| The Lorethew
Mentor Society Empath Guild Guide |
| III. INTO THE
CHAOS It's a misconception in Elanthia that Empaths are required to heal everyone. It is important to remember this golden rule: an Empath's first priority is to remain healthy. With every wound an Empath takes, they must heal twice as much as they have taken. This can become a crucial point when a new healer takes on the first healing challenge-the Infirmary. An Empath must deal with disruptions in the infirmary on a daily basis. While the Infirmary is primarily a place to be healed, many also view the Infirmary as a valuable resource for knowledge, and come to practice skill and teach and learn in classes of various types. While this makes the Infirmary a wonderful place of learning, it also serves to add to the noise surrounding those that most need to concentrate. A lapse of concentration can lead to mistakes...mistakes in this profession can mean death. While some folk seem to understand that the Empaths work as hard as is safely possible, many that come to the Infirmary are there for one reason and one reason only: to get healed as quickly as possible. Often, a gentle nudge or reminder to those being disruptive will encourage them to cease any unnecessary activity. Remember, too, that you are not obligated to heal anyone. The gift of healing is one you can choose with whom to share. As a general rule of thumb, don't jump in and start helping with a patient already being healed. Ask the attending Empath if they would like assistance first. The practice of transferring wounds is a difficult skill to master, and some Empaths may object to sharing their opportunity to learn. In addition, the attending healer may become confused if wounds they are planning to take in a certain order begin to disappear. Be careful to look before beginning a shift of healing to ensure that those already present receive the same courtesy that you would like to receive. When the healing is completed, the healer is often offered a payment of some sort. This takes many forms: pelts, coins, gems, herbs. The choice of whether or not to accept a tip is up to each individual healer. While some choose to request a simple hug or thank you in exchange for a healing, others believe that a financial contribution should be expected of those that wish healing. It is important to remember, though, that just as acknowledgment of healing is expected, so too is appreciation of any thanks received. Doing so establishes a good reputation and the foundation of a return clientele. Lastly, to help reduce the amount of confusion in an already confused atmosphere, familiarize yourself with what does and does not belong in the room. There are places to put unwanted things in both the Infirmary and the main room. The white cabinet in the Infirmary, the bucket of viscous gloop in the main room, the barrel outside the Empath Guild, and the donation shelf are all alternatives to dropping trash on the ground. While many of our patients are too impatient or unaware to care about the upkeep of the Infirmary, consider the courtesy you extend to your fellow healers when you choose to pick up a stray bolt or arrow and dispose of it properly. |