Dryad

Source: The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial
Type: Powerful Fae Entity
Sentience: Yes

Physical Description

Dryads are female nature spirits who appear as beautiful humanoid beings with features that blend human and plant characteristics. They may have bark-like skin, leaves for hair, or other plant-like features. Their appearance often reflects the specific tree or grove they are connected to—an oak dryad might have darker, more rugged features, while a willow dryad might appear more graceful and flowing.

Dryads are demi-goddesses and daughters of Naiya, infused with the goddess's magic. They appear nigh-invulnerable and possess superhuman strength, though their physical form may not always reveal this power. Their eyes often reflect deep wisdom and an ancient connection to the natural world, but also a certain amoral quality—they are apex predators of the natural world.

Personality

Dryads are amoral beings deeply connected to the health of their respective trees and groves. They are not evil, but their morality is completely inhuman and unknowable to mortal minds. Dryads do not think the way humans do—their priorities, values, and understanding of right and wrong operate on principles that mortals cannot comprehend. They prioritize their groves and trees above all else, including human lives, but this is not cruelty or malice—it is simply how they are.

Their thought processes are complex and enigmatic, characteristic of high-level fae beings. They may interact with visitors to their groves in ways that seem friendly or inviting, but such interactions can lead to perilous outcomes. Dryads are apex predators, and while they may not actively hunt humans, they are not bound by human morality or compassion. To a dryad, a human life is neither more nor less valuable than that of a bird, a deer, or a tree—they exist outside the framework of human ethical understanding.

It is critical to remember: Dryads are not human and do not think like humans. Their actions, motivations, and decisions follow a logic that mortals cannot fully understand. Interacting with them requires accepting that their perspective is fundamentally alien.

Location

Dryads are found in deep forests, sacred groves, and areas with ancient trees. Each dryad is connected to a specific tree or grove, and they rarely venture far from their domain. The most powerful dryads are associated with the oldest and largest trees, particularly in areas where fae magic is strong.

They may be encountered when travelers venture into old-growth forests or sacred groves. Dryads are often territorial and protective of their domains, so encounters can be dangerous for those who do not respect the natural world or who threaten their trees.

Bond Tiers and Rewards

As a Druid's bond with a Dryad strengthens, they gain cumulative abilities and spells. Dryads focus on personal augmentation - strengthening the body and mind through the power of ancient trees.

Tier 1: Initial Bond (Minimum Level 1)

Special Ability: Barkskin Your skin hardens like bark. Your AC can't be less than 16, regardless of what armor you wear. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.

Granted Spells: Barkskin, Enhance Ability

Tier 2: Growing Bond

Special Ability: Arboreal Strength Your Strength score increases by 2, to a maximum of 20. You have advantage on Strength checks and saves.

Granted Spells: Aid, Protection from Energy

Tier 3: Strong Bond

Special Ability: Ironwood Body Once per day, you can gain temporary hit points equal to twice your Druid level. While you have these temp HP, you have resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.

Granted Spells: Stoneskin, Death Ward

Tier 4: Deep Bond

Special Ability: Forest Guardian Your Constitution score increases by 2, to a maximum of 20. You gain +20 maximum hit points and regenerate 5 HP at the start of your turn if you have at least 1 HP.

Granted Spells: Greater Restoration, Tree Stride

Spell Slot Bonuses

In addition to granted spells and special abilities, your Dryad patron grants bonus spell slots based on bond strength:

Tier 1: No bonus (baseline)
Tier 2: +1 spell slot at highest available level
Tier 3: +2 spell slots distributed across levels
Tier 4: +3 spell slots distributed across levels