Herbology for Beginners
Academy Texts · by Scribe Razzon Lavverek
Herbology is the study of any organic plant that provides benefit to any other being. In this text we will be discussing the specific effects of the most basic herbs and where to find them. This can be a most exciting and rewarding hobby and one that always has something new to offer, but first you must fully understand the consequences of your actions.
First and foremost smoking can be fun and will almost always leave you feeling pretty good about yourself. This does come at a price however as you can become addicted to the herbs you smoke. Addiction is not something to be trifled with and can be fatal if not treated properly. Addictions have been known to last almost a full month (31 days to be most accurate) and can be extremely painful. You will notice the onset of withdrawals with the shuddering and shaking, followed by degeneration of your bodies tissues. Smoking another herb seems to combat the withdrawal however that should not be put off till death is upon you as the pain from the shaking can be unpredictable. Finally there has been shown instances where people who have been addicted from birth have a partial immunity to the withdrawals.
Next we will move on to a more rigorous lesson about specific kinds of herbs and climates that they flourish in. Keep in mind that this text could not possibly cover all the herbs and roots that are useful so it will cover only the natural ones and most common ones that you are likely to come across on your journeys.
Red Herbs- Characterized by it red leaves and short roots, this small red herb tends to grow in soft almost swampy soil. The most common place is west of Val Miran. Smoking this herb has been known to sharpen ones sight so that you my see things otherwise invisible to you. Despite its small size this herb has been known to cure addictions for almost a full day.
Grey herbs- This herb is rather bushy and easy to find. Rumor has it this plant was at one time the favored smoking leaf of the heavens. The grey herb enjoys large amounts of light and can be found in the lighter, less dense portion of the emerald forest. Once smoked this herb can mimic the effects of a blessing of your God. In addition this herb can cure addiction for two full days.
Black herbs- One of the most sought after herbs all across the land, these herbs are also capable of growing in large quantities if left undisturbed for any length of time. Unfortunately they grow only in sandy and wet soil found far to the north-west of Val Miran on an island in the ocean. The leaves on this herb are as black as onyx and just as frail too. When smoked they make you glow with a white aura that can last several hours and are exceptional at warding off the effects of addiction.
Magenta leaves- These leave, sometimes call the mad man's leaf, are characterized by their bright magenta color and almost prickly bush. These leaves grow in a very strange fashion as only the magenta leaves are safe to smoke and they tend to grow on the inside branches of a bush. These herbs tend to, once smoked, instil the smoker with a state of frenzy. Sometimes if you are lucky you will also find some grapes there, good for a quick treat. One such bush had flourished close to the flying citadel for many years now. Smoking this herb will stop addictions for two full days.
Blue herbs- An herb not widely used among people for various
reasons, this herb is notable none the less. This herb grows only in very dark and damp areas, like basements in Val Miran. Once smoked this herb will greatly speed up your metabolism increasing the rate at which you recover from your wounds. Unfortunately it also tends to make you quite hungry and thirsty for a while. This is none the less an incredible herb for staving of the shakes that come with addiction.
These herbs are some of the most common and useful ones you will find around. Please note that not all herbs are helpful and some can be down right harmful. Herbology can be a lot of fun but it must be taken with extreme care, else it could be dangerous or fatal to yourself or those around you.
Aabahran