Hemlock

Hemlock is a plant-based support enemy found in The Crater with 10 HP, 1 damage, and 4 movement. Named after the famously poisonous plant, Hemlock is ironically immune to Poison and functions primarily as a healer rather than a damage dealer. While its direct offensive output is negligible, its ability to restore health to nearby allies makes it a high-priority target in any encounter, as leaving it alive effectively multiplies the durability of every enemy on the field.

Each turn, Hemlock emits three healing waves that restore 1 HP each to all adjacent allies, providing a steady 3 HP per turn of group healing that does not affect itself. It attacks units that end their movement within its 3-tile attack range, inflicting Poison 1 on hit. When damaged, Hemlock knocks back all adjacent units, creating distance between itself and melee attackers. If all combat-oriented allies are eliminated, Hemlock will flee the battle entirely rather than fight on alone, reflecting its support-only nature.

Ranged attacks are the best approach against Hemlock, as they bypass its knockback reaction and keep your cats out of its Poison attack range. Since it heals adjacent allies but not itself, isolating Hemlock from its companions negates its primary value. In encounters with durable enemies like Birthworts or Carnibulbs, eliminating Hemlock first prevents it from undoing your damage against those tougher targets. Champions have 20 HP, 2 damage, and 5 movement with the same triple-heal mechanic, making them faster and capable of keeping pace with mobile allies to maintain healing coverage.