Forest DryadHow it works & interactions with other cards

What is a Forest Dryad?

A Forest Dryad is a 1/1 green token with the subtypes Forest and Dryad. Because it has the Forest subtype, it inherently possesses the ability '{T}: Add {G}.' It is both a land and a creature simultaneously, meaning it counts toward your land count and your creature count for any effects that check for those types.

How it Resolves and Summons

When an effect creates a Forest Dryad, it enters the battlefield like any other permanent. Crucially, because it is a creature, it is subject to summoning sickness. You cannot tap it for mana or attack with it during the turn it enters unless you give it haste. Additionally, because it is a land, it counts as a Forest for cards that care about land counts or specific basic land types.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is forgetting that Forest Dryads are vulnerable to anything that targets creatures. While they provide mana, they can be destroyed by a 'destroy target creature' spell or a board wipe like a sorcery that deals damage to all creatures. Another mistake is trying to play them as your 'land for turn'; these are tokens created by spells and abilities, not cards played from your hand.

When to Play Forest Dryad Generators

Generate these tokens when you need to ramp your mana pool for future turns or when you need a wide board state to overwhelm an opponent. They are especially effective in decks that reward you for controlling high numbers of Forests or land creatures.

Interaction examples

Ramping with the Woods

Awaken the WoodsLlanowar Elves

You cast Awaken the Woods with X=5. You create five 1/1 Forest Dryad tokens. While your Llanowar Elves can tap for mana immediately if they were already on the field, the new Forest Dryads cannot tap for {G} until your next turn due to summoning sickness.

Empowering the Ancient

Jyoti, Moag Ancient

If you have cast your commander twice this game, Jyoti, Moag Ancient enters and creates two Forest Dryad tokens. At the beginning of combat, Jyoti's ability triggers, giving both Forest Dryad land creatures +X/+X based on Jyoti's power, turning your mana sources into formidable attackers.

Scaling the Staff

Staff of Titania

You equip a creature with Staff of Titania. If you control five basic Forests and two Forest Dryad tokens, the equipped creature gets +7/+7 because the tokens have the Forest subtype. When the creature attacks, you create another Forest Dryad, further increasing the power bonus for the next combat.

Doubling the Harvest

Autumn Willow, Harmony

With Autumn Willow, Harmony on the battlefield, you tap a Forest Dryad for mana. Because the Dryad is a land creature, Autumn Willow's triggered ability fires, adding an additional {G} to your mana pool for a total of two green mana.