Thistle, Spirit of the Forest

Medium fey, Neutral Good

Stats

Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 102 (12d8 + 48)
Speed: 40 ft.

STR 10 (+0)
DEX 16 (+3)
CON 18 (+4)
INT 14 (+2)
WIS 20 (+5)
CHA 16 (+3)

Saving Throws: Wis +8, Cha +6, Con +7
Skills: Medicine +8, Nature +5, Perception +8, Stealth +6, Survival +8
Damage Resistances: radiant, cold, bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities: charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 30 ft., passive Perception 18
Languages: Sylvan, Common, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)

Traits

Aura of Vitality: Allies within 20 feet of Thistle have advantage on saving throws against poison and disease.
Forestmeld: While in natural terrain, Thistle can Hide as a bonus action and has advantage on Stealth checks.
Magic Resistance: Thistle has advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.

Spellcasting

Nature’s Grace (Wisdom-based; spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks)

Cantrips (at will): Druidcraft, Guidance, Spare the Dying, Thorn Whip
1st level (4 slots): Cure Wounds, Entangle, Faerie Fire
2nd level (3 slots): Lesser Restoration, Barkskin
3rd level (3 slots): Mass Healing Word, Revivify, Dispel Magic
4th level (2 slots): Aura of Life, Guardian of Nature

Actions

Vine Lash: +6 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength save or be restrained until the end of Thistle’s next turn.
Nature’s Embrace (Recharge 5–6): Heals 30 (6d8 + 5) hit points to any creature Thistle can see within 30 feet.

Bonus Actions

Healing Pulse (3/day): All allies within 10 feet regain 10 hit points.

Reactions

Protective Vines: When a creature within 10 feet of Thistle is hit by an attack, Thistle can summon vines to grant +2 AC until the end of that turn.

Tactics

Thistle stays mobile, using their magic to heal and protect allies. They summon Guardian of Nature for defense and use Nature’s Embrace for powerful mid-fight healing. Thistle avoids direct combat when possible, relying on restraining vines and illusions to keep threats at bay.

Background

Thistle: The Heart of the Wild

Deep within the ancient heart of the forest, where sunlight barely touches the mossy floor and the air hums with primal magic, Thistle was born—not of flesh and blood, but of nature’s purest will. Formed by the union of moonlight, river mist, and the whispers of ancient trees, Thistle became the forest’s living spirit—a guardian of life and balance.

Unlike other spirits of vengeance or wrath, Thistle’s purpose has always been one of healing and restoration. When wildfires scorch the earth or dark forces corrupt the land, Thistle emerges, mending what was broken, reviving withered roots, and soothing the anguish of nature’s children. Creatures of all sizes—beasts, fey, and even lost travelers—find unexpected salvation in Thistle’s presence.

Legends speak of a time when Thistle faced the Hollow Crown’s incursion, standing alone against unnatural decay. Weaving spells of renewal, Thistle restored entire groves decimated by blight, turning back the creeping corruption with radiant bursts of vitality.

But Thistle is not without sorrow. The spirit feels every scar left upon the wilds and mourns the greed of those who exploit without thought. Even so, hope remains the core of Thistle’s being—a belief that life, no matter how fragile, can always bloom again.

To those who respect the wild and seek its healing embrace, Thistle is a silent protector. But to those who bring ruin, Thistle is an unyielding force of nature, a reminder that the forest always watches—and remembers.