Healing Resources
In Arthea there are many sources of healing, the most common of which are connected with the church, but more unorthodox practices exist, which tend to be both cheaper and less effective than the standard religious methods. The two main branches of healing outside of the church system are those of the Herbalist or Apothecary, who uses naturally occurring drugs in potions and balms to treat the sick, and the Leech craft or Barber, where bloodletting is practiced to remove blood pressure from painful areas.
The Church
The abilities of the church in healing the sick are rivaled by none. They are backed by the power of their gods, and this gives them an important place in the community. Unfortunately all the major churches are bound by an agreement to maintain minimum costs for healing spells, which all of them stick to (even the chaotic followers), as a breakdown in this agreement could see people worshipping with the churches that can afford to sell their healing services the cheapest. This would undermine the whole faith basis of the churches.
In addition to this, most churches only ever charge the minimum rates to their own worshippers, costs are normally doubled (or more) for others. The charging structure is intended to both cover the church costs, and to cover a sacrifice to the gods of the church. There is also a levy added for healing that takes place away from the major towns and cities (the DM has a list of standard costs and other levies). It should be noted that the cost agreement does not cover the use of any healing skill used by the clergy, only their curative spells.
The Barber
The traditional role of the barber is in the use of sharp blades to expertly control the passage of blood through the arteries of the patient. The theory is that much of the pain experienced by sufferers is caused by a build up of pressure in the bloodstream. For many years, blood has been let from one of the limbs to relieve suffering; traditionally this is the left forearm for most major maladies. Many barbers today, though, believe that the letting of blood from around the pained area can significantly improve the success of the healing process. Recently new research has been carried out into more effective use of leeches, too. Many barbers believe that their daggers may become redundant in a few years as the understanding of this skill becomes better known.
During traditional letting, the patient grips a pole, the bottom end of which is placed into a bucket, while an incision is made in the lower arm. The letting continues until the specific amount of blood has been let, whereupon the barber binds the wound to stop the bleeding. The amount of blood released varies with the type of ailment and the size and weight of the patient, and the speed with which the blood is allowed to escape and the positioning of the cut is also important. For these reasons, bloodletting has become a science, and a great deal of study has been carried out into its best methods. The role that leeches are now playing seems to be complicating treatments, too. Leeches are available now in specific sizes, allowing precise blood amounts to be taken at precise rates, from any point in the body.
Bloodletting must occur on a regular basis for it to be effective in healing, and this usually means a course of treatment. The problem with leech craft and bloodletting is that, at least initially, the treatment makes the patient's malady worse. As the treatment continues, however, healing rates are substantially increased, and this can be combined with the healing skill to further speed up the healing process.
The Apothecary or Herbalist
The work of the apothecary and herbalist is not tied to just healing. Most supply treatments for a wide range of minor ailments, as well as potions and balms to temporarily improve their customer's lifestyle. Alongside the ointments and curative lotions, the herbalist also provides substances to aid sleep, keep their patients awake, to counter flatulence, obesity, drunkenness, hangovers, improve physical appearance, cure spots, or even improve sexual performance.
The Herbalists produce a wide range of substances, and mostly created from natural roots, leaves and other herbs. Some can even provide exotic substances which are famed for their effectiveness against common maladies. These potions and balms are all made by the apothecary, and some use rare or hard to find ingredients, which means that many are in limited supply. An herbalist do not supply magical potions, this is far beyond their knowledge.
In general, the healing available from the apothecary or herbalist is more effective immediately than bloodletting, although their effectiveness may deteriorate with constant use, and there may be other side effects. Players should be aware that some kind of healing skill is normally required when applying ointments or balms to a wound, and some of the potions and balms can be addictive.