Herbalism in New Terra
by Henry Scalroose
You might find yourself walking through the mountains, only to come across some very rare Primordial Balm, which under most circumstances can amplify a potion or poison’s effects two-fold. At other times, you might find yourself walking across a tundra cold and alone, and due to your training you are able to utilize some Drakus Flower or Fennel Silk to help you regulate your body heat.
While you are out traveling amongst the world, you might want to gather some local flora. This is known as Herbalism. Herbalism is mainly used to gather things like seeds, coral, mushrooms, or bark. It can also be used to gather very potent magical ingredients like ghostly stalks or water infused with the elements.
-The History-
The history of herbalism is closely tied with the history of medicine from prehistoric times up until the development of modern Alchemy. The history of herbalism also overlaps with food history, as many of the herbs and spices historically used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds, and use of spices with cooking is part of an ancient response to the threat of food-borne illness.
The use of plants as medicines predates written history. Archaeological evidence indicates that humans were using medicinal plants during the ancient times, thousands of years ago. After the coming of Tarj the Wise and the cultivation of his Conclave, monasteries were the primary source of medical knowledge in Krussin and Oropan during the Early Age of Rebirth. However, most of these monastic scholars' efforts were focused on translating and copying these writings on medicine, as on other subjects, from Tarj and his Triad. In the Middle Age of Rebirth, they expanded their efforts and learned more about the material make-up of local plants, and helped create what was the forefather of the modern herbalism kit. The monasteries thus tended to become local centers of medical knowledge, and their herb gardens provided the raw materials for simple treatment of common disorders.
Knowledge of botanicals was closely related to medicine because the plant's principal use was for remedies. Herbals were structured by the names of the plants, identifying features, medicinal parts of plant, therapeutic properties, and some included instructions on how to prepare and use them. For medical use of herbals to be effective, a manual was developed and distributed throughout most developed regions of Terra.
In our modern day, the practice of prescribing treatments and cures to patients often requires a legal medical license in the Alwyn Free Cantonry, and the licensing of these professions occurs on a local level. This is also true of Elbion and all regions of Krussin. However, there is currently no licensing or certification for herbalists in any region that precludes the rights of anyone to use, dispense, or recommend herbs.
-Caution-
The world is a bountiful place amongst all of the terrains it has within itself. While there are some plants that only grow in certain regions, and others that grow almost everywhere, you might come across a rare ingredient or two. If you ever come across an unknown flora or fauna, place it in a sealed vial in your herbalism kit until further research can be done on it. Local monasteries or an abbey are good places to start your investigation.
For example, a common find is the Wyrmtongue, which grows in most climates and regions. As beautiful as it is, the pedals of this insidious flower when ingested can cause blood poisoning, convulsions and even death. Even physical touch can irritate the skin. Extreme care must be taken, as some plant life can cause great harm.
Most ingredients can only last about a week before losing their full potential. If used past this week time period, a brewed concoction can have slightly altered effects, or not work at all. However, rarer ingredients can last almost a month due to their hostile environment situations. A good way to preserve ingredients from expiring too early is to use an Ingredient Pouch, which can be purchased along with the common herbalism kit. Every pouch operates differently; some of these pouches keep the ingredients dry, while others merely remove oxygen from the container. Any style of these pouches extends the ingredient life of ingredients by double.
-Common Plants-
Arctic Creeper. This noxious weed usually grows in extremely cold environments, or at higher elevations where snow tends to accumulate. The leaves of the plant characterized by a pleasant sweet minty flavor, whereas the root is bitter and acidic. The Arctic Creeper is toxic to many unwary travelers, as it is quite easy to consume the root’s toxins while enjoying the sweet flavorsome leaves.
Arrow Root. This unusually elongated plant can stand up to four feet tall, and is very easy to spot due to its distinctive white and brown speckled pattern. The Arrow Root thrives in desert and drought environments, as the plant needs very little water to survive. When diced and boiled in water the plant creates a frothy silver liquid, which is ideal for sharpening and polishing weapons and armor without the use of other means.
Amanita Cap. This large mushroom is often found growing in clusters near bodies of water, or around other damp terrain. It has a bold blue stem accompanied by a large red cap, which makes this fungi extremely easy to identify. Professional herbalists often cut the head from the root, as the mushroom has the rare ability to re-grow its cap within a few short weeks.
Bloodgrass. The most boring, common plant life found in the wild is this dark brown grass. It has absolutely no remarkable qualities, other than being relatively harmless, and its use as basic sustenance when properly prepared. Herbalists do not find this grass very unique, but still tend to collect it as it occupies almost no space in their packs.
Cactus Juice. This usually clear liquid can be found within most cacti around the world. It’s reasonably difficult to extract, as many cacti are dangerous to work with. Brewers love to use this juice in many recipes, as one of its effects is to delay alcohol intoxication, allowing people to purchase and consume more before it hits them.
Drakus Flower. This bright red and pale green flower can be found in both temperate and warm environments. It’s a natural favorite amongst entertainers, due to the petal’s ability to ignite with a moderate application of friction. This ignition does not cause harm, but instead creates theatrical sparks with the ability to light fires and create warmth.
Emetic Wax. This thick, white wax is often found seeping out of trees near lush and wet areas. It is commonly used in candle making, as the wax melts and re-hardens rather quickly, yet is strong enough to form delicate shapes. Herbalists use it to control how their tonics enter the body, performing miraculous feats.
Fennel Silk. Often mistaken for a spider’s web, this white web like plant grows amongst frigid and dark environments. It uses sharp hooked tendrils to help secure the edges of the plant to nearby rocks or plants. Adventurers that are adept in the use of Fennel Silk will recognize the many applications it has for protecting your extremities from harsh-low temperature environments.
Hyancinth Nectar. This blue and white thick liquid can be extracted from the Hyancinth’s near somewhat wet areas. This nectar is of high demand and is often used by highly trained guards to counter poisons that evil people attempt to use on them. While it does not cure the mean of poisons, it severely limits its effects.
Lavender Sprig. These long stemmed purple-petal flowers can often be found swaying in the wind in huge patches. They are very common amongst green environments and have a distinct sweet smell. However, they taste extremely bitter when eaten.
Mandrake Root. This tan root has serrated edges all along its body that often cause injury to Herbalists that do not properly know how to handle it. When stripped of its outer skin, the soft tender center can be eaten with relative ease and is often used by Doctors to reduce pain from poison or disease.
Milkweed Seeds. These small, white translucent seeds can be found when opening up a Milkweed Flower. They are often eaten by children due to their friendly look, but can cause negative digestive effects this way. When crushed up and diluted with other liquid these seeds offer very powerful healing effects.
Wild Sageroot. The most common ingredient found among doctors and healer’s equipment would be these light pink roots. They measure about 3 to 5 inches in length and have a smooth, fuzzy texture to them. They are used every day by skilled Alchemists and healers to create concoctions of extraordinary healing power.
Wyrmtongue Petals. These jagged red petals can be found growing on Wyrmtongue flowers in almost every terrain. It’s almost as if the world itself is trying to test humanity by letting these flowers grow everywhere. These petals are extremely toxic. For this reason, Wyrmtongue is highly illegal, and in many cases punishes owners of this flower with death.