Herbalists Pouch

Lore: In the serene valleys of a mystical woodland, the Herbalist’s Pouch finds its origins. It is said that the pouch was first created by an ancient druid, a master of botany and the healing arts. Guided by a deep connection with nature, the druid sought to create a vessel that would allow them to harness the bounties of the natural world and bring forth the healing properties of plants and herbs.

The Herbalist’s Pouch is a testament to the druid’s wisdom and reverence for the natural realm. Crafted from supple, ethically sourced leather, the pouch is adorned with intricate symbols that pay homage to the spirits of the forest. Within its spacious confines lie an array of herbs, plants, and botanical components, each carefully collected and preserved for their medicinal and mystical properties.

Use: When wielded by a skilled herbalist, healer, or adventurer with a deep affinity for the natural world, the Herbalist’s Pouch becomes an indispensable tool for gathering, identifying, and utilizing various plants and herbs. Its purpose is to provide access to a vast array of botanical resources, empowering the wielder to brew potent potions, create herbal remedies, and navigate the intricacies of herbology.

The Herbalist’s Pouch grants a bonus to the wielder’s Herbalism skill, enhancing their knowledge of plants, their medicinal properties, and their ability to gather and identify them accurately. This bonus allows for the recognition of rare and exotic flora, unlocking the potential for unique remedies and potent brews. Additionally, the pouch increases the potency and duration of brewed potions, infusing them with the enhanced healing properties derived from the carefully selected botanical components.

Furthermore, the Herbalist’s Pouch provides advantage on checks related to herbology and natural remedies. This advantage grants the wielder a higher chance of success when performing tasks such as identifying unknown plants, concocting herbal remedies, or applying natural healing techniques.

Level: Tier 1

Stats:

• Herbalism Skill Bonus: +10%
• Potion Potency Increase: +20%
• Advantage on Herbology and Natural Remedies Checks: +20%

Skills:

• Botanical Mastery: Enhances the wielder’s Herbalism skill.
• Potent Brewing: Increases the potency and duration of brewed potions.
• Natural Remedy Expert: Provides advantage on herbology and natural remedies checks.

Cost: 500 gold coins (or equivalent currency)

Tags:

• Accessory: The Herbalist’s Pouch is worn as an accessory.
• Herbalism Boost: Enhances the wielder’s Herbalism skill.
• Potent Potions: Increases the potency and duration of brewed potions.
• Herbology Expert: Provides advantage on checks related to herbology and natural remedies.
• Additional: Botanical Preservation, Ethereal Craft, Medicinal Knowledge, Druidic Connection, Natural Affinity, Forest Lore, Healing Arts, Flora Identification, Potion Crafting, Wilderness Survival

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Herbalist’s Pouch can be bought and sold in a variety of specialized shops across different regions, each reflecting the unique culture and environment of the area.

• Druidic Sanctuaries: Found deep within mystical woodlands or near ancient groves, these sanctuaries are run by druids and nature-worshipping individuals. The Herbalist’s Pouch here would be considered a sacred artifact, crafted with great care and infused with natural energies. The shop may be more akin to an open-air market or a collection of tree dwellings, where natural remedies, herbs, and enchanted tools are exchanged for mutual benefit. Here, the pouch would sell for around 550 gold pieces, as it’s considered a spiritual tool and a symbol of deep respect for nature.
• Apothecaries: Located in bustling cities or smaller towns, these shops are more focused on healing, herbalism, and alchemical supplies. Run by experienced herbalists and potion masters, apothecaries serve both adventurers and the general populace in need of remedies. The Herbalist’s Pouch is seen as a highly practical tool, and it is likely displayed prominently for aspiring herbalists and seasoned healers alike. The pouch would cost around 500 gold pieces here, as it balances functionality with mysticism, often marketed for its herbalism bonus and medicinal use.
• Alchemist Guildhouses: In the great cities or academies of Saṃsāra, alchemists and scholars run shops focused on the synthesis of herbs, potions, and magical substances. The Herbalist’s Pouch would be sold as part of a broader inventory of alchemical tools. Buyers in these establishments may be more inclined to value the pouch for its ability to increase potion potency and its efficiency in gathering rare herbs. Here, it would sell for 525 gold pieces, priced for its scholarly utility and enhanced brewing capabilities.
• Wilderness Trading Posts: Found at the borders of dense forests, mountainous regions, or other wild areas, these are small but vital shops frequented by hunters, foragers, and adventurers. The Herbalist’s Pouch would be marketed as a survival tool, useful for navigating the wilds and collecting rare flora. These posts are often run by seasoned outdoorsmen or nature-oriented merchants, and the pouch might be slightly cheaper, at around 475 gold pieces, due to the local abundance of natural resources.
• Fey Markets: Hidden in enchanted glades or secret areas accessible only to those with the right connections, fey markets offer magical and rare items with a whimsical touch. The Herbalist’s Pouch in these markets may be imbued with extra magical qualities, fetching a higher price due to its unique origins. Fey merchants, notorious for driving hard bargains or offering mysterious trades, would likely charge around 600 gold pieces, given the pouch’s enhanced connection to the magical flora of Saṃsāra and its mystical history.

Each of these shops reflects the cultural and geographical diversity of Saṃsāra, and while the price of the Herbalist’s Pouch may vary slightly, it is always considered a valuable and versatile tool for herbalists, healers, and adventurers alike.

The Herbalist’s Pouch can play a dynamic role in both defense and offense in various environments across Saṃsāra, particularly when wielded by herbalists, druids, or adventurers with a deep affinity for nature and botanical knowledge. Its versatility allows for creative use in combat and survival situations, blending natural remedies with cunning tactics:

• Defense
  • Forest or Woodland Settings: In forests, the wielder can quickly gather herbs from the surrounding environment using the Herbalist’s Pouch, employing them to create potent poultices or salves on the fly. These could include fast-acting healing salves to treat wounds mid-combat or natural antidotes to counteract poisons from venomous creatures. The wielder could use their enhanced herbology skills to find camouflage plants, rubbing them on their skin to blend into the environment, enhancing their stealth and avoiding detection from enemies.
    • Roleplay Example: As enemies approach through the dense trees, the herbalist, sensing danger, quickly rummages through their pouch to retrieve leaves of the Mistbloom plant. Rubbing the leaves on their arms, they disappear into the forest’s shadows, becoming nearly invisible. As arrows fly overhead, the herbalist’s knowledge of the forest and their defensive preparations keep them safe.
  • Urban or City Environments: In the bustling streets of a city, the Herbalist’s Pouch can be used defensively by drawing upon more mundane, yet effective, ingredients. For example, the wielder may use calming herbs or potions to defuse volatile situations, preventing fights before they even start. Alternatively, herbal smoke bombs or powders can be quickly crafted and thrown to obscure vision or disorient foes, providing an opportunity to escape or regroup.
    • Roleplay Example: Confronted by thieves in a narrow alley, the herbalist pulls a bundle of Blinding Spice Powder from their pouch, throwing it to the ground. The powder releases a thick, choking cloud, causing the assailants to cough and stumble, temporarily blinded. Taking advantage of the confusion, the herbalist ducks into a nearby shop, disappearing into the crowd.
  • Desert or Arid Regions: In dry, harsh environments like deserts, the Herbalist’s Pouch could contain carefully preserved herbs that help stave off dehydration or heatstroke. Additionally, the wielder might use plants with hydrating properties, applying them to their skin to retain moisture or consuming them for rejuvenation in the heat. In defensive combat, they could apply desert-dwelling plants like cactus spines or thorns to create traps or barriers that slow down or wound pursuers.
    • Roleplay Example: As a band of marauders approaches across the desert sands, the herbalist uses the spines from Cactusthorn plants gathered from their pouch, scattering them in the path of their enemies. The marauders charge forward, only to find their mounts wounded by the sharp thorns, buying the herbalist precious time to make an escape.
• Offense
  • Swamp or Marshlands: In a swamp or marsh, the wielder can craft offensive toxins or poisons using venomous plants found in the environment. With the pouch’s enhanced herbalism capabilities, the herbalist can quickly identify deadly flora and mix poisons to apply to their weapons. They might also concoct noxious fumes that incapacitate enemies or plants that cause hallucinations, disrupting an opponent’s focus in combat.
    • Roleplay Example: During a battle with marshland predators, the herbalist dips arrows into a vial of Bitterroot Toxin, a deadly poison concocted from the swamp’s flora. As the arrows strike, the predators stagger and slow, their vision blurring from the potent toxin. The herbalist then uses this advantage to move in for a decisive blow.
  • Mountain or Cold Climates: In cold, harsh mountainous terrain, the herbalist can use plants to enhance their strength and stamina. They might brew invigorating teas or energy-boosting tonics that allow them to scale treacherous cliffs or fight against the biting cold. Offensively, the herbalist might employ plants that cause frostbite or intense cold when weaponized, using their knowledge to freeze enemies or weaken them over time.
    • Roleplay Example: Trapped by a hostile group of mountain bandits, the herbalist brews a fast-acting Icevine Extract, applying it to their dagger. With each strike, the bandits’ limbs stiffen from the numbing cold, their movements slowing until they can no longer wield their weapons effectively.
  • Jungle or Rainforest: In dense, overgrown jungles, the Herbalist’s Pouch can be used offensively by concocting potent brews from the myriad poisonous or aggressive plants found there. The herbalist might mix a paralyzing potion from jungle flora, which can be thrown or applied to darts and arrows. The enhanced potency granted by the pouch ensures that even small doses have immediate and powerful effects, incapacitating opponents quickly. The herbalist could also call upon plants that attract dangerous wildlife to distract or attack foes.
    • Roleplay Example: Surrounded by jungle warriors, the herbalist reaches into their pouch and produces a vial of Vine Strangler Sap, applying it to their blowgun darts. As the darts hit their targets, the warriors collapse, their muscles seizing up in paralysis. The herbalist calmly steps over the fallen enemies, confident that the jungle itself will soon claim them.
• Adaptability and Strategy: The Herbalist’s Pouch allows for a wide range of roleplaying possibilities in combat, focusing on creativity and preparation. The wielder’s use of herbs for both offensive and defensive purposes emphasizes their knowledge of nature and their ability to adapt to the environment around them. Whether evading enemies in a forest, paralyzing foes in a jungle, or enduring harsh conditions in a desert or frozen landscape, the herbalist’s skill in gathering and using natural ingredients offers a strategic advantage.

By capitalizing on the environment, the wielder can set traps, debilitate foes with toxins, or defend themselves with healing remedies and natural defenses, demonstrating the powerful synergy between the natural world and the Herbalist’s Pouch in combat.

Perception of Activation: When the Herbalist’s Pouch is activated, the wielder and those nearby experience a variety of sensory and extra-sensory effects, each connected to the pouch’s deep connection with nature and its botanical properties.

• Sight
  • Perceived: The pouch glows faintly, emitting a soft, green light from the intricate symbols adorning its surface. The herbs inside the pouch seem to shimmer, becoming more vibrant and alive. Occasionally, small wisps of energy in the shape of leaves or vines may drift from the pouch.
  • Description: The green glow represents the infusion of nature’s magic, as if the herbs are being activated by an unseen force. The shimmering light enhances the vividness of the plants, suggesting that they are now at their most potent.
  • Positives: The sight of the pouch’s activation signals to the wielder that the pouch’s full potential has been unlocked, giving a sense of readiness and empowerment.
  • Negatives: The light could attract unwanted attention in dark or stealth-required environments, potentially alerting enemies or drawing curious eyes.
• Sound
  • Perceived: A gentle rustling, as if leaves are being stirred by a breeze, fills the air when the pouch is activated. There is a faint whisper of wind, almost like the soft breath of a forest.
  • Description: This sound represents the voice of nature responding to the pouch’s magic. It’s calming, like the wind passing through trees, reminding the wielder of their connection to the natural world.
  • Positives: The soft sounds of nature provide a sense of calm and focus, helping the wielder concentrate in moments of stress or danger.
  • Negatives: Although quiet, the sound can be unsettling in enclosed or unnatural environments like caves or cities, making it feel out of place and creating distraction.
• Smell
  • Perceived: A fresh, earthy aroma wafts from the pouch when it is activated, reminiscent of damp soil after rainfall, combined with the fragrant scent of herbs like mint, lavender, and rosemary.
  • Description: The smell is grounding and revitalizing, pulling the wielder into a deeper connection with nature. It conveys the health and potency of the herbs inside the pouch, as if the plants are breathing out their medicinal properties.
  • Positives: The smell has a therapeutic effect, refreshing the mind and body. It can also help mask unpleasant odors in certain environments, such as dungeons or battlefields.
  • Negatives: In areas where scent is a primary sense for tracking or stealth, such a strong, herbal fragrance could easily betray the wielder’s position.
• Touch
  • Perceived: The pouch becomes slightly warm to the touch, as if infused with a gentle, natural energy. The herbs inside feel more vibrant and alive, as though they pulse faintly with power.
  • Description: This warmth is comforting, a reminder of the life force contained within the plants. The sensation of vitality reinforces the pouch’s magical activation, making the wielder feel more connected to the items inside.
  • Positives: The warmth provides comfort in cold or harsh conditions and can help keep the wielder focused or alert during long, arduous tasks.
  • Negatives: The warmth might become uncomfortable in already hot environments, or when stealth is required, where touch sensitivity can be a distraction.
• Taste
  • Perceived: When handling or using herbs from the pouch, there is a lingering taste of fresh mint or other cooling herbs on the lips and tongue, even without direct contact.
  • Description: The taste is subtle but refreshing, like chewing on a fresh herb leaf, signifying the pouch’s influence over the botanical components. It also hints at the potency of the remedies being created.
  • Positives: This taste can have a calming or energizing effect, depending on the herbs being used, potentially clearing the mind or sharpening focus in tense situations.
  • Negatives: For those unused to herbal tastes, the sensation might be distracting or unpleasant, especially if they have a sensitivity to strong flavors.
• Extra-Sensory Perception
  • Aetheric Awareness
    • Perceived: A subtle ripple of magic spreads from the pouch when activated, detectable by those attuned to the flow of magic. It feels like the ambient magic in the area is bending toward the pouch, drawn in by its power.
    • Description: The pouch seems to act as a focal point for natural and magical energies, pulling them into alignment with the wielder’s intentions. This allows the wielder to feel more connected to the magical properties of the world around them.
    • Positives: The wielder becomes more aware of magical forces in the environment, which can help in detecting magical threats or opportunities. It can also heighten their awareness of enchanted plants or hidden dangers.
    • Negatives: The influx of magic can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to manipulating such forces, leading to a sense of unease or even mild disorientation.
  • Spiritual Resonance
    • Perceived: The spirits of the forest and nature can be faintly heard or felt. These presences are not overt but seem to offer gentle guidance or approval, as if the pouch has aligned with the primal forces of the land.
    • Description: The herbalist may feel a stronger connection to the spirits of plants, animals, or even ancient druids, receiving impressions or whispers about the best use of certain herbs or the paths they should take.
    • Positives: This heightened awareness of natural spirits can provide insights that guide the wielder through difficult decisions, especially regarding healing, gathering, or survival.
    • Negatives: Spiritual resonance may become distracting if the voices or feelings are too strong, leading to a sense of responsibility or anxiety about living up to nature’s expectations.
  • Temporal Drift
    • Perceived: Time around the wielder feels slightly altered, as if slowed or quickened depending on their focus. This perception affects only those in tune with the pouch, but it gives the impression of having more time to react or act in stressful situations.
    • Description: This temporal effect occurs when the wielder is deeply focused on their craft, as though nature itself is giving them extra moments to create remedies or make important decisions.
    • Positives: The sense of extended time allows for quicker reactions during critical moments, making it easier to brew potions or handle delicate ingredients without error.
    • Negatives: The temporal drift can create a sense of detachment from reality, causing the wielder to misjudge the passage of time and leading to miscalculations in combat or social interactions.
• Positives of Activation
  • Enhanced connection to nature and heightened senses.
  • Increased focus, calm, and awareness of the surroundings.
  • Stronger magical abilities tied to the pouch’s properties.
  • A therapeutic and revitalizing influence, both mentally and physically.
• Negatives of Activation
  • Risk of attracting attention due to glowing light or herbal scent.
  • Potential distractions caused by extra-sensory perceptions.
  • Uncomfortable sensory overload in certain environments (heat, noise, or time distortion).
  • The burden of feeling the expectations or presence of nature’s spirits, leading to anxiety or hesitation.

Activation of the Herbalist’s Pouch brings a full sensory and extra-sensory experience, deeply immersing the wielder in the natural world and its magic, enhancing their abilities while introducing subtle risks and distractions.

Crafting Recipe: Herbalist’s Pouch of Botanical Mastery

• Materials Needed:
  • Ethically Sourced Leather (2 sq. ft.): High-quality, supple leather from a naturally deceased or sustainably harvested animal.
  • Spiritweave Thread (10 ft.): Thread imbued with the essence of nature spirits, used for stitching.
  • Nature’s Ink (1 vial): Made from a mixture of crushed rare plants like Bluebell Petals and Dewflower Sap for painting the intricate symbols.
  • Herbal Pouches (6 small linen bags): For storing individual herbs within the pouch.
  • Druidic Totem (1 small charm): A charm infused with druidic magic, commonly crafted from wood or bone.
  • Preserved Healing Herbs (3 varieties): Examples include Mint, Lavender, and Goldenroot for healing remedies.
  • Rare Botanical Components (2 types): Such as Moonfern Leaves and Sunroot Petals for boosting the potency of the pouch.
• Tools Required:
  • Bone Needle: Made from a creature tied to nature, ideal for working with the Spiritweave Thread.
  • Enchantment Basin: A magical basin used to soak the pouch in natural energies during the final step.
  • Herbal Mortar and Pestle: For crushing and preparing the rare botanical components.
  • Carving Tool: For etching symbols onto the leather.
  • Paintbrush: A fine brush for applying Nature’s Ink to the symbols.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Leatherworking Proficiency: The ability to handle and craft leather with precision, ensuring a durable pouch.
  • Herbalism Knowledge: Expertise in identifying and preparing the herbs and botanical materials.
  • Arcane Enchantment: Basic ability to imbue items with magic, specifically related to nature.
  • Druidic Lore (Optional but Recommended): A deep connection with the spirits of nature to properly infuse the pouch with its intended magic.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Prepare the Leather
    • Begin by softening and treating the ethically sourced leather. Ensure the leather is supple and free from imperfections.
    • Use the bone needle and Spiritweave Thread to sew the edges of the leather into a pouch shape, leaving enough space for an adjustable drawstring closure.
  • Create the Inner Herbal Pouches
    • Take the 6 small linen bags and reinforce them with Spiritweave Thread, ensuring each pouch is securely sewn and capable of preserving the herbs without decay.
    • Divide and store your healing herbs (Mint, Lavender, Goldenroot) into the separate bags, one type per pouch. These will serve as the pouch’s primary herbal contents.
  • Prepare and Infuse Botanical Components
    • Using the herbal mortar and pestle, carefully crush the Moonfern Leaves and Sunroot Petals into a fine powder. This powder will act as the magical essence that enhances the pouch’s potency.
    • Set the powdered components aside for later infusion.
  • Carve and Paint the Symbols
    • With the carving tool, delicately etch nature-themed symbols (leaves, vines, animals) onto the exterior of the leather pouch. These symbols are designed to honor the spirits of the forest and enhance the pouch’s connection to nature.
    • Once the symbols are carved, use the Nature’s Ink and paintbrush to fill in the carvings, bringing the symbols to life with vibrant green and blue hues.
  • Infuse with Rare Botanicals
    • Place the prepared leather pouch in the enchantment basin. Sprinkle the powdered Moonfern Leaves and Sunroot Petals into the basin. These rare botanical components will seep into the leather, imbuing it with magical properties that increase the potency of any herbs stored within the pouch.
    • Allow the pouch to soak in the enchanted liquid for several hours, absorbing the natural magic.
  • Add the Druidic Totem
    • Once the pouch has absorbed the enchantment, attach the Druidic Totem to the drawstring or side of the pouch. The totem serves as a magical focus that connects the pouch to the spirit world, increasing the wielder’s ability to commune with nature.
  • Final Blessing
    • (Optional for those with Druidic Lore skills): Invoke a druidic blessing over the pouch, calling upon the spirits of nature to protect and enhance the pouch’s healing and botanical properties. This can be done through a small ritual involving herbs, chanting, and a connection to the natural world.
  • Test and Adjust
    • Once complete, store some basic herbs in the pouch to test its magical properties. Check that the herbs retain their freshness and potency. Adjust any enchantments as needed to ensure the desired effects are fully realized.

Result: You now have a fully crafted Herbalist’s Pouch of Botanical Mastery, ready to empower herbalists, druids, and adventurers with the ability to gather, preserve, and enhance natural remedies and potions. The pouch not only boosts the wielder’s herbalism skill but also increases the potency of their potions and remedies, making it an indispensable tool for those who work closely with nature’s bounty.

Tale of the Pouch of Verdant Keep

In time before time, when trees spoke loud and earth sung soft, there was a person of green robes, called Druid. Druid was friend to beasts, to plants, and sky above, living in shadowed vale where river flowed backwards, and rocks moved when not seen.

The tale is told many ways, in many corners of Saṃsāra, but all speak the same name—Druid of Verdant Keep. This Druid was of old magic, magic that crawled from ground and swam in sky, magic that belonged to none but all. The Druid, whose name was dust and forgotten, sought not power but peace, walking under moon and star, asking plant and flower, “What will you teach me?”

One day, as sun sank and stars wept, the Druid found forest thick and quiet, where no bird sang, no wind moved. In the center of still trees stood a great oak, older than world, with roots deep as time itself. At its base, a pouch lay—small, leather like softest skin of night, and upon it were symbols no eye had seen, no hand had touched. The Druid knelt before the oak, taking pouch with hands that trembled, for the pouch was cold and warm, light and heavy, all at once.

Druid opened the pouch, and therein was no gold, no jewel, but herbs—herbs of green, herbs of fire, herbs of smoke. They were not like herbs of field, not of garden, for they whispered, “We are lost. We are old.”

So, Druid, with heart full of mystery, took these herbs and learned their names. Each leaf had tale, each root had song, and soon Druid knew all. Druid brewed potions that healed, potions that grew, and potions that broke. The earth trembled, for the pouch was of older magic than Druid knew, older than sky, older than stone.

One moonless night, the spirits of forest came, not in form of deer or owl, but as shadows long and tall, their eyes gleaming with starlight forgotten. They spoke to Druid, though words were twisted and broken: “Pouch not yours. It is seed of world, lost in ages. Once was given to keep balance, but now balance is thin like thread. You hold fate in your hand.”

The Druid, wise but not wise, asked, “What must be done?”

The spirits gave no answer, for none knew. Pouch had power to heal land or tear sky. And so Druid wandered, from forest to mountain, from river to sea, using pouch with care, but each use stretched the thin thread of balance, and each step left mark deeper in earth. It was said that when Druid brewed the strongest potion, a potion to heal the world, the pouch was emptied, and with it, the Druid vanished, leaving behind only green robes and whispers of the wind.

Now, in places where earth remembers, the story is told by elders with crooked hands and slow tongues. They say the pouch can still be found, but it bears no name. Those who seek it are said to walk paths that twist upon themselves, hearing voices of old herbs, feeling roots underfoot in places where none grow.

Moral of the Story: What heals also harms, and what is held too tightly will wither in hand.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Arcane Item / Tool
• Description: A weathered leather pouch containing a variety of strange, ancient herbs. The symbols etched on the pouch are of unknown origin, but the herbs inside offer remarkable medicinal and mystical properties.
• Mechanics:
  • Herb Knowledge: The pouch grants a +15% bonus to Natural World and First Aid skill checks related to plants and herbal remedies.
  • Potion Crafting: With at least 1 hour of work, the pouch allows the creation of a healing salve. Roll First Aid or Pharmacy:
    • Success: Heals 1D4+1 HP.
    • Hard Success: Heals 1D4+3 HP.
  • Dangerous Herbs: On a Fumble when using the pouch, the herbs backfire, causing mild hallucinations or sickness. Roll 1D3 SAN loss and 1D3 damage.
  • Limited Uses: The herbs must be replenished after five uses, requiring a week of foraging in the wilderness and a successful Natural World check.
• Mythos Connection: The pouch may be linked to ancient mythos plants or entities, attracting attention from dangerous forces.

Blades in the Dark

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Special Item / Alchemical Tool
• Load: 0 (Light) or 1 (Normal)
• Description: A small leather pouch filled with rare herbs and plants. It enhances the user’s ability to craft and utilize herbal concoctions.
• Mechanics:
  • Fine Herbalist Tools: When using the pouch to craft potions or concoctions, the user gains increased potency and position for any Tinker or Study rolls related to herbalism.
  • Crafting Potions: Allows the creation of an herbal concoction (1 downtime activity). The user gains +1 to the result roll when brewing healing potions or poisons.
  • Fortifying Herbs: The user can apply herbs during a Downtime activity to reduce harm. Remove one level of harm if the herbs are applied successfully with a Tinker or Study roll.
  • Overuse Consequence: Overuse of the pouch can lead to unpredictable effects, such as mild poisons or hallucinatory visions. The GM may ask for a Resistance roll (Resolve) when this occurs.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Wondrous Item (Uncommon, Requires Attunement)
• Description: This finely crafted pouch contains herbs with rare and potent properties. It enhances the user’s herbalism and potion-making abilities and has minor magical qualities.
• Mechanics:
  • Herbalism Boost: The pouch grants proficiency in Herbalism Kit if the user does not already possess it. If the user is proficient, they gain a +2 bonus to all Herbalism Kit checks.
  • Potion Crafting: Using the herbs inside the pouch, the user can brew a healing potion during a short rest. With a successful Herbalism Kit check (DC 15), the potion heals 2d4+2 hit points. This can be done once per long rest.
  • Rare Herb Identification: The user gains advantage on any Nature or Survival checks related to identifying rare herbs and plants.
  • Limited Use: The pouch has five charges. Each use of the pouch expends one charge. Expended charges are replenished after a long rest spent in a natural environment or with a successful Survival check (DC 10).

Knave

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Slot: 1 inventory slot
• Description: A pouch of herbs that allows the user to concoct powerful healing remedies and poisonous brews.
• Mechanics:
  • Herb Mastery: When using the pouch, the user gains +1 on checks related to foraging or identifying useful plants.
  • Potion Crafting: Once per day, the user may attempt to brew a potion from the herbs. Roll 1d20:
    • 1-10: The potion works as intended, healing 1d6 HP.
    • 11-15: The potion is unstable, causing nausea (Lose next action) but heals 1d4 HP.
    • 16-20: The potion is highly effective, healing 2d6 HP.
• Limited Use: The herbs are depleted after five uses. The user must forage for a day to refill the pouch, with a successful check against Wisdom.

Fate Core

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Unique Item / Resource
• Aspects:
• “Ancient Pouch of Forgotten Remedies”
• “Nature’s Healing in a Leather Pouch”
• Description: A pouch containing rare herbs and botanicals, passed down through generations of druids. It is both a tool for healing and a connection to the natural world.
• Mechanics:
  • Herbal Remedies: The pouch provides a bonus (+2) to overcome obstacles or create an advantage when using Herbalism or related Lore for healing, potion making, or identifying plants.
  • Invoke for Healing: Once per session, the pouch can be invoked to fully heal a character’s mild consequence or reduce the severity of a moderate consequence by one step.
  • Compel: The pouch’s connection to ancient forces may attract unwanted attention from mystical entities, or it could require the user to replenish its contents in difficult or dangerous natural environments.
  • Extras: The pouch can be tied to a Stunt, such as “Druid’s Expertise” that allows the user to craft potions during downtime or boost healing rolls at the cost of a Fate point.

Numenera / Cypher System

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Artifact (or Cypher, depending on rarity)
• Level: 1d6+2
• Description: This small leather pouch contains herbs that hold a deep connection to nature. It can be used to create potent healing remedies or poisonous brews.
• Depletion: Roll a d20. On a 1-3, the herbs are exhausted and must be replenished with new foraged materials.
• Mechanics:
  • Healing Herbs: As an action, the user may apply the herbs to heal 2 points per level of the pouch. This effect can be used once per day.
  • Potion Crafting: With an hour of work and a successful Numenera (or Herbalism) check, the user can create a healing or poison potion. Healing potions restore 3 points per level of the pouch. Poison deals 3 points of damage per level over time.
  • Herb Identification: The pouch grants an asset on rolls related to identifying, gathering, or preparing rare plants and herbs.
  • Usage: The pouch may be used for special healing or for other narrative elements like detecting toxins or enhancing rituals.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Wondrous Item (Uncommon, Magical, Consumable)
• Bulk: L (Light)
• Description: A pouch of rare herbs and plants with strong medicinal and magical properties. It empowers herbalists and druids with advanced herbalism abilities and enhanced potion crafting.
• Activation: [Interact] (to retrieve herbs from the pouch)
• Mechanics:
  • Herbalist’s Boost: The user gains a +2 item bonus to Nature and Medicine checks when using herbs to treat wounds or identify plants. If the user is already an expert in these skills, the bonus increases to +3.
  • Healing Infusion: The pouch can be used to create a healing salve once per day. The salve restores 1d8+4 HP, or 2d8+4 HP on a successful Nature check (DC 18).
  • Potion Crafting: The pouch provides materials for creating a minor healing potion or basic antidote once per day. Crafting the potion requires 1 hour and a successful Crafting check (DC 15).
  • Limited Uses: The pouch has 3 charges that refresh after 24 hours. Additional charges must be restored by foraging in a natural environment.
• Price: 75 gp

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Special Gear (Magical, Herbalism)
• Description: A pouch filled with rare herbs and plants that grant the user the ability to craft potions and remedies with enhanced effects.
• Mechanics:
  • Herbalism Bonus: The user gains a +2 bonus to any Healing or Survival roll when using the pouch to treat injuries, craft potions, or identify plants.
  • Healing Potions: The user can brew a healing potion by spending 10 minutes and making a Survival roll (Success: Heals 2 Wounds). Failure means the herbs are spoiled.
  • Special Use: The pouch can also be used to create a poison or antidote. This requires a Healing or Survival roll with a -2 penalty. On success, the poison causes a Vigor roll or deals 1 Fatigue level.
  • Limited Uses: The pouch contains enough herbs for 5 uses before it must be replenished with a successful Survival roll in a natural environment.
  • Complications: On a critical failure during crafting, the herbs spoil or cause the user to suffer mild hallucinations or sickness, requiring a Spirit roll to avoid penalties.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Magical Equipment (Gear)
• Description: This ancient leather pouch is filled with rare and mystical herbs that resonate with natural and astral energies. It provides significant benefits to those adept in herbalism, healing, and magical practices tied to nature.
• Mechanics:
  • Herbalism Boost: Grants a +2 dice pool bonus to First Aid, Medicine, or Alchemy tests when using herbal remedies, natural healing, or magical concoctions.
  • Healing Salve: Once per day, the pouch allows the user to craft a Healing Salve with an Alchemy test (Threshold 3, 1 hour). The salve heals 2 Physical damage upon application or increases healing from a First Aid test by +1.
  • Astral Perception: A magically active user can roll Assensing (Threshold 2) to identify the magical properties of plants or substances inside the pouch. It provides an additional +1 to Assensing tests when interacting with natural or plant-based auras.
  • Limited Use: The herbs are depleted after 5 uses, requiring the user to perform a Survival or Medicine test (Threshold 4) to gather and replenish the pouch with new ingredients from natural environments.

Starfinder

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Hybrid Item (Level 3, Magic & Technological)
• Bulk: L (Light)
• Price: 1,250 credits
• Description: This ancient pouch contains herbs with powerful healing and restorative properties. The pouch is favored by explorers and those who rely on natural remedies in harsh environments.
• Mechanics:
  • Herbalist’s Insight: The user gains a +2 insight bonus to Life Science or Medicine checks when identifying or using herbs, plants, or natural healing remedies.
  • Potion Crafting: Once per day, the user can use the pouch to craft a basic healing serum (heals 1d8 HP) with a successful Medicine check (DC 18).
  • Enhanced Healing: If the user is using natural remedies or plant-based healing methods, the herbs inside the pouch grant a +1 enhancement bonus to HP recovered from a Treat Deadly Wounds task.
  • Herb Replenishment: After three uses, the herbs are depleted. The user must spend 1 hour in a natural environment and succeed on a Survival check (DC 15) to restock the pouch with fresh herbs.

Traveller (Mongoose, 2nd Edition)

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Exotic Gear (Miscellaneous Equipment)
• Tech Level: TL 1
• Description: A primitive but highly effective tool from a low-tech world, the pouch contains potent natural herbs used for healing and survival.
• Mechanics:
  • Healing Herbs: The user gains a +1 DM to Medic or Survival checks when treating injuries or ailments with natural remedies.
  • First Aid Kit Substitute: The pouch can be used as a primitive First Aid Kit, providing basic healing abilities in environments where higher-tech medical supplies are unavailable. Using it successfully heals 1d6 damage.
  • Herb Identification: The user may roll Recon or Survival to gather new herbs to replenish the pouch. This requires time spent in a suitable environment, with a Recon or Survival check (8+).
  • Limited Capacity: The pouch contains enough herbs for 3 uses before needing to be refilled.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Item: Herbalist’s Pouch of Verdant Keep

• Type: Common Item / Magical Item (Wondrous Item)
• Encumbrance: 0 (Light)
• Description: A mystical pouch passed down through ancient druidic circles, filled with potent herbs. It grants its bearer unique abilities in herbalism, healing, and potion crafting.
• Mechanics:
  • Herbal Lore: The user gains a +10 bonus to Heal or Lore (Herbology) checks when using the herbs to treat injuries or create remedies.
  • Natural Healing Potion: With a successful Lore (Herbology) check (Average Difficulty, +20), the pouch can produce a simple healing potion that restores 1d10 Wounds once per day.
  • Poison Antidote: The pouch may also be used to craft an antidote for basic poisons with a Lore (Herbology) check (Challenging Difficulty, +0). Success grants the recipient a +20 bonus to resist poison effects.
  • Herb Foraging: After 3 uses, the herbs are depleted. The user must spend a day foraging in a natural environment and roll Outdoor Survival or Lore (Herbology) (Challenging Difficulty, +0) to replenish the herbs.
  • Risk of Spoilage: On a fumbled roll, the herbs spoil or cause a harmful side effect, leading to mild poisoning (-10 to all checks for 1d10 hours).