The Lorethew Mentor Society
Empath Guild Guide

V. ASSISTANTS IN HEALING

As Empaths of the realms, we are expected to grow in both survival and Lore knowledge. Finding herbs by foraging is a fundamental Empath survival skill, and the more you practice, the more adept you will become in finding a variety of herbs. Because an Empath's studies are required to encompass many aspects, alchemy becomes a perfect way to acquire many levels of knowledge. As you grow and gain experience in life, you will find many uses for the things mentioned in this section.

Herbs:

Elanthia has many natural herbs possessing defined healing properties. Many of these natural medicines can be foraged and used to aid us in the healing process. Sometimes we can prepare these herbs further using alchemical processes to increase their properties. Listed below are the herbs and the areas of the body each heals. If you do not wish to forage for the herbs, they can be purchased at various herbalists in the provinces. Two such fine establishments include Mauriga's Botanicals in the Crossing and Tiger Clan Home Cottage. It is recommended that healers experiment with their foraging skill to determine which items are attainable by foraging.

Fresh wound healing herbs:

Jadice Flower External limb/hand
Yelith Root Internal limb/hand
Nemoih Root External head
Blocil Berries Internal head
Eghmok Moss Internal head
Sufil Sap External eye
Georin Grass External neck
Riolur Leaf Internal neck
Plovik Leaf External chest
Ithor Potion Internal chest
Nilos Grass External abdomen
Muljin Sap Internal abdomen
Hulnik Grass External back
Junliar Stem Internal back

Scar healing herbs: (must be purchased from a shop)

Cebi Root External scars (all areas)
Hisan Salve Internal scars (all areas)

Other scar herbs: (unnecessary when using Cebi and Hisan)

Jadice Pollen External limb scar
Nuloe Stem Internal limb scar
Genich Stem External body scar(chest, abdomen, or back)
Ojhenik Potion Internal body scar(chest, abdomen, or back)
Qun Pollen External head and eye scar
Hulij Elixir Internal head and eye scar

Herbs with other purported beneficial properties:

Lavender Raise vitality
Chamomile Decreases fatigue
Blue Flower Aids harnessing ability
Red Flower Decreases fatigue
Golden Apple Raises vitality

Alchemy:

Alchemy is the practice of combining substances, such as natural herbs with healing properties, with catalysts. The philosophy behind this practice is to create more potent compounds that can heal wounds.

One of the fundamental alchemical principles is that all substances have certain properties, physical and chemical, such as moistness, state (solid, liquid, or gas), form (shape), potency and reaction. Another is that all substances can react with other substances to form a new substance. We can use many different techniques to help these substances change, including crushing, reacting, drying, heating, or cooling. There are tools available to aid with these various processes. You can purchase most of these tools in an alchemy shop.

Alchemical Tools:

large bowl
small jar
large jar
large cauldron
mortar
pestle
mixing stick
ayerd pyramid
portable stove
ulonchai bucket

Catalysts: (in order of potency from most to least)

Dracon Crystals
Tukai Stones
Seolarn Weed
Glaysker Flower

Alchemical Materials:

water
oil


The Process:

Potions and salves are made by mixing substances, such as crushed or dried herbs, water, and a catalyst. Water is normally stored in a vial, which you can refill from a well or standing water source.

Crushing: After foraging an herb, place the herb in a mortar and then crush it with a pestle. Once the herb is pulped or powdered, it is ready to react with the other ingredients. Also, it is important to note that if you purchase the catalyst in pure form (crystal or stone) it will also need to be crushed in the mortar prior to use. If the catalyst is Dracon or Tukai, it is recommended that you break the powder to obtain a workable amount.

Mixing: A container is needed for this process. You can purchase one from the alchemy shop, or use an empty box, bag or pouch. Be sure to close the container prior to shaking it if you choose to use a box, bag or pouch.

Drying: This is another way of changing a substance. The device needed to dry herbs is called a Wayerd Pyramid. This device only works with sun exposure, as it focuses the sun's rays on the items stored within. It is recommended that you use the pyramid during good weather, as it needs to be placed on the ground to perform properly. After placing the herbs you wish dried inside, close the pyramid door. The pyramid will hum as the herbs are being dried. Once the herb is dried, you can take it out and crush it to powder.

Heating: A stove is used to heat substances to change them into a less solid state. Open the stove, and light some charcoal with a flint. Put the lighted charcoal in the stove, close the stove, and put the substance to be heated on top of the stove. After a while the substance will heat up.

Cooling: The Ulonchai Bucket is a cooling device that changes a substance into a more solid state. Put the substance into the bucket, close the lid and shake. You can freeze water into ice.

Reaction Table:

Roots become potions
Flowers become potions
Mosses become potions
Grasses become salves
Leaves become teas (leaves must be dried first)
Stems become solutions
Saps become mashes

There are more combinations for possible alchemical results than can be covered in this small space. Experimentation is always the best course, though asking your elders can also help provide clues to medicinal recipes.

Through foraging and alchemy, you can expand your knowledge twofold, and better your health at the same time! These days, a well-rounded Empath has the best chance at surviving. When the spells fail, it is nice to have a standby.


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Last Revised 12/28/2000