#combusted

(art by ivonadenovic on DeviantArt)

When we look at Second Edition archetypes, we go in knowing that same-name syndrome is going to come up, and that it’s not necessarily a bad thing, since it’s a new edition and while things may be a bit different, these 2e options are essentially the inheritors of their 1e counterparts. Usually.

That’s not super the case here, though, as well the 2e herbalist has the same thematic roots, there’s no connection to leshies here.

Indeed, this archetype seems more to be about the more general applications of herbalism, bringing to mind other horticulture-focused archetypes rather than it’s 1e namesake, with perhaps a smattering of having a way to bring the herb-gathering themes from Ultimate Wilderness into 2e.

Additionally, despite being free for any class to take, herbalists maintain some of their old alchemist feel in their mechanics.

In any case, this archetype promises some lovely answers for nonmagical healing, curatives, and even buffing!

(Also note that this archetype got an additional feat from the Knights of Lastwall book)

The dedication to the path of the herbalist grants the ability to procure daily ingredients like an alchemist, but only to make healing tonics and various herbal concoctions.

The herbs in their arsenal are always the freshest available, letting them use natural medicine with greater effectiveness at the cost of some of their daily prepared batches.

Those from Lastwall often learn how to make especially potent brews of Lastwall Soup, making it easier for others to hide from the undead.

Some also learn to prepare their medicines as poultices, no longer requiring others to consume them to apply the effects, but also helping to seal bleeding wounds and smother other forms of persistent harm in addition to the normal effects.

Many also learn how to bring out the best in local herbs and plants, adding a small bonus effect to them, usually tied to whatever dangers lie in that biome, such as resistance to extreme cold in the artic, or greater agility and balance in mountainous terrain.

Normally these herbalists learn only the basics of finding and preparing these medicines, but some learn to break that limit and grow in skill, even adding higher-level healing elixers to their arsenal.

This is a simple archetype, but one that can provide many benefits to those seeking to help allies resist and overcome negative effects without magic in a fun, thematic way. The final feat granting actual higher crafting levels is super important if you want to do more than just dip into the archetype, but even if you go with the minimum you’ll never know when an elixir will com in handy. Thematically speaking, try pairing this with alchemist, ranger, druid, or witch. However, it can be quite useful for any class and build where you want a small supportive edge.

With the concept of the herbalist comes a lot of assumptions, such as the character being wise, kind, empathetic, and having a gentle bedside manner. You can lean into this or go the opposite direction. Heck, perhaps the character is only the “team mom” reluctantly because these idiots of a party can’t take care of themselves? It can certainly be a lot of fun to explore or subvert.

The herbalist Keysha Everbloom once claimed that her aloe vera extract could soothe even the eternal burning of the undead known as combusted. An exaggeration to be sure, but a dreadfully ironic one as one such creature has trapped her on the second floor of her home. While the walls are stone, her many plants are not so impervious to fire, threatening to choke her with the smoke… unless a party of heroes just happens to be on their way to visit her.

The ways of the Great Healer, god of medicine, teach that a person’s true value lies in their ability to provide comfort and aid to others. So then is Kovas of Rathaam dually blessed, the redeemer champion also having a knack for medicinal healing in addition to their divine healing touch. However, they have gone missing, and the path to find them again will take the heroes into the sewers, where their calling has led them to an ysoki warren.