Dryad: Difference between revisions
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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.
== Society ==
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.
=== Spirituality ===
Dryad society is highly spiritual. Rituals and ceremonies hold a large importance in their society. Most of these practices are done in devotion to the Forest Goddess that blessed the Dryads thousands of years earlier. Altars to the Forest Goddess can be found in every inhabited Great Tree.
In Dryad culture, bees are considered the most important animal. They are can sometimes be cared for more closely than the Great Tree in which the order lives. Due to this, apiaries are very common in orchards and amongst the branches of the Great Tree. Honey is the only animal product consumed by Dryads, often only being consumed on special occasions. Most often during spiritual holidays and celebrations.
Fire is seen as a deadly and malevolent idea in Dryad religion. This extends to a natural fear of fire and reinforces the belief by outsiders that Dryads are wooden. Candles are the only exception. By using a wick, lighting and maintaining a burning candle is seen as an act of bravery against destruction. As such, beeswax candles can be found in small numbers around Dryad orders, especially near spiritual and religious sites.
==== Binding ====
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.
=== Food ===
Dryads are entirely vegan or herbivorous in their diets. Because of Dryad's fear of fire, food is mostly 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 susenance.
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 ===
Music is a very important part of Dryad society. It forms the basis of many rituals and ceremonies. The most common instruments are the shed horns of Dryads, as well as string instruments made with hair, wood, and thread. Most ritual music is described as soft and melodic. Singing is a vital part of songs as well, with singing being a practiced skill for many. Young Dryads are often more involved in music than adults. Though this does not stop adults from participating in the practice.
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