Homebrew Wood Woad Species Details

The Wood Woad are a race of very few as they are formed under very specific circumstances; the birth of a Wood Woad is one that is remembered in the forest for all time. A Wood Woad is birthed when a powerful druid dies protecting the forest. The essence and purpose of the druid is so strong that it is transferred into the forest where a Wood Woad is formed. They have a face that looks vaguely like the druid that died at their birth, though unique to them, they have bright green eyes and bark skin. The Wood Woad takes on a form similar to the trees near its birth place. Many Wood Woad will take native flowers and mosses of the forest to cover themselves as a symbol of what they are protecting.

It is rare that a Wood Woad meets another in their lifetime as there are so few and they rarely leave the forest they were born in. A Wood Woad often considers it their duty to protect their home. Each forest usually has only one Wood Woad, and they are very hard to find if they don’t want to be found; they can blend seamlessly into the forest. Wood Woad don’t have any universal traditions as they are very solitary creatures, but each forest that has a unique feel can be attributed to a Wood Woad that has lived there at one point. The forest they live in reflects them and they reflect it in a strange symbiotic relationship.

To the common folk Wood Woad are a myth and very few people have seen one living or dead. However, the druids keep track of the Wood Woad and help them on their mission if they are able. It is an honor for a druid to assist a Wood Woad as they know it is their fallen brethren that create them.

When a Wood Woad rests, it must root into the ground for 4 hours to absorb nutrients. During this time, it cannot willingly wake from it's rest. However, while resting it can communicate with other plants within a 30ft radius of it. These plants provide the Wood Woad with information about their surroundings. If the nature within the area is at threat, the surrounding plants may force the Wood Woad awake, if they deem it the best option. While resting, a Wood Woad is indistinguishable from a young tree.

Along with fresh air and nutrients from its rest, a Wood Woad needs at least 12hrs of daylight a week. 

Wood Woad know the languages that were spoken by the druid that birthed them. They may also occasionally get flashes of memories from that druid's life, especially if it will help them on their mission to protect the forest.  

Wood Woad will typically do whatever it takes to protect the forest, and when one dies, it is a dark day. With the death of a Wood Woad, the forest will darken in remembrance. No Wood Woad has ever been known to die of old age. 

 

Wood Woad Traits

Ability Score Increase, Bark Skin, Fire Vulnerability, Plant Camouflage, Rooted Rest, Tree Stride

Ability Score Increase

The Wood Woad may increase their Constitution score by +2 and their Wisdom by +1.

Size

Wood Woad stand between 4'-8'6". Their size is often a good representation of their age. Your size is medium. 

Speed

Your Speed is 30 Feet.

Bark Skin

The Wood Woad may not wear armor. However, its bark skin provides it a natural armor of 16. You also have resistance to non-magical Bludgeoning and Piercing damage.

You may use a shield if proficient. 

Plant Camouflage

When a Wood Woad is in a forest, or an area with a significant population of trees, they have advantage on stealth checks to hide.  

Rooted Rest

The Wood Woad roots to the ground in its sleep. During this time, it may not willingly wake from its rest. However, it may communicate with the plants within a 30ft radius of where it roots. During this time, the surrounding plants will keep the Wood Woad informed about its surroundings, and if they deem there is danger, they may force the Wood Woad from its rest. A Wood Woad only needs to rest for 4 hours.

Tree Stride

A Wood Woad may expend 10ft of its movement to step into a living tree. It then emerges from another living tree it can see within 60ft. It emerges in an unoccupied space next to the tree. You may use this feature a number of times equal to your constitution modifier (min. 1) after which you must complete a long rest before doing so again.

Wood Woe

The woe of any Wood Woad is fire. You are vulnerable to fire damage.