Dryad: Difference between revisions

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 infernals 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.

''see also [[Coraie Order of Dryads]]''

Dryads are often mislabeled as "Tree People", with many believing they are made from wood. Dryads are descended from the [[Infernals]]. As a result they share many similar characteristics, and are classified as humanoid mammals. They have four limbs, two arms and two legs, and are shorter in stature, averaging a height of 5'5" between both males and females

=== Skin ===

=== Horns ===

Unlike most infernal subspecies, the horns have become much larger in comparison. 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, 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. They are also used as an effective blocker against wooden weapons often used by other Dryad groups.

==== Cultural Significance ====

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 19 times during their lives.

=== Digestion ===

Due to the long history of a vegetable 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, and the digestive tract is 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.

=== Lungs ===

The limited ability to breath underwater has led to somewhat of a fear of large rivers and oceans. Even a strong, or trained Dryad can only spend 15 seconds underwater before needing to surface.

=== Aging ===

Dryads spend much longer than most humanoid species in infancy and adolescence. Dryad children are considered infants until about the age of 7, at which point they become capable of accomplishing most tasks on their own, and shed the first horns of their lives. Like most humanoid species, children learn to walk and climb between the ages of 2 and 3. Between the ages of 3-6, Dryad children learn to speak. The end of infancy can be characterized by the first shed of the child's horns. These are often kept for use in ceremony.

Adolescence often begins at the age of 16, and lasts for 10-12 years. During this time, secondary sex characteristics emerge, as well as the body growing to its adult size. Dryad horns also grow to near their final length during this phase of life. There is no clear and defined end for adolescence; most Dryad's consider the sixth shedding of their horns to be the end.

=== Hair ===

Dryads have hair like most humanoid mammals. It primarily grows from the scalp, avoiding the base of the horns. Dryads have little to no body hair due to the time spent living in more temperate environments, as well as their very rough skin. Dryads can also be characterized by a light brown, blonde, or red color to their hair.

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

=== Language ===

=== Dress ===

Clothing is often constructed of cloth and fibers, either gathered from trade with other people, or woven from vines and grass fibers. Traded materials can cotton, wool, silk, or other foreign threads. These clothes often have leaves and plants sewn into them. Dryads take great pride in the collection of leaves they wear. Often being covered in hundreds of leaves.

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.

==== Binding ====

=== Food ===

The most common dish served is cut fruits and sugar made from cane and fruit. This often topped with ground cinnamon bark, and a seeds of the cocoa pod. Common drinks include fruit wine, tea made from various herbs and leaves, and distilled spirits made from sugar, spices, and berries; similar to gin.

=== Music ===