Spellcasting. The Ancient Dryad is an 11th-level spellcaster. Their spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). They have the following druid spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Druidcraft, Dancing Lights, Shillelagh
1st level (4 slots): Faerie Fire, Thunderwave, Fog Cloud, Goodberry
2nd level (3 slots): Animal Messenger, Heat Metal, Enhance Ability, Barkskin
3rd level (3 slots): Plant Growth, Dispel Magic
4th level (3 slots): Confusion, Hallucinatory Terrain, Locate Creature
5th level (2 slots): Mass Cure Wounds, Greater Restoration
6th level (1 slots): Wall of Thorns
Tree Stride. Once on their turn, the Ancient Dryad can use 10 ft. of their movement to step magically into a living tree within their reach and emerge from another living tree within 60 ft. of the first one, appearing in an unoccupied space within 5 ft. of the second tree. Both trees must be large or bigger.
Speak with Beasts and Plants. The Ancient Dryad can communicate with beasts and plants as if they shared a language.
Magic Resistance. The Ancient Dryad has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Vine Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage. The target is grappled (escape DC 14) after the attack. Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained and takes 7 (2d6) piercing damage at the start of each of their turns. The Ancient Dryad can grapple up to two creatures at the same time.
The Ancient Dryad can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The Ancient Dryad regains spent legendary actions at the start of their turn.
Attack. The Ancient Dryad makes one attack.
Spell (2 Actions). The Ancient Dryad casts one spell.
Description
Ancient Dryads are the leaders of the Yv'anda clan. Throughout their long lives they have amassed great knowledge and power. While in the long past, they were mere members of the Yv’anda clan, now they are beings that surpassed the boundaries of their weak flesh. After a lifetime of protecting nature, they have become one with it as spirits commanding nature itself. With their magic, they can freely control plants and communicate with animals. Entangling enemies with tree roots, blocking their paths, or protecting allies with sudden vine overgrowth is but the gist of what they are capable of. What's worse, it is not limited to their surroundings. So, as long as you are in their forests, you will not be able to escape from their grasp as the path will change, and the watchful eyes of forest creatures will follow you.
Although their magical prowess and centuries of experience make them a threat on their own, they hardly ever work alone. Most of the time, you can see them as commanders of younger Dryad scouts or other formations. Truly, not the kind of beings you want as enemies.
Comments