Hilda the Herbalist – NPC Guide 5e
As a Dungeon Master, creating NPCs that resonate with players and enhance the world they inhabit is a deeply fulfilling task. One such character who has become a cornerstone of my campaigns is Hilda Greenfield, the beloved herbalist of Briar’s Hollow (the village in which she lives in my world). Hilda isn’t just a healer; she’s a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and the deep connection between humanity and nature. Her story, her strengths, and her flaws make her a compelling figure that adventurers will both rely on and be intrigued by. Here’s everything you need to know about Hilda and how to integrate her into your campaign.
Background
Hilda Greenfield is a woman in her mid-50s, who has spent her entire life in the quaint farm hamlet of Briar’s Hollow. From a young age, she was taught the art of herbalism by her mother and grandmother, inheriting not just their knowledge, but their deep connection to the land. Hilda’s cottage, situated on the edge of the village, is surrounded by a lush garden brimming with medicinal herbs and flowers, making it a sanctuary for both the body and the spirit.
Why Hilda Was Created
Hilda was created to fill a vital role in Briar’s Hollow, a place where her expertise and compassion could shine. She embodies the themes of tradition, community, and the healing power of nature. In a world often dominated by conflict and chaos, Hilda provides a gentle yet firm presence, reminding adventurers of the importance of balance and care.
Stats
- Race: Human
- Class: Druid (Level 3)
- HP: 24
- AC: 13
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 12
- Constitution: 14
- Intelligence: 16
- Wisdom: 18
- Charisma: 10
Saving Throws: Int +5, Wis +6
Skills: Medicine +6, Nature +5, Perception +6, Survival +6
Senses: Passive Perception 16
Languages: Common, Druidic, Sylvan
Challenge: 1 (200 XP)
Traits
Spellcasting. Hilda is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following druid spells prepared:
| Spell Level | Spell Name | Description |
| Cantrips | Druidcraft | Minor nature effects like predicting weather or making flowers bloom. |
| Guidance | Grants a +1d4 bonus to an ability check. | |
| Mending | Repairs a break or tear in an object. | |
| 1st Level | Cure Wounds | Heals a creature for 1d8 + spellcasting ability modifier. |
| Entangle | Creates difficult terrain and restrains creatures. | |
| Faerie Fire | Outlines objects and creatures, granting advantage to attackers. | |
| Goodberry | Creates berries that provide nourishment and healing. | |
| 2nd Level | Barkskin | Increases a creature’s AC to 16. |
| Lesser Restoration | Cures one disease or condition such as blindness or paralysis. |
Druidic. Hilda can speak Druidic, the secret language of druids. She can also use it to leave hidden messages. She and others who know this language automatically spot such a message. Others spot the message’s presence with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check but can’t decipher it without magic.
Herbal Knowledge. Hilda has advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to find herbs and plants, and Intelligence (Nature) checks to identify them.
Actions
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage.
Traits and Flaws
- Traits: Hilda is nurturing and wise, always ready to help those in need. She has a deep connection to nature and can often be found tending to her herb garden or foraging in the nearby woods. Her gentle demeanor makes her a trusted figure in the village.
- Flaws: Despite her kindness, Hilda is stubborn and resistant to change. She has a mistrust of outsiders, stemming from a past betrayal when a traveling merchant sold her cursed seeds that ruined a season’s worth of crops.
Quests Involving Hilda
The Blight
Hilda has noticed a mysterious blight spreading through the nearby forest, threatening the plants she holds dear. She suspects dark magic is at play and requests the party to investigate and put a stop to it.
Quest Hook: “The forest has been restless lately. I need someone to investigate a strange blight affecting the plants. Will you help? I fear it might be more than just a natural occurrence.”
Dialogue:
- Player: “What do you know about the blight?”
- Hilda: “It started a few weeks ago. Plants are withering and dying, and even my remedies seem ineffective. There’s a dark magic at play, I fear.”
Lost Heirloom
Hilda has lost a family heirloom—a pendant with druidic symbols—in the woods. She asks the party to retrieve it, promising a rare herbal remedy in return. The pendant is guarded by a protective forest spirit.
Quest Hook: “I seem to have misplaced a family heirloom in the woods. It’s a pendant, very dear to me. If you find it, I will reward you with a rare herbal remedy that can mend even the deepest wounds.”
Dialogue:
- Player: “Can you describe the heirloom?”
- Hilda: “It’s a pendant with intricate druidic symbols, passed down through my family for generations. It’s more than just a keepsake; it has protective charms woven into it.”
Herbal Delivery
Hilda needs help delivering medicinal herbs to Old Thom, a sick villager living on the outskirts of Briar’s Hollow. The path is fraught with danger from wild animals and bandits, providing the party with an escort mission.
Quest Hook: “One of our villagers is gravely ill and cannot make the journey here. Could you deliver these medicinal herbs to Old Thom? Beware, the path is not as safe as it once was.”
Dialogue:
- Player: “Who is Old Thom?”
- Hilda: “Old Thom is an elderly villager who lives on the outskirts of Briar’s Hollow. He’s been unwell and needs these herbs to recover.”
Items Owned by Hilda
- Herbal Satchel: A large, worn leather satchel filled with various dried herbs, salves, and potions.
- Druidic Pendant: A pendant with intricate druidic symbols, lost in the woods.
- Healer’s Kit: Includes bandages, poultices, and small vials of healing salves.
- Nature’s Tome: A book containing knowledge of local flora and their medicinal uses.
- Wooden Staff: A simple, gnarled wooden staff used both as a walking stick and for druidic rituals.
Setting the Scene
Atmosphere
Hilda’s cottage is a haven of peace and tranquility. The air is filled with the scent of dried herbs, and the gentle bubbling of potions can be heard in the background. Her garden is a riot of color and life, each plant carefully tended to and thriving.
Utilizing Hilda in Your Campaign
Hilda can serve as a mentor, a quest giver, and a source of valuable information about the local flora and fauna. Her knowledge can guide the party through the natural and magical mysteries of the region. Her personal quests not only endear her to the players but also deepen their connection to Briar’s Hollow and its surroundings.
Conclusion
Hilda Greenfield is more than just an NPC; she’s a vital part of the community and a symbol of the enduring bond between people and nature. Her wisdom, kindness, and resilience make her a memorable and valuable ally for any adventuring party. By integrating Hilda into your campaign, you can provide your players with a rich and rewarding experience that highlights the beauty and danger of the natural world.
Creating NPCs like Hilda Greenfield not only enhances your campaign but also adds depth and emotional resonance to your world. Embrace the opportunity to weave her story into your adventures, and watch as your players form lasting connections with the characters they meet. Happy adventuring!
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