Homebrew Dryad Species Details

Nymphs are fey spirits that manifest from the beauty of the elemental forces of creation. There are many kinds of nymphs—dryads of the forests, naiads of the rivers, oreads of the mountains, aurae of the night sky, and nereids of the sea. They have walked the earth for millennia, ever since the Great Mother awakened them from the trees, waters, rocks, and breezes. Nymphs are most at home in nature, but they have been known to disguise themselves and live amongst mortals, for they are desperately curious about the civilized world. In spite of this, they often have a difficult time comprehending the day-to-day struggle of civilized existence. Their charms are such that they may inadvertently seduce and domesticate mortal ‘pets’ who see to their every need, leaving them somewhat puzzled by the ugliness and hardship that seems to pervade cities.

There was once a river running through the mountains. None can say which river or which mountains, for this was so long ago that the land has rolled and shifted so as to become unrecognizable in the time since. The mountains were blanketed in a soft powder of white snow, and as the snow melted, it crept along the ground and joined together into streams of water, which trickled along the rocks and formed a river. And the river coursed down through a forest, emptying into the ocean. So it went for eons. But then one day, the snow on the mountains had a thought. “Am I alike to the water in the streams?” And so also did the water in the river begin to wonder, “Am I alike to the roots of the trees?” They were curious, but it seemed that they would never know the answer, for just as the snow went to inspect the streams, it became the water, and just as the water went to inspect the trees, it became the roots. And so it went for eons. Eventually, the Great Mother herself became aware of these questions. Holding the world in her embrace, she felt the curiosity of the elements rippling and vibrating across its surface, anxious for answers. And so, she loosened her grip—just slightly. The rippling thoughts of the snow and the waters and the rocks and the trees took shape, and their shapes were beautiful, for they were curiosity made manifest. These were the first nymphs.

Nymphs are famed for their feminine charms, but they are not exclusively female. Some are awakened from the elements with a mix of masculine and feminine features, and others are quintessential specimens of male splendour. As fey creatures, nymphs like little less than to be nailed down by the crude shackles of mortal language. They come in as many shapes and forms as the earth itself. The only physical trait that all of them have in common is an awe-inspiring beauty.

Nymphs have an insatiable desire to learn as much as possible about both the natural and the civilized world. Because most have had eons to discover the splendor of nature, it is the civilized world that interests them the most. However, they are not usually very accustomed to mortal culture, and so they may think of men and women as interesting baubles to be collected and admired. Even civilized nymphs tend to cherish their friends and acquaintances as ‘pets’ to be manicured and proudly exhibited. They are not above bragging about their collection—or fighting with one another over their favourites.

Dryad Traits

Your intimate connection to nature has gifted you with abilities that call upon the many facets of the natural environment.

Ability Score Increase

You can increase one ability score by 2, and another by 1.

Age

Nymphs are born cocooned within some feature of their associated element. For example, dryads are usually born within trees, and nereids may be born within giant clamshells. Young nymphs sleep in their cocoon for up to one hundred years before emerging, fully mature. They can live for as long as one thousand years, although many choose to return to the elements once their curiosity about the world has been satisfied.

Size

Nymphs can come in all shapes and sizes, the wonders of nature are myriad. Your size is medium. Although your general form can be a wide variety of shapes, you always naturally  have the standard number of humanoid appendages.

Speed

You have a base walking speed of 30 feet.

Languages

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

Unearthly Beauty

You have proficiency in the Persuasion skill. Additionally, you can cast the charm person spell once with this trait without expending a spell slot, and regain the ability to do so in this way when you finish a short or long rest. You can also cast this spell using spell slots as normal. Charisma is your spell casting stat for this spell.

Dryad Ancestry

You are fluent in the languages of beasts and plants. You have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks in forested regions. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the Goodberry spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so after a long rest.

Starting at 5th level, you can cast the Protection From Poison spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so after a long rest. You can also cast these spells using spell slots are normal.

Natural Communication

You have proficiency in the Nature skill, and have the ability to verbally communicate simple ideas and concepts with plants and animals.