expiationnet | 01. video.

[ The video flicks on to show one Claude von Riegan, having dispensed with his usual fineries of billowing fabrics and elaborate capes to more simple fare, simply a loose white linen shirt and brown trousers, seated at the desk of what looks to be an incredibly cluttered shop. Herbs hang from strings from the ceilings, the dark, burnished wood of the shelves covered in various dusty jars filled with strange liquids and ground plants and all manner of things; what little table space is not covered in these mystery jars is instead covered in stacks of books and parchment strewn about. It is, as some may be able to recognize, Aldrip's apothecary. ]

Hey, everyone. For as long as I've been here, I don't think I've ever properly introduced myself... so allow me to make up for lost time. My name is Claude von Riegan, and I've been here for, oh... three, four months? Longer than I thought I'd be stuck here, to be honest. But I've got more than simple introductions on my mind today.

[ He reaches into one of the jars and plucks out a few herbs, adding it to whatever concoction is in his mortar and pestle, the grinding of stone against stone a low, pleasant sound. ]

I'm sure you've all noticed that our humble hosts have been disappearing, one after the other. [ He holds up a paper, noting a date and time that has already passed, an invitation to meet with Those Who Were. ] This seems to be the culprit -- someone sending them missives, telling them to meet with their gods, or holy figures, or whatever else you'd like to call them. Something worth investigating, I think.

[ He pauses, putting a pinch of some other spice into his bowl. ]

But in the meantime, they've left their businesses behind. So I've gone ahead and temporarily commandeered the apothecary until they return. It's too important an institution to leave empty, and besides, this place could do with some organization. And some good dusting. And, frankly, some revamped bookkeeping, because it's just in shambles.

The thing is, though, is that my own knowledge of herbalism is confined to my own world -- and it's specialized knowledge, at that. So if you know anything about it, or know of anything I ought to be stocking, that you might be needing, do me a favour and let me know. [ He licks the tip of his pinky, dips it into his concoction, and licks it off, only to shudder in revulsion. ] Eurgh, that's nasty.

[ He clears his throat. ]

Or, of course, you can help me search for our missing persons. I haven't had much luck, but hey! Maybe you will.

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You touch me with your consideration! Not to worry, though, Ethlyn. I'm quite well acquainted with deadly plantlife. Our recent rotten vegetable acquisition notwithstanding. Those were new even to me.

[ He will be tasting some of those more lethal herbs, of course. Just not on camera. Plausible deniability, right? ]

Back home, we had these potions that worked a treat even on the battlefield. But I haven't been able to find any of the ingredients here. Maybe even what used to be defunct back home will work here. Different world, different rules, right?

[ He glances dolefully at the jars behind him. ]

I don't think I'd be able to give it all a proper taste test even if I were at it for a full year, though.

[Oh god. Is he? Ethlyn remembers what he said in the maze about being plonked down in front of his people as the new heir. She wouldn't be surprised if he's had to deal with poisoning attempts.]

No, I haven't found the specific vulnerary plants that our herbalists are using in their experiments either... and I've looked. Still, we do have willow, which is useful for minor pains and ailments, and the woman who used to run the clinic before she handed it off told me a lot about fungus that can stop wounds from festering.

It doesn't close a wound miraculously, but cleaning it after a lot of dirty iron and cloth has been pushed through it was quite astounding to me. Maybe you could learn to cultivate it?

A fungus that can help an infected wound, huh...? That doesn't sound like it should work, but hey, it's no stranger than any of the other recipes in here. I don't know how we'll even be able to test it.

[ Who would ever want to be the guinea pig for that? He grabs a piece of parchment from the pile and scribbles away on it. ]

Still, I'll look into it. If it does work, then it would be nothing short of a miracle. Illness takes people more often than the injury itself does.

[Ethlyn gives a serious nod. She knows that too well herself. If a wound isn't healed in time, then she has to pray, and not every prayer is answered how she wants it to be. And being on campaign can be as bad as a charnel house if conditions get bad. The things that get churned up in mud, throwing people in close quarters for long periods of time, the stress, the ease at which food and water get spoiled--it's as dangerous as the swords and spells.]

As I understand it, the fungus and bacteria are in their own war. I believe it grows on bread and fruit as a nuisance--I'll let some go moldy and bring it to you. Maybe we can do some experiments together with it. Not that we don't already have medicine, but... having a separate source of supply is a good idea.

Sounds good. We'll cultivate some, and... [ He pauses, considering. ] I suppose any trial runs will have to wait, won't they? I'm an experimental guy, but even I have limits. But if I ever get injured, I'll take that as an opportunity.

Not all of us can rely on that healing magic you've got there, after all.

That's a relief. I was afraid you were going to suggest deliberately giving yourself contaminated injuries to test the effects of each mold.

[She's only sort of being facetious. In a different life, maybe Claude could be stomach ulcer guy.]

But I agree. We've lost several people from the Arztenritter, and that's going to spread the magic from my staff thin the next time something happens here.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind! But... this place is too unreliable. I can't afford being laid out for what could be months at a time, only for a little bit of scientific experimentation.

Maybe it's time for some first-aid lessons for the public. While I'm in charge of this place, you'll have a one-stop shop for the poultices and herbalism you might need. But you're right; magic is a finite source, but we've got enough hands to spare. It'll be good for people like me. I never quite got the knack of it.

Ah, so it would be impractical to suffer sepsis and gangrene. I'm glad to hear you being so sensible about the matter.

It's a bit like music, isn't it? Some people just have more of a feel for it than others. But you're right; I am planning to host some classes soon. The more people can help each other in a time of crisis, the easier it will be for the Arztenritter to get to the people who are in truly dire need of help.

How much do you know right now? It would be good to know everyone's general level of knowledge.

Hmm, well... I went to military school, so I think that my knowledge may be skewed. Towards the battlefield, that is. I can handle wrapping and dressing a wound, and fashioning a splint until a more experienced healer can properly realign the bone. And for normal sorts of illnesses, I know that healing teas are supposed to work well, and it's good to keep patients separated if it's some sort of plague. [ He shrugs. ] The basics. I'm sure others know much more than I do about illness. I'm not one to get sick easily.

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