Dryads
~~~~~~

Dryads are tree-spirits, akin to elementals. They are magical beings who
dwell in trees and can assume aspects of different trees in combat. The
Forest of Loren is one of the last refuges of these beings. They are
not small creatures, and can be about twice as high as a man (or elf).

Wood Elves, inhabiting the forest of Loren, are careful to placate
these spirits. Sometimes, dryads who have not turned to evil ways may
even help the Wood Elves, especially to defend their forest home. One
thing is certain, Dryads will defend their homes to the death, and
have no love of Dwarves and killers of trees. (In a Roleplay scenario,
dryads are more likely to trust Wood Elves [and any other race living
"close to the earth"] than anyone else. They particularly will not trust
anyone carrying an axe or other tree-felling device).


Movement:               5
Weapon Skill:           4
Ballistic Skill:        4+
Strength:               4
Toughness:              4
Armour:                 0
Wounds:                 15
Initiative:             4
Attacks:                2
Damage Dice:            2d6
Official Gold:          350 (using the WFB*10 system)
Suggested Gold:         550 (more realistic, I think!)

Special Rules:

When used in wooded areas, Dryads suffer no penalties for moving through
woods.

Shapeshifting: Every turn, the Dryads assume the aspect of a different
tree. To determine which tree-aspect the Dryad takes (if a group of
Dryads is in combat, all Dryads assume the same aspect), roll on the
following table *at the beginning of the turn* (ie just after the
power phase):

1-2:    Birch aspect:
        The Dryads take on a silvery-white appearance like birch trees,
        with a mass of delicate yellow-green or tawny yellow foliage
        for hair. They are extremely vicious and spiteful and lash the
        foe with their long fingers which cut into the flesh. The Dryads
        gain 1 attack when wearing this aspect.

3-4:    Oak aspect:
        The Dryads are more resilient to wounds, and generally more
        robust, while wearing the oak aspect. They assume a green and
        brown skin, and their limbs thicken. Their hair becomes a mass
        of oak leaves and acorns. They gain +1 Strength and +1 Toughness.

5-6:    Willow aspect:
        Their skin turns green and their hair grows extremely long
        and yellowish-green, hanging around them like the leaves of a
        weeping-willow tree. Their fingers extend into incredibly long,
        whip-like willow twigs. They entwine their fingers around their
        foe and grip his weapon making it difficult for him to wield
        it at all. Anyone fighting a Dryad in this aspect therefore
        suffers -2 to hit and requires a dice roll 1 higher to escape
        from pinning. Note that if the warrior has an automatic escape,
        he now requires 2+.