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Description
When it comes to different classes of magic, their image and reputation is almost more widely known then their actual abilities. The common layperson may not know the true extent of a pyromancer's skills, but they will confidently say that they are hotheaded individuals with a passion for arson. It often does not matter what these magic users can bring to the table, as the public image of their group easily glosses over these benefits. A necromancer may be able to summon the spirits of murdered victims to help track down a vicious killer, but such details will not save them from being run out of every town they visit. These views are not exclusive to human magic, as other races deal with the same exact phenomenon. In dryad society, the art of Lichenmorphy took a huge hit after the reign of the Yellow Queen. The cruelties and deaths that came from her magic caused many dryads to fear this art and wonder if another would take her place. In time, however, these views came to pass, but not all magic classes are so lucky. While the Lichenmorphists regrew in popularity, the Gall Hags have yet to see such a bounce back, and many believe they never will.

While the title of "Gall Hag" is widely used amongst all species, it is not the true name of this magic class. The actual name of these magic users is "Entomatr," a more fitting and dignifying title than the one the public has given them. Though Entomatres fight to have this name used more commonly, the masses have, unfortunately, made up their minds.

The powers of the Gall Hags come mainly from insects, though their art can delve into other small organisms. They utilize something they call "Swarm Magic" to communicate and control a multitude of bugs. This is achieved through magically altered chemicals and pheromones that their bodies create and release, using them to guide these insects with surprising precision. Despite their ease in summoning swarms on command, these acts are not created on the spot. Gall Hags can only control insects or other organisms that they have studied and attuned themselves to. They must encounter these creatures and become knowledgeable in every aspect of them. To do this, it requires a long time of observing, which can include touching, smelling and occasionally tasting. It is not uncommon to see a Gall Hag toss a new bug species into their mouth for a quick taste, releasing it unharmed after they have gotten "all the flavors figured out." This intensive study is necessary, as it is how they adapt their magic to best communicate with the particular species. How long these study sessions last and how efficient they are depends upon the expertise of the Gall Hag. Beginners to the craft will spend days learning the ins and outs of one specific species, while an expert can inspect one specimen for a few minutes and then fluently communicate with that species and others that are closely related to it.

Though their ability to summon and control swarms of insects is impressive, it is not the only thing Gall Hags are famous for. The way they incorporate their art into their bodies is astonishing to some and utterly repulsive to quite a few more. Since their magic relies on knowledge of specific insects and a healthy population to control, these magic users have decided that the most efficient way to keep these things handy is to carry them on their own person. They willingly allow their bodies to become hives and nests for a multitude of species, as it keeps their attunement strong and their companions close at hand. Through both the efforts of their guests and their magic, they shape their bodies to best host these colonies. Flesh is expanded and hardened, cysts are formed and many other bodily functions are altered to insure that the newcomers have the best setup while minimizing the harm that comes to the willing host. As their career in this art continues and their powers grow, it soon gets hard to tell the dryad from the hive, as they have allowed their bodies to be fully consumed by the multitude of minions. Newcomers to the art will often carry their own insects in bottles, pouches or travel-sized hives, but "true" practitioners of this magic scoff at this half-hearted devotion and claim that infestation is the only way to truly understand. Though the sight of a full-fledged Gall Hag may be unsettling to quite a few dryads, it is a process that is painless and also beneficial in some regards. With a living hive built into their flesh, Gall Hags can summon helpers in an instant and will rarely be caught unarmed. With them becoming one with these colonies, these bugs can now serve as their eyes and ears, giving them the ability to perceive everything around them and making ambush nearly impossible. With the more bugs that live in their body, the less the dryad has to rely on orally consuming nutrients, as their body can nourish itself on food the hives gather themselves, the carcasses of fallen brethren and the waste their insects may defecate. These colonies can also serve as personal defense against both outside attackers and internal health issues. Diseases, parasites and unwanted infections can be warded off by the help of these insects, and they can alert their host if something is amiss. Though gnarled and feeble looking, Gall Hags can live longer than their fellow sisters, though some may wonder if it is worth it for such a cost.

With swarms at their side and in their bodies, the abilities of the Gall Hags are quite interesting. The most obvious use of this power is to summon legions of biting and stinging insects to scare off foes, but its uses do not stop there. Attuned to their fellow brethren, they can send individuals out to scout the area or spy on foes, giving them crucial information with hardly any worry of detection. Others rarely think twice about the annoying fly or the cluster of pestering gnats, unaware that these could be listening in to their conversations and plans. Even non-violent insects can be of use, as a swarm of locusts against a field of crops can diminish the resources of a settlement, causing long-lasting damage throughout a siege or invasion. While Gall Hags have their powers focused on insects and other creepy crawlies, they are able to use them to take advantage of other vectors. Such creatures are capable of carrying diseases and fungus, and the Gall Hags take full advantage of such a thing. Spreading plague through a populace or wilt through a farm field is possible, all they need are the right bugs and the right materials. This is also why Gall Hags tend to have fungal infections on their bodies, as this is another welcome invader that they have wrangled with the help of their insect roommates. By carrying a multitude of species in their bodies, the possibilities can be endless. The discovery of a new species is monumental to a Gall Hag, and they will be quick to incorporate it into their bodies once they find a use for them.

Though the list of powers mentioned above focus upon war and sabotage, the role of the Gall Hags are often not meant for violence. It is believed that these magic users first came to be for helping purposes, only incorporated into combat once their potential was realized. In a dryad settlement, a Gall Hag can bring many benefits. Their knowledge can be used to combat disease and parasites that may plague their sisters, and carrying the right predator species can help devour pests that attack homes and crops. At times these magic users were called "Blight Eaters" as they often found that the best way to rid another dryad of fungus or parasite is presenting themselves as a better option. One could watch as the infection or infestation literally crawled out of their bodies and attached itself to the Gall Hag instead. Though they now carried this sickness, their bodies were quite capable of containing it or taming it when needed. Studies and experiments with specific insects also allows Gall Hags to breed and design their own species, creating a whole variety of new helpers. They can make new pollinators for a failing crop, harmless burrowers to check on the health of trees and dryads alike, fast fliers for speedy messages and observation, rapid growing grubs for a new, quick food source and much more. For anyone in need, the local Gall Hag can provide, and many towns can benefit from their abilities. Despite this, one will rarely find one of these magic users in the settlement. Instead you will have to seek them out in the wilds, where they live as hermits. Turns out that while folk love the bounty Gall Hags can create, very rarely does anyone actually want to see them.

Non-dryads tend to describe the Gall Hags as "dryad witches," or "the witchcraft of dryad magic." These comparisons, however, are quite faulty, as the magic class of witchcraft is not contained to only humans. Due to witches drawing their powers and spells from potions and brews instead of internal energy, any individual of any race is capable of becoming a witch. Even then, the Venoness are a more fitting comparison, as they use concoctions and toxic brews to fuel their own magic, much like a witch. Though technically a false statement, there is a reason behind the comparison. The similarities are not between their magic abilities, but instead are between the reputations and stigmas both classes are given. Though Gall Hags can use their powers to heal and help, many dryads are terrified and disgusted by these magic users. The sight of them alone is repulsive to many, and the idea of having insects burrow through one's flesh is horrifying. Since they tend to carry a multitude of pests, parasites and diseases in their bodies, many settlements view them as walking plagues. If a Gall Hag is nearby and a business is suddenly besieged by flies and roaches, the blame is quick to fall on the traveling hive. Any sudden bouts of sickness and infestation will result in the local Gall Hag being immediately accused, and healing this will rarely mitigate the damage. Due to their infested bodies, Gall Hags are often banned from the sacred burial groves. They cannot visit these places or be buried there, in fear of their nasty collection getting out and infesting the area. Some places may allow one to be buried there if they agree for their bodies to be dipped in a powerful poison to kill off these internal insects prior to burial, but most Gall Hags view this concept as the ultimate betrayal. They would rather let their carcass fall on the barren rock than murder their friends in such a heartless fashion.

Due to this treatment, many Gall hags are recluses who prefer to be alone with their insect friends. A nice little home out in the middle of nowhere is just fine for them, as long as there are plenty of bugs around. Some may be nomadic, traveling from place to place in order to find work and new species to study. The deeper they delve into this art, the more they fall away from socializing with others. Be it dryads or non-dryads, they don't find much interest in them, as they are noisy, whiny and quite judgmental. Talk with a Gall Hag and you will find them to be quite distracted during the conversation, often talking aloud to somebody else or busy checking on the status of their numerous colonies. Those who disrespects their hives or kills insects in their company will quickly earn their ire, resulting in you getting thrown out or attacked by a furious swarm. Most of the time it is best to leave a note at the door if you desire their help, as the Gall Hag will probably appreciate not being bothered. They will help if you can pay or provide suitable compensation, just keep the useless conversation to a minimum and don't stress out their hives.

Though a good chunk of Gall Hags can be shy and reclusive, there are those out there who have used their art for darker purposes. Though few in number, their atrocities are one of the stronger reasons why dryads fear the Gall Hags. It is the same story for the witches, as their healing and aid is overshadowed by those who have grown vengeful and cruel. The same abilities that can pull disease from one's body and provide food for many can also be used for horrific things. Tales of voracious black rot, limb-eating termites, mind-controlling wasps, lobotomizing weevils and disfiguring beetles can be found in tomes of the past, stories of fiction and minds of the paranoid. Which of these tales are fact or fiction is unknown, but very few wish to find out. Rumors and scary stories of twisted Gall Hags can be found in many villages, often whispered in the dark. Some claim that there are wealthy Floral Dryad families who have Gall Hags in their employ. They use these infested creatures to spy on other families, sabotage competitors, keep themselves youthful and occasionally carve out the pesky thinky parts of their servants and prisoners to make them more obedient. Gall Hags often show up in spooky tales for saplings, used like an evil witch to prey upon the naughty and misbehaving. Those that turn vicious may target dryad, human or anyone that angers them. Why this happens is always up to debate, and many never know even after the wretched creature is burned to ash. Some claim it is the bugs devouring their brain and driving them mad, while others suggest that they grow so fond of their colonies that they cease to view dryads and others as equals. Perhaps the hate and fear they face everyday may have caused them to snap, but such an idea is often hushed. No one ever wants to take credit for making the monsters that haunt their nightmares.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Man, I am posting a lot of green stuff as of recently. I got to add some new colors to some of these things! Also, here is another dryad magic class! This is probably an icky one for a lot of folk, but it was an idea I couldn't pass up!

Description
When it comes to different classes of magic, their image and reputation is almost more widely known then their actual abilities. The common layperson may not know the true extent of a pyromancer's skills, but they will confidently say that they are hotheaded individuals with a passion for arson. It often does not matter what these magic users can bring to the table, as the public image of their group easily glosses over these benefits. A necromancer may be able to summon the spirits of murdered victims to help track down a vicious killer, but such details will not save them from being run out of every town they visit. These views are not exclusive to human magic, as other races deal with the same exact phenomenon. In dryad society, the art of Lichenmorphy took a huge hit after the reign of the Yellow Queen. The cruelties and deaths that came from her magic caused many dryads to fear this art and wonder if another would take her place. In time, however, these views came to pass, but not all magic classes are so lucky. While the Lichenmorphists regrew in popularity, the Gall Hags have yet to see such a bounce back, and many believe they never will.

While the title of "Gall Hag" is widely used amongst all species, it is not the true name of this magic class. The actual name of these magic users is "Entomatr," a more fitting and dignifying title than the one the public has given them. Though Entomatres fight to have this name used more commonly, the masses have, unfortunately, made up their minds.

The powers of the Gall Hags come mainly from insects, though their art can delve into other small organisms. They utilize something they call "Swarm Magic" to communicate and control a multitude of bugs. This is achieved through magically altered chemicals and pheromones that their bodies create and release, using them to guide these insects with surprising precision. Despite their ease in summoning swarms on command, these acts are not created on the spot. Gall Hags can only control insects or other organisms that they have studied and attuned themselves to. They must encounter these creatures and become knowledgeable in every aspect of them. To do this, it requires a long time of observing, which can include touching, smelling and occasionally tasting. It is not uncommon to see a Gall Hag toss a new bug species into their mouth for a quick taste, releasing it unharmed after they have gotten "all the flavors figured out." This intensive study is necessary, as it is how they adapt their magic to best communicate with the particular species. How long these study sessions last and how efficient they are depends upon the expertise of the Gall Hag. Beginners to the craft will spend days learning the ins and outs of one specific species, while an expert can inspect one specimen for a few minutes and then fluently communicate with that species and others that are closely related to it.

Though their ability to summon and control swarms of insects is impressive, it is not the only thing Gall Hags are famous for. The way they incorporate their art into their bodies is astonishing to some and utterly repulsive to quite a few more. Since their magic relies on knowledge of specific insects and a healthy population to control, these magic users have decided that the most efficient way to keep these things handy is to carry them on their own person. They willingly allow their bodies to become hives and nests for a multitude of species, as it keeps their attunement strong and their companions close at hand. Through both the efforts of their guests and their magic, they shape their bodies to best host these colonies. Flesh is expanded and hardened, cysts are formed and many other bodily functions are altered to insure that the newcomers have the best setup while minimizing the harm that comes to the willing host. As their career in this art continues and their powers grow, it soon gets hard to tell the dryad from the hive, as they have allowed their bodies to be fully consumed by the multitude of minions. Newcomers to the art will often carry their own insects in bottles, pouches or travel-sized hives, but "true" practitioners of this magic scoff at this half-hearted devotion and claim that infestation is the only way to truly understand. Though the sight of a full-fledged Gall Hag may be unsettling to quite a few dryads, it is a process that is painless and also beneficial in some regards. With a living hive built into their flesh, Gall Hags can summon helpers in an instant and will rarely be caught unarmed. With them becoming one with these colonies, these bugs can now serve as their eyes and ears, giving them the ability to perceive everything around them and making ambush nearly impossible. With the more bugs that live in their body, the less the dryad has to rely on orally consuming nutrients, as their body can nourish itself on food the hives gather themselves, the carcasses of fallen brethren and the waste their insects may defecate. These colonies can also serve as personal defense against both outside attackers and internal health issues. Diseases, parasites and unwanted infections can be warded off by the help of these insects, and they can alert their host if something is amiss. Though gnarled and feeble looking, Gall Hags can live longer than their fellow sisters, though some may wonder if it is worth it for such a cost.

With swarms at their side and in their bodies, the abilities of the Gall Hags are quite interesting. The most obvious use of this power is to summon legions of biting and stinging insects to scare off foes, but its uses do not stop there. Attuned to their fellow brethren, they can send individuals out to scout the area or spy on foes, giving them crucial information with hardly any worry of detection. Others rarely think twice about the annoying fly or the cluster of pestering gnats, unaware that these could be listening in to their conversations and plans. Even non-violent insects can be of use, as a swarm of locusts against a field of crops can diminish the resources of a settlement, causing long-lasting damage throughout a siege or invasion. While Gall Hags have their powers focused on insects and other creepy crawlies, they are able to use them to take advantage of other vectors. Such creatures are capable of carrying diseases and fungus, and the Gall Hags take full advantage of such a thing. Spreading plague through a populace or wilt through a farm field is possible, all they need are the right bugs and the right materials. This is also why Gall Hags tend to have fungal infections on their bodies, as this is another welcome invader that they have wrangled with the help of their insect roommates. By carrying a multitude of species in their bodies, the possibilities can be endless. The discovery of a new species is monumental to a Gall Hag, and they will be quick to incorporate it into their bodies once they find a use for them.

Though the list of powers mentioned above focus upon war and sabotage, the role of the Gall Hags are often not meant for violence. It is believed that these magic users first came to be for helping purposes, only incorporated into combat once their potential was realized. In a dryad settlement, a Gall Hag can bring many benefits. Their knowledge can be used to combat disease and parasites that may plague their sisters, and carrying the right predator species can help devour pests that attack homes and crops. At times these magic users were called "Blight Eaters" as they often found that the best way to rid another dryad of fungus or parasite is presenting themselves as a better option. One could watch as the infection or infestation literally crawled out of their bodies and attached itself to the Gall Hag instead. Though they now carried this sickness, their bodies were quite capable of containing it or taming it when needed. Studies and experiments with specific insects also allows Gall Hags to breed and design their own species, creating a whole variety of new helpers. They can make new pollinators for a failing crop, harmless burrowers to check on the health of trees and dryads alike, fast fliers for speedy messages and observation, rapid growing grubs for a new, quick food source and much more. For anyone in need, the local Gall Hag can provide, and many towns can benefit from their abilities. Despite this, one will rarely find one of these magic users in the settlement. Instead you will have to seek them out in the wilds, where they live as hermits. Turns out that while folk love the bounty Gall Hags can create, very rarely does anyone actually want to see them.

Non-dryads tend to describe the Gall Hags as "dryad witches," or "the witchcraft of dryad magic." These comparisons, however, are quite faulty, as the magic class of witchcraft is not contained to only humans. Due to witches drawing their powers and spells from potions and brews instead of internal energy, any individual of any race is capable of becoming a witch. Even then, the Venoness are a more fitting comparison, as they use concoctions and toxic brews to fuel their own magic, much like a witch. Though technically a false statement, there is a reason behind the comparison. The similarities are not between their magic abilities, but instead are between the reputations and stigmas both classes are given. Though Gall Hags can use their powers to heal and help, many dryads are terrified and disgusted by these magic users. The sight of them alone is repulsive to many, and the idea of having insects burrow through one's flesh is horrifying. Since they tend to carry a multitude of pests, parasites and diseases in their bodies, many settlements view them as walking plagues. If a Gall Hag is nearby and a business is suddenly besieged by flies and roaches, the blame is quick to fall on the traveling hive. Any sudden bouts of sickness and infestation will result in the local Gall Hag being immediately accused, and healing this will rarely mitigate the damage. Due to their infested bodies, Gall Hags are often banned from the sacred burial groves. They cannot visit these places or be buried there, in fear of their nasty collection getting out and infesting the area. Some places may allow one to be buried there if they agree for their bodies to be dipped in a powerful poison to kill off these internal insects prior to burial, but most Gall Hags view this concept as the ultimate betrayal. They would rather let their carcass fall on the barren rock than murder their friends in such a heartless fashion.

Due to this treatment, many Gall hags are recluses who prefer to be alone with their insect friends. A nice little home out in the middle of nowhere is just fine for them, as long as there are plenty of bugs around. Some may be nomadic, traveling from place to place in order to find work and new species to study. The deeper they delve into this art, the more they fall away from socializing with others. Be it dryads or non-dryads, they don't find much interest in them, as they are noisy, whiny and quite judgmental. Talk with a Gall Hag and you will find them to be quite distracted during the conversation, often talking aloud to somebody else or busy checking on the status of their numerous colonies. Those who disrespects their hives or kills insects in their company will quickly earn their ire, resulting in you getting thrown out or attacked by a furious swarm. Most of the time it is best to leave a note at the door if you desire their help, as the Gall Hag will probably appreciate not being bothered. They will help if you can pay or provide suitable compensation, just keep the useless conversation to a minimum and don't stress out their hives.

Though a good chunk of Gall Hags can be shy and reclusive, there are those out there who have used their art for darker purposes. Though few in number, their atrocities are one of the stronger reasons why dryads fear the Gall Hags. It is the same story for the witches, as their healing and aid is overshadowed by those who have grown vengeful and cruel. The same abilities that can pull disease from one's body and provide food for many can also be used for horrific things. Tales of voracious black rot, limb-eating termites, mind-controlling wasps, lobotomizing weevils and disfiguring beetles can be found in tomes of the past, stories of fiction and minds of the paranoid. Which of these tales are fact or fiction is unknown, but very few wish to find out. Rumors and scary stories of twisted Gall Hags can be found in many villages, often whispered in the dark. Some claim that there are wealthy Floral Dryad families who have Gall Hags in their employ. They use these infested creatures to spy on other families, sabotage competitors, keep themselves youthful and occasionally carve out the pesky thinky parts of their servants and prisoners to make them more obedient. Gall Hags often show up in spooky tales for saplings, used like an evil witch to prey upon the naughty and misbehaving. Those that turn vicious may target dryad, human or anyone that angers them. Why this happens is always up to debate, and many never know even after the wretched creature is burned to ash. Some claim it is the bugs devouring their brain and driving them mad, while others suggest that they grow so fond of their colonies that they cease to view dryads and others as equals. Perhaps the hate and fear they face everyday may have caused them to snap, but such an idea is often hushed. No one ever wants to take credit for making the monsters that haunt their nightmares.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Man, I am posting a lot of green stuff as of recently. I got to add some new colors to some of these things! Also, here is another dryad magic class! This is probably an icky one for a lot of folk, but it was an idea I couldn't pass up!