Dryad

• Appearance: Plant-analogue
  • Bottom section consists of root-like legs allowing for mobility (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
  • Vine-like manipulator tentacles surround body a third up from the bottom (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
    • Tipped with three digits, used for fine manipulation (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
  • Top of structure mounted with a dish-like canopy, angled to follow the sun for energy (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
    • Dryad brain encircles the reservoir (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
• Sapient, in early stage of development (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
• Homeworld: Birnam (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
• Feeds via both photosynthesis and absorption of trampled plant matter through roots (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
• Collects rainwater in canopy to supplement liquid absorption through roots (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
• Lifecycle
  • Reproduction via ground spores (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
    • Planted in dedicated nurseries, cared for by adult dryads (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
  • Mobility after 10-20 years of development (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
  • Growth continuous through life, approximately 4-5cm per year (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
    • Average adult height of 10m (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
  • At 20-24m height, mass begins to become too great for mobility (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)
    • Such individuals travel to devoted groves, rooting to the ground for the remainder of their lives, tended to by mobile dryads (ENT Novel: Patterns of Interference)