Homebrew Dryad Species Details
Dryads are ethereal beings that embody the magic of nature itself. Born from the harmonious convergence of natural energy, these mystical creatures are intimately tied to specific types of terrain, drawing power and purpose from their chosen domain. They are the guardians of the wilderness, protectors of ancient groves, and the very essence of the land they inhabit.
The physical forms of Dryads bear the touch of the terrain they are connected to. Those tied to ancient forests may have supple, mossy-green skin, while those associated with meadows might have a warm, sun-kissed complexion. Dryads linked to swamps might possess a slight translucency, as if veiled in mist, while those attuned to mountainous regions might have a sturdier build, reflecting the strength of the rocky peaks. Their bodies possess an inherent grace, moving with the fluidity and lightness of a breeze rustling through the leaves.
Dryad Traits
As a dryad, you have the following racial traits.Creature Type
Your creature type is fey, rather than humanoid.
Size
Dryads display proportions that evoke the beauty and essence of the specific plant species found in their native terrain. These unique characteristics showcase their deep connection to the natural world. Whether they are formed from the ancient oak, young willows, or resilient juniper, the diversity of their physical forms is truly remarkable. As a Dryad, your size can range from Small to Medium, depending on the type of plant that birthed you.
Speed
Your walking speed is 30 feet.
Origin Terrain
The land that birthed you is your true home, and you find solace and belonging within its embrace. Choose one of the favored terrain options available to the Ranger class: arctic, coast, desert, forest, grassland, mountain, swamp, or the Underdark. When you make an Intelligence or Wisdom check related to your favored terrain, your proficiency bonus is doubled if you are using a skill that you’re proficient in.
While traveling for an hour or more in your origin terrain, you gain the following benefits:
- Difficult terrain doesn’t slow your group’s travel.
- Your group can’t become lost except by magical means.
- Even when you are engaged in another activity while traveling (such as foraging, navigating, or tracking), you remain alert to danger.
- If you are traveling alone, you can move stealthily at a normal pace.
- When you forage, you find twice as much food as you normally would.
- While tracking other creatures, you also learn their exact number, their sizes, and how long ago they passed through the area.
- You can't be tracked.
Dryad Magic
You know the druidcraft cantrip. Starting at 3rd level, you can also cast plant growth with this trait, using only the 8-hour casting time version. Once you reach 5th level, you can cast speak with plants, and a unique version of meld into stone. Using this unique version, you meld with a living tree instead of stone. The tree need only be able to accommodate half your body for you to meld with it, and while melded you can gain the benefits of a long rest or cast ritual spells. Once you cast any of these spells using this feature, you cannot use this feature to cast them again until you finish a long rest.
Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells when you cast them with this trait (choose when you select this race).