Homebrew Dendroi Species Details
The Dendroi are a secretive race of plant people who aren't often seen on the Material Realm. Originating in the Feywild, the first Dendroi came to this Realm for reasons that have long been lost to the seas of time. Many more have come after, some merely wandering, some in search of knowledge, and yet others seeking revenge on people who have injured nature in any of the Realms. Of those who come here, most eventually return to the Realm and the lands they came from in search of a location where they can finally set down their roots.
The few who do remain tend to isolate themselves in the darkest parts of forests where they can continue to grow and ruminate on their lives in peace. Here is where they reproduce as well, pollinating either with themselves or other Dendroi who are able to send their pollen across vast distances to reach them. Their seeds are dropped at their bases, and small pod-like baby Dendroi sprout at their roots to be taught the ways of their ancestors.
Scholars have been unable to determine exactly how long young Dendroi remain with their parent before they inevitably wander off on their own adventures, but it's thought to be around 100 years or more. In this time the knowledge of their parent tree is passed down, and they are taught the traditional weapons that the Dendroi have always defended themselves with.
One thing that is known for certain about these reclusive people is that they have little need for the sustenance most of us enjoy. While they do require water and air, it seems that it takes little else but sunlight to keep them healthy and happy. This is not to say that your Dendroid friend will never be seen having a drink or two for politeness' sake, but don't expect them to go out on the town with you.
Dendroi Traits
+2 Charisma, +1 Constitution, Fey Ancestry, Green Passage, Dendroi Weapon Training, PresentationsAbility Score Increase
Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age
Dendroi age very slowly, not reaching their maturity until they’re hundreds of years old. When they reach maturity, they find somewhere to settle and put roots into the soil, where they continue to grow and age. There are rumors that there are Dendroi who are older than even the oldest of the dragons.
Alignment
Dendroi are concerned primarily with keeping the purity of nature, and as such tend toward neutral alignments.
Size
Until Dendroi are fully mature, they range from 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Fey Ancestry
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Green Passage
Difficult terrain caused by non-magical plants counts as regular terrain for you. In addition, you can always find food when foraging, even when there normally wouldn’t be any to find.
Dendroi Weapon Training
You are proficient with the sickle, whip, and hand crossbow.
Verdurous Magic
You know the druidcraft cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast the goodberry spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. At 5th level, you can cast the speak with plants spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.
Languages
You can speak Common, Sylvan, and one other language of your choice.
Presentations
Dendroi do not hold to common mortal presentations of gender, and as such are able to change their presentations at will. After a long rest, you may choose any one of the following appearances:
Lotus. The lotus body is rounded and green, and at the top of your head your hair is a short, pointed shock of color. Most dendroi have yellow or white hair in this presentation, but they have been known to come in pink, red, purple, and a rare vibrant blue. Your beauty in this presentation is otherworldly and beguiling to your foes. While in this form, you can use a bonus action and choose up to two creatures of your choice that can see you to make a saving throw (8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failed save, they become Charmed by you for 1 minute. You have three uses of this ability, and then it can't be used again until you complete a long rest.
Cholla. The cholla presentation is usually thin, spindly, and covered in so many sharp spines they look fuzzy from a distance. Some dendroi may choose to have wavy pink or yellow petal-shaped hair cascading down the back of their head as well. The pink-haired creatures tend to have yellow roots. While in this form, when a creature successfully hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to cause 1d4 piercing damage. You have three uses of this ability, and then it can’t be used again until you have changed your presentation and regrown the missing spines.
Aloe. The aloe presentation is long-limbed with small, harmless white protrusions. Many have a bloom on the top of their head that is reminiscent of the beehive hairstyle of humans, which comes in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Your blood is imbued with mysterious healing powers. While in this form, if a creature friendly to you takes fire damage, you are able to heal 1d4 hit points with your touch if you can reach them within 1 minute. You have three uses of this ability, and then it can't be used again until you complete a long rest.
Moonseed. The moonseed presentation has somewhat viney limbs, with flattened 3- or 5- fingered leaf-like hands. Bunches of tiny black fruit spill down the back of the head in a manner that resembles hair, and poison flows through your veins. While in this form, you become resistant to poison damage, and have advantage on saving throws against poison.
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