Herbology
Whilst magic and clerical powers are widespread and generally vastly more effective, it has not prevented the use of Herbology, a branch of Alchemy which focuses purely on the use of plants to create various concoctions.
Alenostan flora is sturdy and fairly varied, and many plants have properties that are useful in brewing potions and salves. Several have even been noted to have benefited from locations of ambient magic, and though rare, allow the creation of more powerful brews.
There are a number of Herbology masters throughout Alenostr, and even a few basic texts for the aspiring brewer.
Player Knowledge
From Cressida Urdjadottir, the players have learned the main herbal ingredients of a Healing Salve.
Tara’zen
– A large mushroom that resembles a round shell. Often found in damp, dark environments. It’s spores have a light numbing effect.
Rastaren
-A pale yellow herb that appears much like the spines of a hedgehog. Has a slightly spicy aroma, and is known to help reduce scarring when applied to wounds.
Parac
– A fungal plant that grows on trees at high altitude. Dark green in colour, it resembles small domes of scales. Has minor infection prevention properties.
Nordra
– A small, fruit bearing tree, whose leaves when dried and crushed can be used to promote the clotting of blood. Can be found occasionally in forested areas. Nordra Berries are often used in the creation of wines.
Ceran
– A red, apple like fruit that grows on shrub-like bushes. Has a warm taste.
Arcasa Nut
A small reddish brown nut that can be collected from the pines of the Arcasa tree, a coniferous tree often found near flowing water.
This is good stuff.
I can never think of stuff like this. It’s not that I couldn’t come up with such a list, I rarely think of a need for such a list in my games.
Just something I wanted to add in, as I feel it fits with the setting. Wasn’t actually finalised until earlier in the week when I stumbled across other people talking about using it in games, which gave me a framework to work off of.
Mostly, I wanted something that could work as a lesser alternative to magic potions. Stuff like the Healing Salve works as a downtime healer, that whilst weak, takes the pressure of clerics needing to be heal-bots, as I feel that their other spells become underutilised early on.
Don’t put yourself down though man, your recent magic items posts have been great!