Dryad
Medium Fey · · CR 1
- Fey
- Medium
- Tier 1
Ranges across forest; Dryad lists at CR 1 as a medium fey (neutral). Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 1
- Type
- Fey
- Size
- Medium
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Forest
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Dryads inhabit ancient forests across temperate regions, each bound to a single oak, ash, or yew. The dryad cannot stray more than five miles from her tree without weakening, and harm to the tree harms her. She tends the surrounding grove, encouraging healthy growth, driving off blights, and shepherding deer and small fey. Her voice can soothe storms and her presence keeps lightning from striking nearby.
Behaviour
The dryad is shy, curious, and deeply protective of her tree and grove. She watches travelers from concealment for hours before revealing herself, judging their intent. She charms threats away rather than killing them, preserving the woodland's peace. She is fond of music, riddles, and gifts of honey or wine. She mistrusts axes, fire, and iron, and will weep over felled trees long after the lumberjack has left.
Origin
Dryads are born when a great tree, especially one tended for centuries by druids or fey, produces a sapling that holds an awakened spirit. The first sprouting from such a tree may take human-like form. Some traditions hold that dryads are reincarnated forest mothers, druids whose final breath wove their soul into bark. Each dryad's true name is the name of her tree, spoken in the old fey tongue.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Dryad
- What is the challenge rating of Dryad?
- Listed CR for Dryad: 1. Match it to a party that matches tier-1 encounter math.
- What type of creature is Dryad?
- The bestiary type for Dryad is fey, medium size.
- Where does Dryad live?
- The bestiary places Dryad in Forest.