Daeyara

Backstory

Nobody is quite sure just how Daeyara, or her species, came to be. For that matter, nobody is quite sure exactly what her species is, other than a race of protectors born with the power to wield woodland magic. Some theorize that they were formed from trees, some say that they created themselves when the forest got out of hand. Of her kin, Daeyara is said to be the eldest, and most powerful, though nobody knows exactly when she was created, or born, or however they come into being. She herself will not say, though it's a mystery as to whether she knows or not. All of the forest will openly speculate, however, that she does indeed know. Who else would know, they say, other than her? She is their leader and solver of their conflicts, if they ever have them. The first, the wisest, the most powerful, but not detached.

The first that anyone remembers of her is when a long-forgotten human tribe was attempting to settle in the forest. They began plans to cut down the trees in wide swaths, burning the wood they couldn't use, and sent out numerous hunting parties that nearly wiped all woodland life out of the area. Just as the protectors of that area of the forest thought they would lose to this determined sect of settlers, Daeyara appeared. She turned the fire against them, commanding it to eat of the man-made houses before it touched the trees. Animals returned to the land in force, eating any crops that the humans might use to survive, while the more aggressive defended the water sources nearby. Within a week, she had made their lives so miserable that they had no choice but to leave, or die.

Since that day when she let her existence be known, Daeyara has become the de facto leader of the forest folk. Her camp is often the center of many gatherings, simply for the safety and prosperity that her presence provides. Many creatures, be they humanoid or animal, go to her for counsel, and even those from outside the forest will seek her guidance. She happily offers all of these, along with a good meal to those that come around. Many are surprised that these meals usually include meat, but as with most aspects of day-to-day life, Daeyara has found a way to turn it into a lesson. Even in something you protect, balance must remain. Taking a life is not something to be ashamed of, so long as nothing goes to waste and you don't take even one too many.