The Botanist background is for characters with a deep connection to nature, particularly plants. Whether you’re a healer, researcher, or plant-based spellcaster, this background reflects years spent studying the natural world. With a keen eye for identifying plant species, their uses in medicine, and even their magical properties, Botanists are valuable allies in any party. Their knowledge of herbs and flora extends to creating potions, remedies, and identifying rare or dangerous plants. Driven by curiosity and a passion for preservation, Botanists are often introspective, patient, and deeply connected to the cycles of nature.
- Skill Proficiencies: Nature, Medicine
- Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism Kit
- Languages: One of your choice (Botanists often study plant species from various regions, and this could reflect knowledge of local languages or ancient botanical texts).
- Equipment: A botanical journal, where you keep notes and sketches of plants and their properties, herbalism kit, several vials for dried herbs or plant essence from a notable specimen you discover, a pouch with 10 gold pieces.
Botanist’s Discovery Table
| d10 | Botanist’s Discovery Table |
|---|---|
| 1 | Moonlit Fern: A rare fern that only blooms under the light of a full moon. Its leaves can be brewed into a tea that grants advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks for 1 hour. However, prolonged exposure to the fern causes vivid, unsettling dreams. |
| 2 | Bloodroot: A crimson-colored root used in ancient rituals. It has healing properties but can also cause severe burns if consumed incorrectly. The root can be used to create a powerful salve that restores hit points but causes minor scarring if used excessively. |
| 3 | Whispering Vine: A vine that grows in the shadows of ancient trees, known for making a faint whispering sound when touched. Listening closely reveals cryptic messages that can help in deciphering ancient texts or prophecies. The vine is also useful in stealth, as it hides the scent of other creatures. |
| 4 | Sunflower of the Feywild: A large, golden sunflower known to attract fey creatures. A petal from this flower can be used to brew a potion of charm, giving the drinker advantage on Charisma checks for 1 hour. It can also be used as a key ingredient in fey rituals or to summon fey allies. |
| 5 | Mournleaf: A black-leafed plant found in graveyards and places of sorrow. It’s said to hold the spirits of the deceased in its roots. A leaf from this plant can be used in a ritual to communicate with the spirits of the dead but leaves the user emotionally drained afterward. |
| 6 | Nightshade Orchid: A rare and dangerous flower with petals that shimmer in the moonlight. It has both toxic and healing properties depending on its preparation. When harvested and correctly treated, it can create a potent antidote, but if mishandled, it can poison anyone who consumes it. |
| 7 | Stormfruit: A bright, orange fruit that grows in areas often struck by lightning. The fruit contains a natural energy that can be used to recharge magical items or cast Lightning Bolt once when consumed. Eating it too frequently, however, may leave the consumer with electrical burns. |
| 8 | Dewdrop Moss: A moss that glows faintly in the dark, often found in caves or other damp environments. The moss absorbs moisture from the air and can be harvested for water. It’s also used in potions to boost one's endurance, granting temporary resistance to exhaustion for up to 6 hours. |
| 9 | Glimmerleaf: A small, iridescent leaf that glows faintly in the presence of magic. It’s prized by wizards and alchemists for its ability to detect magical energy. When crushed and mixed with other ingredients, it can be used to craft a potion of Detect Magic or to reveal hidden enchantments. |
| 10 | Everthorn: A thorny vine that resists all forms of damage and can grow back in seconds. It’s prized for its use in fortifications and magical barriers. A single thorn can be used as a weapon, dealing piercing damage and temporarily paralyzing the target if it hits. The vine can also be harvested to make unbreakable ropes or barriers. |
Feature: Natural Researcher
You have spent years studying plants in the wild, and you can identify most plants and fungi with ease. In addition to their medicinal and culinary uses, you know their magical properties or other special uses in alchemy and potion-making. When in a natural environment, you can often find herbs, fruits, and other resources to craft potions, salves, and tinctures.
- You can identify most plants, herbs, and fungi within minutes of observing them. You know their uses in healing, crafting, and spellcasting.
- You can always find basic herbal supplies in nature, assuming you are in a suitable environment (e.g., forests, meadows, swamps).
- You have advantage on checks related to creating potions or crafting plant-based items (like antidotes or salves) using your Herbalism Kit.
Suggested Characteristics
| d4 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m endlessly curious about the world around me, constantly seeking out new plants, herbs, and flora. I can’t resist learning about the properties and uses of every plant I come across. |
| 2 | I approach problems and research with a calm, methodical mindset. Every detail matters to me, whether I’m cataloging a new plant or crafting a potion. Rushing is not in my nature. |
| 3 | Nature moves slowly, and I’ve learned to do the same. I’m patient with both plants and people, often willing to wait for the right moment to act or for a plant to bloom, knowing that all things have their time. |
| 4 | I feel a deep connection to the plants I study, and I view them as more than just resources. I believe every plant has a purpose and a life force, and I treat them with the utmost respect and care. |
| d4 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | The natural world is sacred, and I must protect it from harm or exploitation. |
| 2 | The more I learn about plants and nature, the more I understand the world. |
| 3 | Every plant has a secret waiting to be unlocked, whether it is medicinal or magical in nature. |
| 4 | I believe in maintaining harmony with nature, and the use of plants should not disrupt this balance. |
| d4 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I once studied a rare flower, and I would do anything to find it again. |
| 2 | My mentor, an old druid, taught me everything I know. I carry their teachings with me everywhere. |
| 3 | A botanical discovery I made saved a village, and I feel a sense of duty to continue my work in their honor. |
| 4 | I’m working on creating a comprehensive botanical guide to all the plants I encounter. |
| d4 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I can be so focused on my research that I forget the bigger picture or the people around me. |
| 2 | I can become obsessed with finding certain rare plants and lose sight of more important goals. |
| 3 | I trust in the healing power of plants so much that I sometimes neglect other solutions or strategies. |
| 4 | I have an unshakable fear of killing a plant or damaging an ecosystem. |
Variant Botanist: Arcane Botanist
If you want a magical twist, this variant allows you to develop an understanding of magical plants and their relationship to the arcane. You may develop abilities like casting certain spells based on plant life or creating enchanted herbal potions with unique effects.
Variant Feature: Master of Poison
This variation could allow you to specialize in poisonous plants and toxins, using them for both combat and practical purposes. You could craft deadly poisons or antidotes with your skills.
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