So in my setting there's a group of Hominids distantly related to humans.
They live in a foresty continent on the coast of which humans have created colonies.
They have large caracal-like ears, patchy light brown skin, for camouflage and have practically no sexual dimorphism, and sharp claws and canines. They're much smaller and weaker than the most humans but far faster.
They're pretty much as smart as humans, but naturally less aggressive and ambitious. Some tribes closer to human contact have been able to create simple copper tools by themselves but for the most part they're basically just neolithic hunter gatherers.
With their societies at large having real ambition to advance beyond that, being far too obsessed with agricultural magics.
The most advanced society that they've indigenously developed is a sort of "hunting party/war band/cult" of around 50-100 where the individuals vote for their leader.
The problem lies in the fact that the humans are incredibly advanced by comparison, the great powers have technology on par with early Sasanian Empire/Late Roman empire. Bronze working and Steel working technology has existed for thousands of years by the start of the story among humans.
So how can I justify these beings (Dryads?) not being conquered and slaughtered/assimilated by human invaders who could so easily wipe them out?
Refraining from the boring "the humans think they're sacred" or "they have a forcefield" as much as possible would be appreciated.
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