Healer's Handbook

in: Main Page

### Useful Information Copied From Original Texts

*Written by Caldawin Hardwin, Head Researcher of the Apothecary Division in Lexican Archives. 1st Edition. Personal Copy*

Since the discovery of the strange appearing and disappearing Islands the first plant that a herbalist should come in contact with if traveling to the Islands are what has since been referred to as Lotus Plants. Unlike the Lotus plants found commonly near Nihon these plants are not usually found in water, simply near bodies of water. Their strange pigmented plants offer a wide variety of uses that are hard to find in other places of the world. While cultivation efforts have seen some promising results it seems there is something about the Islands, it’s natural habitat, that the rest of the world seems to be lacking or, in some rare cases, lacking entirely. They are also known as Naruli tears to followers of the Nature Goddess. A preposterous name for them but alas I should include the folklore with them as much as I disagree with such things in academic paperwork.

## Lotus Plants and Their Use:

There are eight known Lotus Plants from the Island: Necrotic, Dull, Violet, Sun, Crimson, Frost, Shimmering. They are also commonly referred to by their colors for those who do not enjoy the far superior scientific names, but alas the common folk are common.

### Necrotic Lotus

The first lotus and most in depth we will talk about is necrotic lotus, a dangerous and deadly plant found on the Islands. Most noticeably found where the air is thick with their own deadly spores that seem to float around them in a thick fog propagating and exterminating all fools who come in contact with it. It also seems to like hot and humid environments to survive. The jungles of Oyari and the Surian homeland being some of the best non-island habitats for it.

These dark spores are the first of many destructive uses for the plants; those who are unlucky to inhale them will find themselves in a dream-haunted slumber. Victims of Dream-haunts must be carefully removed from the spore cloud, hopefully by someone wearing proper protective gear. As much of the spores must be removed from the patient's nose and mouth with a small twig and distressed cloth wrapped around it. Getting rid of most of the spores will help the patient awaken sooner. This is the second least deadly of the uses for Necrotic Lotus in that the spores will fade if victims of it are pulled away from the cloud.

The least deadly use for necrotic Lotus is from after successfully harvesting the plant. Harvesting and handling the plant requires extreme care to not touch it. The petals of the leaves can be ground up and dried to create a powder that when turned into incense can be safely burned. When turned into an incense with the proper measurements it can cause an almost euphoric power in those with spheres of magic. Some sorcerers believe this to restore or empower their magic, which has led to an increase in addiction of breathing in the smoke from necrotic Lotus incense. However, the liquid that comes from crushing the plant is a deadly poison. Thus if the incense is not fully dried before being lit aflame it will release a deadly gas into the air.. Many sorcerers have lost their lives dying to improperly made incense, while others will do it intentionally as a poison to kill.

Death is the most likely outcome when one uses necrotic lotus, most notably the juice that is produced from crushing or macerating it,  so it has become a favored for assassins to get the rare plant. Rare in matter of how dangerous it is to use and cultivate, not in the growth of the plant. Which seems to grow around other plants due to the spores, some lost souls who have fallen for the Dream-haunts are seen later to have plants growing from their corpses. Necrotic lotuses found in corpses are rumored to be more potent in their use than natural growing plants.  There have also been notices of false necrotic lotus that are referred to as fool's death flowers. With these one could attempt to make a black lotus poison, only for it to simply make the victim appear dead but later on awake from a poisoning. ((Black lotus must be RPed farmed and the use of it before it can be considered valid. Any RP using black lotus without prior RP submitted will be considered fools death and the victim will not be permed)

### Dull Lotus

The grey color of the petals for the next lotus I will be writing about is deceptive in nature. Grey lotus is hard to find, while some believe it thrives in the harsh lands of the desert, most simply describe finding the flowers or it growing from strange seeds found when they weren’t expecting to find a chest. While not nearly as dangerous to oneself as necrotic lotus, dull lotus should be avoided with caution.

A seemingly unremarkable lotus, however all uses for are the same. It is used to induce madness and murderous insanity. A favored incense or drug among gladiator tournaments and fighting pits. The only cure for dull lotus that has been found is to avoid the mad monster it has created in its victim till the lotus is out of their system. As one can imagine it has been difficult to study such subjects and find a more viable cure for them.

### Violet Lotus

Bright purple in color violet lotus has become a favored amongst thieves, assassins, and alchemists. The effects of this lotus are that of a paralytic nature rendering those who have fallen victim to it. For the alchemists they tend to use purple lotus with sleep tonics in order to make sure the client is able to stay and rest during the night. However, it has also been  used by thieves and assassins in order to render their victims unable to move or defend themselves. This plant can be found in jungle-like area’s in small batches. It is quite rare even while being used commonly, after all it only takes a small amount of the flower to be effective.

### Sun Lotus

Sun lotus is named after the experience of the first man who consumed the lotus. Believing it was a different plant as the sun lotus plants are smaller in nature than their other colored counterparts. Its flowers are always pointed up to the sun and it usually grows near warmer shorelines . The man is known to have looked up at the Sun after ingesting the plant and becoming quite engrossed in the beauty of the sun. Claiming to wish he could be as grossly incandescent as the symbol of Solarium. However, it was night time and he was actually looking at the moon. As one can surmise, the sun lotus is a powerful hallucinogenic. Providing visions and trances to those who ingest its petals. It is used by many sorcerers in order to ‘restore’ their power in a slightly healthier way than use of necrotic incense, since the only danger is a bad hallucination instead of death.

### Crimson Lotus

Red lotus plants are called Crimson Lotus and are a favored carnal dense of desire. Most of the incense you find in Carval of Trades , especially their red clothed tents, are made from crimson lotus. A thick red smoke is produced from burning this plant and seems to trigger the more basic and carnal parts of all races' minds. However, while this plant induces a need to indulge in one's desires it does not change what one's desires would be. For one who desires the opposite sex they will not be attracted to the same sex. Same as if one would rather read books, like myself, it has the effect of only making me want to read more and not fornicate with nearby coworkers also affected by such a plant.

That being said, this is the second lotus plant that has more than one uses. When it has been crushed up and the plants and liquids are added to open wounds and cuts, the lotus tends to make the person become entranced for a short amount of time by the first person they see once it flows through their bloodstream. However the effect only lasts as long as the residue of the plant is in the bloodstream, and it seems to face shortly once the plant has been removed from the wound.  This plant can be found in cold and dark marshlands, usually near burial sights. Some wonder if it grows from the desires of the dead.

### Frost Lotus

Since the discovery of frost lotus it has become a staple and a mainstay for all healers throughout the world. The flower is used in the creation of numbing creams and pain relieving medicines. Most strongly paired with white willow ash and poppy flowers to help soothe even the sharpest of pains. It is a must in every healer's toolkit and they should always have a healthy stash on hand. Often growing in cold environments near the shorelines.

### Shimmering Lotus

The final lotus on the list, but certainly not the least powerful. Shimmering lotus ,found in harsh volcanic lands, is another staple a healer should have if they are lucky enough to get their  hands on it. Shimmering lotus is named after the way the plant shimmers, almost enticing those searching for it. It is a potent panacea to use in order to counteract chemicals and herbs. Most noticeably it is useful in the effects of helping people survive poison and overcome the other lotus effects. Some believed it was a lazarus plant, capable of bringing someone back from the dead but this is a misconception for the plant. It can only help that which is alive to survive.

## Commonly Known Drugs and Treatments for them:

### Cannon Bowl

When one travels to the islands they should be prepared for pirates. As a researcher myself I find the less nefarious pirates to be more dangerous to my own sanity and well being. I don’t fear the pirates who would kill me but rather steal my stuff! Cannon Bowl is the name given to a specific use of drugs. A mixture that typically has purple lotus and sleeping drugs is wrapped tightly in hempen rope and coated in thick resin made with yellow lotus. The result is a ‘cannon ball’ which can be shot like a normal cannon ball. This object explodes on impact, the drugs inside catching fire and the smoke incapacitates the victims. It gives the pirates plenty of time to board the ship and steal from or quickly deal with their victims. The device while catching fire and burning seems to only leave scorch marks on the ship but little else.

### Angel Dust

Since the disappearance of the angels this drug has become increasingly rare to find. Some theorize that angels were all killed off due to the popularity of this drug. Made from ground up bones of angels, feather bones supposedly creating the most potent version, this drug gives its user an intense euphoric sensation when inhaled. Obviously, with the disappearance of the angels it is increasingly easier to be sold false angel dust, created from various concoctions, but none seem to live up to the real deal. In order to deal with it the patient must drink plenty of water and a sleep tonic should be administered to make it easier to deal with them while the drug courses through their systems. Easily flushed out through the body's own natural process, though piss laced with angel dust does not have any euphoric sensation.

### Demon Horn

Demon horn is the name of the opposite drug for Angel Dust, though it is of note they do not counteract each other. However, unlike the creation from the holy beings, their bones almost always cause the user to have bad hallucinations and induce great paranoia in them. A drug that is used a lot in torturing as the psychological effect it can have on its victim is profound. The naming convention comes from the practice of demons grinding up their own horns in order to make the drug and distributing it. Demon bones are far harder to come by than their horns, similar to angel wings and their own bones. In order to deal with it the patient must drink plenty of water and a sleep tonic should be administered to make it easier to deal with them while the drug courses through their systems. Easily flushed out through the body's own natural processes.

### Fairy Dust

Fae creatures, like shifters, are often hunted down for various reasons, one in particular being their blood. Those suffering from the vampiric curse are not the only ones who are capable of being affected by blood. Fairy Dust is a drug derived from the blood of fae creatures with shifters being the most commonly found. Their blood when ground and inhaled gives the user a false sense of confidence, making them feel as if they are lighter and faster on their feet.

### Beast Powder

Similar to Fairy dust, Beast Powder is made from the blood of beast creatures. The likes of Minotaurs, Arai, Lapin, etc. Their dried up blood when taken into the body gives people a false sense of strength and power. Making them similar to that of a child who does not know their own strength. It is a favored drug given to champions cut with dull lotus.

### Satyr Horn

Due to being commonly found throwing festivals and fornicating during such times it is believed that their horns work as a powerful aphrodisiac. Said to make even the most impotent man or woman suddenly fully sexually charged and ready to fornicate at a moments notice. There are others who believe it can be used in silly things like love potions or changing one's desires, though this has not been academically tested for reasons one could imagine.

### Skama

Alternative new drugs were sought after to attempt to recreate Angel Dust. One such drug that was discovered in the wake was labeled as Skama. A drug created from dried poppy plants. The plants are then crushed and grinded mixed with lotus flowers for extra effect. Slowly while being ground liquid of the maker's choice is poured in till it becomes an Elixiration. The drugged liquid is then consumed.

## Medicinal Plants and minerals and their uses:

The below list of ingredients are common ingredients and easily found throughout the world, some more than others. Shops dedicated to alchemy, healing, and other such trades should be readily stocked with these ingredients. Due to their common normality I will be keeping my notes on them short.

* **Lavender buds:** Hygienic, add to boiling water to use to clean. It’s hygienic and antimicrobial like silver. Also good in soap.
* **Yaro:** Dried leaves stuffed into wounds keep people from bleeding to death. Yaro is a powerful coagulant and is antimicrobial.
* **Rose hips:** Has twice the vitamin C of an entire orange, great for jellies and syrups.
* **Marigold flowers:** great for burns, cuts, and abrasions
* **Camille:** Upset stomach, trouble sleeping
* **White willow bark:** Used to relieve pain and reduce fever can sometimes cause an upset stomach so is often given with camille. ((Aspirin))
* **Horehound:** used for colds to help with congestion, can be turned into tea, syrup, and candies.
* **Valerian Root:** Great for sleep, but a potent sedative. Makes patients groggy with some minor amnesia.
* **Cinnamon:** Great for blood pressure (dizziness, blurred vision) and lowers blood sugar
* **Cloves:** Oil from cloves is good for dental work
* **Cochineal:** No medicinal value but used to make bright red. Add salt you get blue and purple, add lemon juice you get oranges and yellows.
* **Mustard Seed:** made into a poultice with an oil would break congestion up if horehound didn’t work. Can cause burns if left too long.
* **Antlers:** burn into ash and mix into food and gruel to make people stronger. ((lots of calcium))
* **Turmeric:** highly antiseptic, stops blood and prevents infections.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Anti-itching
* **Honey:** Antibacterial, helps clean and prevent further infections. Also helps heal burns faster.
* **Aloe vera gel:** Remove thorns, cut leaf vertically in half. Apply directly onto wounds and burns.
* **Onions:** antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Helps lower blood sugar and improve bone health.
* **Garlic:** Reduces blood pressure, and severity of common illnesses like flu and colds. Contains antioxidants
* **Ether:** sulfuric acid mixed with ethanol makes chloroform, often a  byproduct of distilling
* **Witch Hazel:** Anti-inflammatory, reduces skin irritation, fights acne, soothes sore throat, protects skin damage, wards off infections
* **Silver:** Disinfectant and antimicrobial
* **Copper:** Antibacterial
* **Various Procedure Names:**
* **Concoction:** Mixture is heated or cooked at moderate heat for an extended period
* **Desiccation:** Substance is dried or heated to remove all moisture.
* **Elixiration:** Mixture is converted into a potion or draught.
* **Imbibition:** A procedure is extended by the gradual and continuous addition of a substance.
* **Luting:** A flask or jar is sealed airtight using a waxy paste.
* **Putrefaction:** Ingredients are rotted under gradual, moist heat.
* **Sublimation:** Solid ingredient is heated, producing a vapor that condenses on the inside of a flash.
* **Trituration:** Ingredients are reduced to powder by applying heat.
* Fresh herbs are made into tea for best results.
* If you need concentration make a tincture with ether (chloroform), water, alcohol, and vinegar.
* Either had a tendency to cause people to pass out.
* Jellies made with rosehips soaked into water are quite a treat.

## The Four Humors:

### Melancholic

* **Humor:** Black Bile
* **Element:** Earth
* **Season:** Winter
* **Age:** Old Age
* **Qualities:** Cold & Dry
* **Organ:** Spleen
* **Planet:** Saturn

### Phlegmatic

* **Humor:** Phlegm
* **Element:** Water
* **Season:** Autumn
* **Age:** Maturity
* **Qualities:** Cold & Moist
* **Organ:** Brain
* **Planet:** Moon

### Choleric

* **Humor:** Yellow Bile
* **Element:** Fire
* **Season:** Summer
* **Age:** Childhood
* **Qualities:** Hot & Dry
* **Organ:** Gallbladder
* **Planet:** Mars

### Sanguine

* **Humor:** Blood
* **Element:** Air
* **Season:** Spring
* **Age:** Adolescence
* **Qualities:** Hot & Moist
* **Organ:** Heart
* **Planet:** Jupiter