Growing in the Moonlight (Roland Moonstar)

Theying · September 15, 2007, 02:10 AM

Immanis in Spring of Era XIV

The master herbalist was somewhat frustrated. Getting things up and running was hard. There was a great deal of work involved, it wasn't that people weren't helping or that things weren't happening. It was more like things weren't happening as fast as he would like.

Well, there was what people want and what is. Things are the way they are, and normally for good reason. He could use a diversion, even a demanding one. When he couldn't solve problems, or was sick of banging his head against a wall, he often enjoyed messing with a different one and let the original issue simmer in the back of his mind.

For once, weeding and maintaining a garden wasn't doing it. The plants were still establishing themselves, and not enough time had passed to allow unwanted weeds to take over uncared for areas. There was just no challenge to it. Theying decided to take a break, stretching and tensing. If nothing else offered, then he'd probably just end up tossing daggers again.

Roland Moonstar · September 18, 2007, 01:51 PM

Roland came by. "Serale there, Theying! How are you?"

He waved at the man from Jaedaxia. "By the way, I wanted to thank you again for the help you gave House Moonstar the other cycle. Thanks to your knowledge, that boy was able to recuperate from his injury in a way that might have cost him his leg otherwise."

Roland pointed at the ground. "If you have the time, I would like to learn the basics of Herbalism. I have much on my plate, and don't expect I will ever be as skilled or knowledgeable as you, a man who has devoted his life to such things."

He shrugged. "But still, if I know the basics, I would at least be able to help out Adamnen and the others in Paxia, perhaps by helping to gather herbs or some such basic activity. Every little bit helps, that's my motto.

What do you say?"

Theying · September 18, 2007, 02:10 PM

"Good Brightening to you as well," Theying quickly answered. "Interest is good, but I have to ask. Exactly how do you intend to use herbalism? I wouldn't want to waste time, neither of us can afford that. So I would like to know how to taylor this to what you want."

It was a good question. Herbalism was a huge discipline. Like most mundane trades, the majority of it could be ignored outright and it still would be quite useful.

Roland Moonstar · September 21, 2007, 11:07 AM

Roland nodded. "I desire to learn an overview. Just 'Basic Herbalism.' Whatever the normal first course is for this sort of thing. The basic study of plant, herbs, spices, and so forth, and some of their more elementary properties and uses."

He shrugged. [color=gold]"If I find this something I have affinity for, then as I study advanced Herbalism I can tailor my studies accordingly. But right now, I just desire the raw overview, as I am completely ignorant on this subject.

I will not speculate on what I can or can't do with this knowledge until I know what Herbalism is all about, and that's why I'm here, to gain a basic understanding of what Herbalism is and what it isn't. So that is what I desire, a basic survey overview course."[/colo]

Theying · September 21, 2007, 05:57 PM

Theying knit his eyebrows, this wasn't exactly something he could work with. There were many basic places to start, that correlated with the various disciplines with the general skill. Well, he could always default to teaching some basic healing herbs to start with. People seemed to like that, and healing herbs were generally much easier to prepare.

"Well, I guess I could start with something pretty generic," Theying commented. "But the best way to really get a feel for things is to read through Theraz's Herb List and the Olde Herb List. Then you can figure it out on your own time and really dig into what you want to. Although we can speed the process up if you give me an idea how you intend to use herbalism."

OOC: I will add in the links there when I have time.

Roland Moonstar · September 22, 2007, 08:46 AM

Roland nodded. "If you think it is wise to speed up so important a discipline. I simply fear that you may decide to leave something out that is crucial for my understanding later on. This has happened to me in Arcana, and I don't desire it happening again. If it takes us an extra candlemark, then so be it."

Roland thought about all he had said in terms of what Theying had originally asked. "Now that I believe I understand your original question better, by the way, as I believe you are in fact looking at the discipline of herbalism instead of the class, what I personally desire to learn is the herbalism that is needed as a prerequisite for Alchemy. I want to learn about Alembics, Calcinators and Retorts, and I want to learn, eventually, the equations necessary for Alchemy. Perhaps a course in the history and overview of the Philosopher's Stone. I don't know if you know any of that, nor do I think either of us has the time right now. But from you, I want a course in Basic Herbalism, geared towards this goal."