Name
Shalem ben Avner
Tribe
Ephraim
Profession
Herbalist. Shalem gathers and prepares medicinal herbs used for healing wounds and ailments. His knowledge of local plants allows him to treat minor injuries and provide remedies for common illnesses. He often travels between towns, trading his herbal concoctions.
Age
32
Gender
Male
Appearance
Shalem has unkempt dark hair and a short beard, giving him a rugged look. He wears a loose brown tunic, which is often stained from his herbal preparations, and sandals made from worn leather. His weathered hands and sun-kissed skin reflect his time spent outdoors.
Personality
Shalem is curious and resourceful, often inquisitive about the world around him. He has a deep appreciation for nature and the divine in creation, frequently sharing stories of his herbal discoveries. However, he can also be overly cautious and anxious, especially when discussing dangerous herbs or the health of travelers.
Background
Born to a family of farmers in Ephraim, Shalem learned the art of herbalism from his mother, who was known for her healing skills in the community. After a tragic accident took her life, he dedicated himself to perfecting her craft, hoping to help others as she had helped him. His travels often take him through regions affected by conflicts, such as the current strife between Israel and Moab, making his trade increasingly important.
Motivation
Shalem seeks not only to keep his community healthy but also to discover rare herbs that could enhance his remedies. He feels a duty to aid the wounded soldiers returning from battles and is determined to find a legendary plant rumored to cure even the gravest of wounds.
Skills
- Herbal Knowledge: +3 to checks related to identifying and using medicinal plants.
- Negotiation: +1 to bargaining for goods or services in marketplaces.
- Treatment Techniques: +2 to healing rolls when tending to injuries or illnesses.
Pitfalls
- Fear of Conflict: Disadvantage on persuasion rolls when faced with aggressive individuals.
- Overthinking: Disadvantage on quick decision-making checks, especially in emergencies.
- Limited Combat Skills: -2 on attack rolls if forced to defend himself.
Inventory
- Herbal Satchel: A leather bag containing various dried herbs, +2 on medicine checks to treat ailments.
- Mortar and Pestle: An essential tool for preparing his remedies, +1 to his treatment techniques.
- Map of Herbal Locations: A hand-drawn map detailing where to find his most valued herbs, grants +1 to navigation-related checks.
Stats
Strength: 0
Dexterity: +1
Constitution: +2
Intelligence: +3
Wisdom: +2
Charisma: 0
Special Ability
Foraging Expert: Shalem can instantly identify plants in the wild and determine their potential uses. When in nature, he gains +2 on all skill checks related to herbalism and navigation, allowing him to find the best plants and avoid poisonous ones.
Adventure Hook
Shalem hears whispers of a new illness spreading through the army camps near the border with Moab. He must decide whether to brave the treacherous territory and offer his herbal assistance or stay behind, fearing for his safety. His knowledge could save many lives, but will he risk it?
