Homebrew Daughters of Cenarius (Night Elf Dryad) Species Details

The Night Elf Dryads are the daughters of the Night Elf demigod, Cenarius. The playful, frolicking creatures vaguely resemble centaurs (their cursed cousins), but have bodies more akin to woodland fauns. They have the head, arms, and torso of a beautiful night elf woman, but the lower body of a fawn. They are swift and sure and are at peace with all of the children of the forest. Though they abhor unnecessary violence, the Dryads will defend the forests of the world with their lives if need be.

 

 

Background

Dryads, when first grown, stand at around 5'5". They first begin their lives as enchanted acorns, cared for and tended to by experienced druids who consider them sacred.  These druids whisper in various languages to the acorn to teach them about the world before they're grown, and at the first touch of water, sprout into their normal appearance in a matter of seconds. Once grown, they immediately imprint on the first person they see, meant to be a druid, who will teach them to control and utilize their powers for the good of nature. Dryads do not consume animal products, and instead enjoy various vegetables and fruits. They can converse with any living beings, such as bee hives, can grow plants at their will, and are largely immune to all forms of magic. Although they grow from an acorn, they do seem to have normal biology once done growing, as they're capable of bleeding.

Most dryads remain in the forests, frolicking with the animals, dancing in the rain, and occasionally bringing nature’s wrath onto their enemies. Some dryads, however, leave their forests and become adventurers. For some, encounters with hostile forces spark this desire — they wish to bring the fight to the enemies of nature. Others are curious about the world outside their forests, and wish to experience new environments and meet new beings. Other dryads and night elves see adventuring dryads as a bit less unusual than adventuring ancients. Dryads possess an innate streak of curiosity, after all. However, adventuring dryads are still branded as eccentrics who go against the natural tendencies of their kind. Dryads are peaceful watchers of the forest. While dryads are peaceful with all inhabitants of the forest, they can be fierce defenders against those who would do harm to nature.

 

 

Daughters of Cenarius (Night Elf Dryad) Traits

They are peaceful by nature and despise violence

One with the Forest

You can communicate with beasts and plants as if you shared a language.

Treebound Armor

Your spirit is magically bound to a tree, imbuing you with several tree-like aspects, including their durability. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 12 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Galloping Stride

Once on your turn, you can use 15 feet of your movement to gallop quickly to an unoccupied space within 50 feet of you. You can use this trait once, and regain it after a short or long rest.

Wild Vigor

A dryad’s magical nature and knowledge of painful and debilitating poisons makes her resilient to poison. You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage (explained in the “Combat” section).

You can use your reaction to give yourself advantage on one Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throw against magic. You regain the use of this trait after a short or long rest. In addition, you are considered a fey creature for the purposes of spells and traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 1, and your Charisma score increases by 2.

Age

It is not yet known what the maximum lifespan of a night elf dryad is. This firs born daughter is still alive and well. 

Alignment

Dryads are typically neutral. While dryads are peaceful with all inhabitants of the forest, they can be fierce defenders against those who would do harm to nature.

Size

Night Elf Dryads are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Dryad's Swiftness (Speed)

You move faster by leaping short distances. Your base walking speed is 35 feet. 

Ultravision (Darkvision)

Your night elf eyes give you superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Nature's Toxin

 Poison your target, dealing damage over time. Every 5 of your next turns roll a 1d4 to gain poison damage over time effect on the enemy.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish and Sylvan.