Half-dryads are the fey-touched children of a dryad mother and a humanoid father--typically elven or human--who shared a deep bond with the forest. These rare offspring inherit much of their mother's mystical connection to nature, tempered by the adaptability and curiosity of their mortal parent. Though physically similar to half-elves, half-dryads display subtle floral or arboreal traits. They may display features reminiscent of their sylvan heritage, such as bark-like patches on their skin or subtle blossoms in their hair.
Many find themselves irresistibly drawn to woodland communities, serving as herbalists, protectors, or storytellers rooted in the rhythms of the wild. They feel most at home in woodland realms, where they nurture and protect life with an intuitive empathy born of nature itself.
While some half-dryads split time between two worlds, others remain nomadic stewards of the forests. They can be as fiercely protective of woodlands as a dryad, yet flexible enough to walk comfortably among city dwellers. Over their unusually long lives, they gather knowledge of the land and cultivate bonds with woodland creatures, bridging the gap between civilization and untamed wilderness.
The bond between half-dryads and the forest extends beyond mere fondness. Their connection often manifests as magical abilities derived from their dryad bloodline. While rarely as powerful as a full dryad, they can charm creatures with a single glance, move between trees, and commune with plants and beasts--all echoing the gifts of their arboreal ancestry.
Half-dryads closely resemble elves or humans but may have
subtly barked patches on their shoulders, forearms, or
cheeks. Their hair will often interweave twigs, delicate
leaves, or small flowers. Light and momentary green or brown
tints color their skin, while their eyes often display warm,
earthy shades. They carry a quiet, mystical air, exuding
gentle confidence that puts many at ease. A half-dryad's
presence is often described as both ethereal and comforting.
Though their upbringing varies (some remain with dryad mothers for a couple of formative years, others are raised entirely among mortal kin), half-dryads almost always develop a reverence for the natural world. They tend to favor professions that keep them close to the land -- herbalists, rangers, druids, or traveling minstrels. Surviving within dense woodlands or fey-touched glades feels second nature to them, and they often serve as mediators or protectors when conflict arises on the forest's edge.
While many half-dryads can "pass" for slightly exotic half-elves, others may manifest more dramatic aspects: small wooden horns, permanent vine-like tattoos, or blossoms that regrow each morning. Their clothing styles often mix elven or human fashions with organic accents (e.g., feathers, bark fibers, pressed petals) celebrating the union of civilization and wild. Some half-dryads wrestle with conflicting instincts: the mortal desire for progress and ambition versus the fey call to preserve and revere the ancient woods.
Their names reflect their dual heritage, a blend of the melodic, nature-inspired tones of their dryad lineage and the grounded traditions of their mortal parentage. Names such as Sylthara, Aelwyn, or Thalora evoke the soothing rustle of leaves, while darker, more powerful names like Vorynthil or Zynarra hint at fey beings who have embraced their mystical might or even darker ambitions. Often, their names are compound, rolling off the tongue like a gentle breeze or an ancient chant, with fragments drawn from their connection to forests, rivers, and the magic of life itself.
Whether serving as guardians of sacred groves or weaving through cities as wandering emissaries of the natural world, half-dryads carry names that resonate with their essence. From Eryndril, evoking a peaceful protector of woodland sanctuaries, to Faelorn, a name steeped in ancient sorrow and hidden power, their titles are as varied as their paths. These names not only identify them but tell a story, each syllable carrying a whisper of the trees, the wind, and the fey magic that shapes their existence.
You may visit the Book of Names for Half-Dryads to see an unlimited variety of appropriately themed names.
If you are playing with species or racial-based ability score modifiers, your Charisma score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.
You are a Humanoid.
Half-dryads mature slowly, reaching adulthood around the age of 30. Their lifespans often exceed 200 years, with some living well beyond 250, granted longevity by their fey bloodline.
Half-dryads usually range between 5 and 6 feet tall, with weights varying based on their paternal heritage. Your size is Medium.
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Accustomed to forest shade and dappled moonlit glades, 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 cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.
You gain expertise in the Nature skill (double your proficiency bonus for Nature checks). You also gain proficiency in Survival and Stealth. When you make a Survival or Stealth check in forests or similar natural woodland environments, you may add double your proficiency bonus instead of your normal proficiency if you don't already have expertise in those skills. Finally, gain proficiency in one additional skill, musical instrument, or tool of your choice.
You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, Sylvan, and one extra language of your choice. Half-dryads have the druidic cant as an allowed language even if they are not a druid as long as their background overlaps with the forest.
Your ancestry grants you access to certain magical abilities as you increase in level. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells (spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier).
Once per long rest, you may call upon simple woodland creatures for aid. This requires an audible call. For the next hour, 1d4 tiny forest creatures (such as squirrels, small birds, small groundhogs, or similar tiny beasts) arrive within 10 minutes. They remain friendly to you and will follow simple instructions.
Your Dryadic lineage has a powerful bond with nature. Full
Dryads have many abilities. Your magical abilities overflow
with natural health. The following characteristics may apply
to you if you choose:
Once you reach 9th level, you gain the ability to tree stride. Once per long rest, you may use 10 feet of your movement to step magically into a living tree within 5 feet of you and emerge from another living tree of the same size or larger within 30 feet. You appear in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the second tree. Both trees must be Medium or larger.