad horns resemble smaller rams' or goats' horns. Dryads use these horns for a variety of purposes. However their main use is for defense, theyand courtship. They serve to block strikes to the head, hence their curled back appearance. While it is not as effective as a metal helmet, it is effective against blows and claws of wolves and wild cats that live in the forests of [[Lesbis]]. They are also used as an effective blocker against wooden weapons often used by other Dryad groups.

Unlike many mammalanimal species, both male and female Dryads have horns. No recorded difference exists in size, color, or shape between sexes. Culturally, female Dryad horns are often more green than males. This is due to ritual practices in which the horns are covered in leaves, and left to soak in water. This causes the chlorophyll of the leaves to stain the horns, and stays until the outer layer sheds, or excessive bathing cleans the outer layersthem. This is not a natural process, and has no noted origin.

Like rams and goats, Dryads shed their horns outer layer somewhat frequently. This is caused by the keratin curing from the sunlight, drying the surface layer. Adult Dryads shed their horns approximately every 12-15 years, and every 3-5 years during childhood and adolescence. The shedding is not painful, and is often described as relieving. In most dryad societies, the event is seen as passing into the next phase of life; it means that the Dryad will experience a major event soon. Over the next several years, the outer layer rebuilds. After 6 months they already have regained half the necessary layering of keratin. During this process, Dryads often consume much larger amounts of food. Dryads shed their horns and average of 1922 times during their lives.

Like almost all humanoid species in the infernal taxonomy, Dryads arewere originally omnivores. However, historically Dryads have beenculturally consumed an herbivorous peoplediet. Because of this, modern Dryads lack the digestive systemcapabilities to consume meat and animal products such as dairy and eggs. The only exception being milkhoney, whenas young.it Likecontains mostvery mammal species thislittle disappearsother afterthan infancysugar. Their primary diet consists of roots, leafy plants, grain, tree fruit, berries, and cocoa beans.

Due to the long history of a vegetableplant based diet, Dryads lack the enzymes necessary to even digest and break down meat. Consuming it often leads to extreme bowel discomfort, vomiting, and fever. It is rare that this is fatal, however it is extremely unpleasant. To account for the lack of energy dense foods, Dryad stomachs are larger than most humanoid species, and the digestive tract is significantly longer. The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are smaller, due to them being used over longer digestive periods. As well as less toxins being present in their diets.

=== LungsRespiratory System ===

Dryads have much smaller respiratory systems than most humanoid species, including the Infernals. This causes them to be more in danger of drowning, as well asThey have lower stamina than most humanoids. While many Dryads will train their lung capacity, this is not done by all. As such, they tend to climb trees or hide to escape predation, or humans.

Like the mythos of outsiders that Dryads are trees, so too is there a falsehood that dryads are immortal. ForestThis originated from the forest spirits of Fae mythos arebeing immortal. This legend derives from that mythology. Dryads have an average lifespan of 250 years, about three and a half times that of the average human. This life was gifted to them by the forest goddess, they are not immortal. And they also grow much slower than humans.

Adult Dryads do not show signs of age until approximately 170 years of age, at which point they aging process is accelerates quicker than humans. atAt 230 years, they often have the appearance of a 40 year old human. and byBy 240 years of age, they often have the appearance of a 60 year old human. Most dryad elders do not live past 240 years.

Dryads have hair like most humanoid mammals, however it is not made of keratin. Dryad hair is more akin to vines, or long grass. It primarily grows from the scalp, avoiding the base of the horns. DryadsThe havehair littleis toalso noflexible, bodylike hairthat dueof tomost theanimals, timethough spentit livingdoes innot moreretain temperatethe environments,incredible asstregth wellthat aslong theirhuman veryhair rough skindoes. DryadsDryad hair can also besprout characterizedleaves. byThese aare lightoften brown,trimmed blonde,off orin redmost colordryad to their haircultures.

Males of the species can be categorized by slightly broader shoulders, as well as a lack of breasts. Typically males also have slightly longer jaws. Dryad males are often described by humans as small,more feminine or femininebeautiful in comparison to human and infernal males.

Dryads have very poor thermo-regulatory systems, as the circulatory system present moves very slowly. They are deemed warm blooded, as all mammals are. They do not posses the native ability to manage cold or heat well. Their smaller size and lack of body hair and pores compounds this problem. In cooler environments, dropping below 14 degrees celcius (57 degrees fahrenheit), they will seek sources of heat or insulation by using caverns or hollows. WhichThey hold a much more consistent temperature than the surface.

Dryads often group together into orders. These orders will often inhabit a single great tree, and diewill offoften die when the great tree does.

Dryads primarily speak common. Although they have a native language, it has been slowly merged with common. Because of this many words are replaced with their old Dryadic[[Drydaeic]] counterpart. Commonly these are nouns related to materials, objects, or plants.

Dryad clothing is often covered in leaves. This serves multiple purposes; Its primary use is for decoration. The secondary purpose is for camouflage. By using the leaves of the Great Tree in which they reside. As such they blend into their environment extremely well. Dryads will also dye their hair with the natural pigments of the leaves. While this is more of a cultural act, it has the side effect of helping blend them into the woods. These leaves are replaced often.

Dryad society is very communal. The main focus is often on making sure the needs of all are met. Often there is head to the order, who's role is to communicate with the outside world. They are the primary diplomat for the order, as well as the spiritual leader.

When a Dryad comes of age, they bind themselves to the Great Tree in which they reside. While not a lot is know about this process, it is an extremely spiritual and personal experience. Part of this ritual is taking an oath to protect the tree with their life. When a Dryad binds to a Great Tree, they essentially become and extension of it. While they do not become the Tree, they grow a psychic link to it. As a result, they feel much of what the Great Tree does. This can include emotions, pain, biological needs, and for some Dryads memories. Harming the bound Great Tree could cause a Dryad to become cursed, and sick.

Dryads are entirely vegan or herbivorous in their diets. TheyBecause alsoof doDryad's notfear makeof fire, andfood as a resultis mostly eat fermented, salted, and raw fruits and vegetables. Dryads do trade specifically for pastries and bread when they can, as it is considered a foreign delicacy. While being served meat is not seen as an insult, it is seen as ignorant. This is more true if the parties have already met and worked together. The only animal product consumed by dryads is honey. Honey is only consumed on rare occasions, as it is seen as a spiritual food, rather than needed for sustenance.