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More on Dryads
Dryads and hamadryads are two types of
wood nymphs in Greek mythology. These
female nature spirits were thought to inhabit
trees and forests, and they were especially
fond of oak trees. Dryads were often
depicted in myth and art accompanied
-- or being pursued by - their male
counterparts, the satyrs. Physically, most
Dryads could be mistaken for Elves. They
are larger than Elves, both broader and
taller, and decidedly more proportioned
-- Dryads are VERY female. Beyond that,
little can be said. There are as many
varieties of Dryads as there are species of
Trees (and even Mushrooms), but certain
types of Dryads are especially
representative of the Race, and are
certainly the most common. There are
large numbers of Oak, Pine, Apple, Maple
and Thorn Dryads. The Alliance of a Dryad
depends on the tree they associate with. All
Dryads are spiritually linked to a certain Tree - their HomeTree. Dryads are
not Immortal, like most Faeries, but live only as long as their HomeTree. This
would be a much greater vulnerability were it not for Savantic disapproval of
deforestation. As is, Dryads don't die accidentally. Dryads maintain an
ExtraMythic Space associated with their HomeTree. They can at any time
walk into their HomeTree, passing from visibility with no obvious door or
Gate. Inside this Space they are utterly unreachable, though not invulnerable,
the HomeTree can still be assaulted. Dryads can bring others into their Space,
though this is tiring.
HomeTrees are connected with the Worldstree. When a Dryad reaches the
end of her Hajj, she finds that the Worldstree gives her access to her own
personal Space, and, once Inside, she may thereafter exit from either her
HomeTree or the Worldstree. This is not an Instant Easy Teleport. Entering
from HomeTree and existing Worldstree (and vice versa) is very fatiguing and
loses quite a bit of Time, though its passage is not experienced. Naturally, quite
a few Dryads are Savants. The fact that they can pop in and out of Worldstree
at any familiar point is very Handy, and naturally they have an interest in
protecting the Environs.
Dryads can be classified by both the type of tree they represent and the region
they inhabit. The Dryads of Treesland are best known, and are used as
stereotypes. Oak and Apple Dryads often have their trees in the middle of cities,
and are treated as normal residents. The Maple and Birch Dryads prefer
isolation and quiet for their Gray Elven lovers. Yew Dryads are found high in
the Mountains. They are often ancient, thousands of years old, but still coldly
beautiful. The small plum-like fruits of the Yew tree are poisonous, as are the
lips of the Yew Dryad. Juniper Dryads, which are not poisonous but merely very
bitter, are also found in the same areas. Witch Hazels are so named for their late
season flowers, which often persist into cold Twilight, and for their seeds, which
after ripening for a year are literally shot out of the capsules by a pneumatic
process. Witch Hazels are are at their most alluring in the coldest times, when
other temperate Dryads are asleep.
There are Thorn Dryads everywhere. Birch Dryads are elegant Ladies, with
perfect pale gray skin. They live in groves, and conduct seasonal dances to
which they invite Faun suitors, courtly affairs that are very much a part of
society. The Maple Dryads that live in the more rustic areas match their sisters'
elegance with simple enthusiasm (and flaming colors) - they are sweet and
earthy. Pine Dryads are Evergreens and Conifers, and thus prospers in colder
regions. Pine Dryads are strong and independent women who keep to themselves,
but nurture secret loves. Pine Dryads are found in all mountainous areas. Oak
Dryads are the stereotypical Dryads who go through their Seasonal colors. There
are also Apple and Plum Dryads in the temperate zones, replaced by Citrus trees
in hotter climes. Apple Dryads are notorious moonshiners, and are often lushes
and harlots. Thus they win the love of Fauns and Centaurs, who frequent their
shady groves. Myrtle Dryads are the flowertrees of the temperate and tropic
zones. They are blessed with selective memories - each bloom the Dryad well
and truly forgets all of her previous lovers, and becomes a delicate Virgin again.
They are often called Belles and Tulips. The Most Ancient Trees are the
Redwoods, which grow in the temperate rainforests. Redwives are noble and
immensely wise, but fragile. They must be treated as if they are sacred, at all
times, hands off. Redwives order the world by ordering their husbands, who
are often Elves of great power and position.
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