Cordycep Dryad

Cordycep Dryads are found only in tropical climates, mainly located in the Southern continent. They live in jungles and rain forests, much like their Jungle Dryad sisters. Though they prefer wet, leafy environments, those are not the major factors that limit their habitat. Cordycep Dryads could literally live anywhere, as long as giant insects lived there as well. As one can obviously see, these Dryads live as parasites to giant insect species, with much focus on the Giant Ants. Their entire life cycle depends on these species, and the only way a Cordycep Dryad can even be born is if there is a suitable host. The whole process of reproduction is a very unpleasant one for the host species. First two Cordyceps must come together to pollinate and create a seed. The seed is regurgitated from the birthing mother, much like all other Dryad species. The main difference, though, is where the seed needs to be planted. Rather than being buried in the dirt, a Cordycep seed must be embedded in a host insect. The seeds are slender and almost knife-like in shape (which can't be comfortable when being puked up), which allows it to be stabbed into a host. Hunting down a host insect or using an already captured one, they will jab in the seed into the base of the neck, or wherever there is an exposed spot in their exoskeleton. Once embedded, the seed will instantly start to take root, shooting tendrils through the body in order to anchor it. Within minutes, the seed will become fully locked into the body, making removal impossible without killing the host. From there, the sapling will start to develop within the body, usually forming under the back exoskeleton of the thorax. During this process, the host is very much aware and alive. As the formation continues, though, the host will slowly begin to lose more and more control over their body. The tendrils of the sapling will start overriding the nervous system, and will seize control of the limbs. When close to birthing, the host has lost complete control over their body, and can only watch in horror as they are puppeteered. The sapling will drive the host to a safe place and finally emerge. Once out of the insect's body, they will grow larger, thicker roots that will jab themselves into the host's exoskeleton. This act is the final step of control, which gives them perfect use of the body, while also finally killing the host. From there, the Cordycep will grow in size and live out its life. Though small compared to other Dryads, they use the insect's body for all their work and movement, and will always be piggybacking off of the stolen exoskeleton.

The Cordycep itself is rather weak and fragile. The only defense their body has are sharp spikes that can deter attack, but besides that, they don't have much. Their small arms are about as strong as a toddlers, and their roots are permanently locked into place. All the real work and defense is done by the insect that they have assimilated. Though the host's mind is gone, the body still lives, an empty shell piloted by its parasitic driver. The insect keeps all the strengths and tools it had in its previous life. Cordyceps that grow off ants retain their immense strength, razor jaws and burning venom. All these are used to help defend the Cordycep and aid in their society.

Cordyceps live a nomadic lifestyle within the jungles, travelling in bands that search the jungle for prey and hosts. Cordyceps can photosynthesize like other Dryads, but they have another mouth to feed as well. They can transfer nutrients to the shell, but that is not nearly enough. They will use their shells to hunt down prey and devour them, feeding both mouths at the same time. Cordyceps hunt through ambush methods, dropping down from trees or erupting from the soil to snare prey.

Cordycep Dryads have the same cheer and optimism as other Dryads, but this attitude covers a brutal way of life. They will speak happily to one another, and be overjoyed to see fellow sisters, but their actions do not seem to match. They will rejoice over a good hunt, even as they rip the animal to pieces. They will go on and on about how happy they are to have a sapling, even as they hunt down hosts who try to flee. They do not really acknowledge the fact that they must kill in order to reproduce, and seem to just shrug it off as "that's life." In fact, they seem to get agitated or hostile when people raise an issue with their parasitic ways, or just question their methods in general. And with powerful insect bodies like that, it is not wise to anger them.  

I have had the chance to meet a band of Cordycep Dryads, and the whole visit was rather creepy. Especially since I had previously visited a Giant Ant colony months ago and made friends with the workers within. Nothing creeps you out more than seeing their mindless bodies move about, whatever life that lived within them now gone. The Cordyceps were happy to see me, and welcomed me into their ranks. They were quite excited to show me what they do on a day to day basis. Almost too happy. They seemed to boast about the strength their ant bodies had, showing them off like a child with a new toy. They took me on hunts and mercilessly slaughtered any prey they could catch. At one point they even pulled apart a tapir just to show me that they could. I also got to witness a planting and birthing of a seed, which was a very uncomfortable and horrible thing to watch. The ant they caught did not speak or scream, but its struggles gave away its fear. It fought as they pinned it down, and the whole time they were just gabbing and cheering. It was sickening. I had to excuse myself from the scene, which seemed to offend them. At that point, they must have realized I was not onboard with their lifestyle, and things started to get hostile. A few nights after that, I fled from their camp and put as much distance away from them as possible. I do not know if they tried to hunt me down, but I never saw the group again.

Of all the Dryads I have met, this species might be the only one that I will never visit again. Their attitude and actions are just...off. It is not the fact that they hunt and kill, no. Most Dryads are hunters and feed on prey, so that is not the problem. It was just the way they toyed with the things they caught, like it was some game. Ripping apart animals not just to feed, but to amuse themselves. I know Conifer Dryads can be brutal hunters too, but they do not inflict cruelty like this. They are quick and efficient, and thankful for what they can catch. Cordycep Dryads just seem to be like children who have the bodies of adults. Or toddlers with hammers. They have all this power, but zero discipline in how to use it. They do things because they can, even as it hurts others. They kill more prey than they can reasonably eat, all because it is fun. And when someone disagrees with them, or doesn't want to play, they get violent. Their strength is enough to pull foes apart, and their petty anger can easily cause unnecessary casualties. I am not the only Dryad that thinks this way about Cordyceps. In fact, most Dryad species are not a fan of Cordyceps. They clearly ignore our peaceful ways and don't seem to hold any care for meat-based beings. Our kind often forms bonds with other species, and we work together to make all our lives better. Cordyceps do not believe in that, only thinking about themselves. I do understand that they are a parasite that has a right to live like any others, but their attitude is what makes it seem all so wrong.

I mentioned before that Cordyceps could live anywhere there are giant insects to infest, and that is still true. They are not restricted to the jungles of the Southern Continent. They could easily travel north or across the seas to other continents and hunt down other insects to infect. They could then grow populations there, and quickly become a part of the ecosystem. Some may ask why they haven't already done that. Well the truth is, because we stop them. It is their own sisters who cease their advancements. A long time ago, other Dryad species in the area came together about the Cordyceps. They had realized that the species had failed to gain any idea of responsibility and restraint, and knew that the Cordyceps could easily spread elsewhere. They came to an agreement to work together to stop the Cordyceps from ever leaving the Southern Continent. Dryad villages were strategically placed by the borders of the land, where they could monitor any movements or traffic. Dryad hunters who go out for food also keep an eye out for the parasitic sisters. The ports that were close to Cordycep territory suddenly found themselves with a flood of Dryad workers who were eager to work at the docks. They do their jobs, but secretly keep an eye out for any Cordycep who comes up with the bright idea of stowing away. Even within the territory, some lone Dryads have partnered up with Giant Ant populations. They act as spies and scouts, looking for Cordycep movement and warning the colonies. With the right intel and numbers, Giant Ants can fight off the Cordyceps, and other Dryads do what they can to make sure they are victorious whenever an encounter occurs.  We are not looking to exterminate our sisters, or eliminate their populations, we just want to keep them in line.

As of right now, I do not believe that the Cordyceps are aware of the fact that we are working against them. They are rather simple and don't seem to really put much thought into record keeping or history. Any time they come across the border towns, we use lies and deception to turn them around and send them back. Any meeting with a Cordycep is done with false cheer and joy, as we hide our true motives and pretend to be fine with their lifestyle. Cordyceps at the docks are pushed back into the jungle, or quietly removed. If we are forced to eliminate an individual, we do so quickly and quietly. It is not an easy task, nor something we enjoy, but we do it for the sake of others. And it is for the sake of everyone that our actions and plots against them remain secret. I cannot imagine what would happen if the Cordyceps caught wind of our betrayal. All I know is that it wouldn't be good. For any of us.

Perhaps the day will come when Cordycep Dryads become aware of their actions and take the responsibility that we Dryads have put upon ourselves. If they could remember the past and remember our vows, than maybe we can come to an agreement. There could be a time when we remove these restrictions and schemes, and allow the Cordyceps to govern themselves. To me, that day seems very far off. And until then, we must continue our work. 

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian 

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Well this got oddly dark as I was writing this. I drew these guys thinking they were adorable, but as I was writing, things took a dark turn. Didn't mean for it to go that way.