The most notable and impactful role of the Greenwardens within Marcandrian society is their function as healers and doctors. Those endowed with divine gifts use their abilities to heal and cure, though even these gifted individuals rely heavily on medicinal ointments and remedies prepared from plants cultivated in their temple gardens. These gardens are expansive, hosting a myriad of plant species used in various alchemical processes to create medicinal compounds. According to Greenwarden principles, essential medicines should be provided free of charge to all in need. Any Greenwarden found denying treatment for payment is ostracized by their peers and shunned by Marcandrian society at large. Any Greenwarden found denying treatment for payment is ostracized by their peers and shunned by Marcandrian society at large. However, producing these medicines is an ever-changing balancing act, as the Greenwarden must try predicting the need for an complexity involved in making each medicinal remedy. It's therefore not guaranteed that a Greenwarden will be able to provide you with a medicinal remedy, even if it's one they have the knowledge of making. This is particularly true for complex compounds with time consuming production methods, as the Greenwarden would have to trade making that remedy for you against making a compound for others in need.
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The most noticeable, and perhaps most impactful, of the Greenwardens' endeavors is their role as healers and doctors within Marcandrian society. Those with divine gifts will utilize their magic to heal and cure. Though, even for those with divine gifts, most healing and curing services they provide is done with the help of medicinal ointments and remedies, which they make utilizing the plants they grow in their temple gardens. These gardens thus tend to be rather extensive, with a myriad of different plant species whose leaves, petals, stems, or roots they run through various alchemical processes to turn into medicinal compounds. Such essential medicines are by the Greenwardens' creed to be given for free to all who are in need of them. A Greenwarden who is found to have denied giving medicinal treatment on the grounds of demanding payment will find themselves shunned forevermore by their peers, and most probably also by Marcandrian society at large. Creating these medicines are nonetheless a careful balance between what types of medicines they have at hand. A serious illness might require complicated remedies that are very expensive and time consuming to make, putting the Greenwarden in a position where, if they make such remedies for those who need something that potent, then they may have to turn away a larger number of those who could be cured with simpler remedies, simply due to not having the capacity to make both. It is thus not impossible for someone to come to a Greenwarden with an ailment which they theoretically could help with, but where they simply do not have the capacity to make it for you due to other demands.
Greenwardens will also cultivate plants which they use to make non-essential remedies, such as skin treatments, vitality tonics, sleep aids, and pain relievers. Greenwardens develop and sell these as a way to fund their endeavors, to pay for tools and compounds which they can't grow in their gardens, such as beeswax, animal fats, alchocols, salts, and clay, as well as to fund their own basic necessities, such as food and clothes. The making of these non-essential, paid for, remedies always cuts into a Greewardens capacity to make their free medicinal remedies, though without these funds they'd be unable to operate at all. It can often be difficult for a Greenwarden to know just how to balance the cultivation and development of paid for non-essential remedies versus free medicinal ones. This is also because it can be hard not to rake in just a little more funds than they'd technically need, allowing them to afford some not strictly necessary luxuries. Despite the Greenwardens typically saying they want a simpler life than what typical Marcandrians are after, they are still Marcandrians, and can find it hard to say no when presented with the opportunity of attaining some luxuries.
Greenwardens tend to conduct continuous study and research potential new in the fields of herbalism and medicine, in order to either come up with new or improve existing remedies. This includes studying texts they come across on the subject matter, often gotten from the Meranzeum's archives, learning from another Greenwarden, or through experimenting with new plants, tweaking alchemical processes, or by tweaking or testing out new compounds.
@@ -62,7 +69,50 @@ dateCreated: 2023-01-06T16:54:32.966ZThe Greenwardens also do ritual services, such as wedding and funeral ceremonies, either on their own or in collaboration with Marcandria's other two major clergies. Wedding ceremonies involving only the Greenwardens are typically seen as a “poor man's wedding”, mostly utilized by the lower classes, who cannot afford the added extravagance that comes with involving the Joybringers or the Meranzeum. Those without money at hand to afford such extravagance thus turns to the Greenwardens for a cheaper and more modest wedding ceremony. A tradition for weddings involving the Greenwardens is for the newly wedded couple to spend their first night together in either a crop field or flower field, a tradition which is more commonly followed by lower class newlyweds than upper class ones. It is believed that the Heartmender will bless the newlyweds with a fertile union as they spend the first night in the field. Greenwardens also participate in funeral services, as the Heartmender is typically seen as theone who'll come for you at the end of your life's cycle, to guide you to the afterlife.
Greenwardens spend a noticeable amount of their time praying and meditating in fields or in their lush gardens, where they attempt to deepen their bond with the Heartmender and look for signs of guidance. Greenwardens believe Fiori communes through crops and flowers, with plants and flowers either blooming or drooping in response to their prayers and meditation. The Greenwardens believe the Heartmender's guidance can be discerned based on which plants bloom or droop around them as they pray and meditate. How good they are at deciphering this puzzle is often equated to how deep their bond is with the Heartmender.
The Greenwardens also conduct rituals of prayer involving planting a number of different seeds in the same pot, often together with someone whose come to them seeking the Heartemender's guidance. The person will pray for guidance on a specific topic, planting the seeds as they do so. The Greenwarden will then tend to the pot, waiting for seeds to sprout. The Heartmender's guidance is then discerned based on which seeds germinated, and the growth pattern of each seed that did. This method of communication is thus rather slow, and is believed to be the Heartmender's way of reinforcing the patience and contemplation she preaches in her followers. it is believed that this method will make people contemplate on how to solve their problems on their own first, only resulting in utilizing this ritual if they find her guidance worth the wait on this particular question.
-The Greenwardens will take note of any individuals they encounter that show potential and the right mindset for becoming a Greenwarden, and will invite them to become an apprentice under their tutelage. The Greenwarden will teach that apprentice about the Heartmender, the different rituals and ceremonies the Greenwardens conduct, how to look for and discern Her guidance in the plants around one, and how to cultivate different medicinal plants, and the processes they go through to turn raw materials into medicinal remedies. An apprentice will typically stay with the mentoring Greenwarden for a while after they've learnt everything, operating the garden together with them, conducting rituals and ceremonies together with them, and working together on experiments for new and improved remedies. The apprentice will at some point in this phase decide it's time set up shop on their own, at which point they become a full Greenwarden. Many will look for small rural communities lacking a Greenwarden's presence when looking for a place to settle, while others may opt for more urban environments where they deep the Greenwardens do not have sufficient presence.
+The Greenwardens will take note of any individuals they encounter that show potential and the right mindset for becoming a Greenwarden, and will invite them to become an apprentice under their tutelage. The Greenwarden will teach the apprentice about the Heartmender, the different rituals and ceremonies the Greenwardens conduct, how to look for and discern Her guidance in the plants around one, and how to cultivate different medicinal plants, and the processes they go through to turn raw materials into medicinal remedies. An apprentice will typically stay with the mentoring Greenwarden for a while after they've learnt everything, operating the garden together with them, conducting rituals and ceremonies together with them, and working together on experiments for new and improved remedies. The apprentice will at some point in this phase decide it's time set up shop on their own, at which point they become a full Greenwarden. Many will look for small rural communities lacking a Greenwarden's presence when looking for a place to settle, while others may opt for more urban environments where they deep the Greenwardens do not have sufficient presence.
+Greenwardens often identify potential apprentices through their interactions, inviting those who show promise to learn their ways. The Greenwarden will teach the apprentice about the Heartmender, the different rituals and ceremonies the Greenwardens conduct, how to look for and discern Her guidance in the plants around one, and how to cultivate different medicinal plants, and the processes they go through to turn raw materials into medicinal remedies. An apprentice will often remain with their mentor for a time even after they've been taught everything there is to know, assisting their mentor's endeavors. After an apprenticeship, when an individual is ready to operate independently, they leave to establish their own practice, often seeking small rural communities that lack a Greenwarden's presence.
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The most notable and impactful role of the Greenwardens within Marcandrian society is their function as healers and doctors. Those endowed with divine gifts use their abilities to heal and cure, though even these gifted individuals rely heavily on medicinal ointments and remedies prepared from plants cultivated in their temple gardens. These gardens are expansive, hosting a myriad of plant species used in various alchemical processes to create medicinal compounds. According to Greenwarden principles, essential medicines should be provided free of charge to all in need. Any Greenwarden found denying treatment for payment is ostracized by their peers and shunned by Marcandrian society at large. However, producing these medicines involves a delicate balance; treating serious illnesses may require complex and resource-intensive remedies, potentially limiting the Greenwarden’s ability to treat others with simpler needs.
+In addition to essential medicines, Greenwardens cultivate plants for non-essential remedies like skin treatments, vitality tonics, sleep aids, and pain relievers. These are developed and sold to fund their operations and cover costs for materials they cannot produce, such as beeswax, animal fats, alcohol, salts, and clay, as well as basic necessities like food and clothing. The production of these non-essential remedies often competes with the creation of medicinal ones, creating a challenging balance as Greenwardens strive to fulfill their healing mission without succumbing to the temptation of unnecessary luxuries.
+Greenwardens are also committed to continuous research in herbalism and medicine, constantly seeking new or improved remedies through study, mentorship, and experimentation. They access texts from the Meranzeum’s archives, learn from fellow Greenwardens, or innovate through trials with new plant combinations and alchemical techniques.
+Actively involved in agriculture and nature conservation, Greenwardens are invaluable to Marcandrian farmers facing crop or livestock issues. They offer guidance on crop rotations, companion planting with natural pest repellents like garlic or marigolds, and other sustainable farming practices. Greenwardens also serve as counselors, offering advice and wisdom to the community, particularly those less fortunate.
+Greenwardens advocate for environmental stewardship, opposing practices that harm or exploit the land. They lobby against excessive logging without replanting and other destructive activities, promoting actions like waterway cleanup and habitat restoration.
+Additionally, Greenwardens conduct ceremonial services such as weddings and funerals, particularly for those unable to afford more lavish ceremonies. These services often incorporate rituals believed to bring blessings from Fiori, like spending a wedding night in a field to encourage a fruitful union.
+Dedicated to deepening their connection with Fiori, Greenwardens spend considerable time in prayer and meditation within nature, seeking signs and guidance through the responses of plants to their presence. This practice underscores their belief in Fiori’s communication through the natural world.
+Lastly, Greenwardens perform specialized rituals for those seeking direct guidance from Fiori. This involves planting seeds while praying for insight, with the germination and growth patterns providing divine messages. This slow and contemplative method reflects Fiori’s values of patience and deliberation, encouraging individuals to seek internal solutions before turning to divine intervention.
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The Greenwardens serve as key healers and herbalists within Marcandrian society, utilizing both divine magic and extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs to treat ailments. Their healing extends beyond simple remedies; they harness a broad spectrum of plants grown in expansive temple gardens, processed into essential medicines. These medicines are distributed freely, reflecting their creed that healthcare should not be commodified. Any Greenwarden who withholds necessary treatment for payment risks ostracism by their peers and society, highlighting their commitment to accessibility and ethical practice.
+In managing their resources, Greenwardens face the challenge of balancing the production of costly, complex treatments with simpler, more widely needed remedies. This delicate equilibrium affects their capacity to treat varying degrees of illness, sometimes forcing tough decisions about whom they can immediately help based on the treatments available.
+To support their operations, Greenwardens also produce and sell non-essential remedies, such as skin treatments, vitality tonics, sleep aids, and pain relievers. The proceeds fund not only their essential medicinal practices but also the purchase of necessary non-plant materials like beeswax and salts. This commercial aspect, while vital for their sustainability, is carefully balanced with their primary mission of providing free medical care.
+Greenwardens are continuous learners and innovators in the field of herbal medicine, dedicating time to research and development to improve or discover new treatments. They study historical texts, collaborate with peers, and experiment with new herbal combinations and alchemical techniques, ensuring their practices are both traditional and innovative.
+Their expertise extends to agriculture, where they assist local farmers with crop management and disease prevention. Greenwardens advise on sustainable practices such as crop rotation and natural pest repellents, and intervene during agricultural crises by interpreting signs from nature and seeking divine guidance through prayer and observation.
+As stewards of the environment, Greenwardens oppose practices they deem harmful to nature, such as overexploitation of land and irresponsible logging. They actively campaign against these practices, leveraging their influence to promote more sustainable approaches.
+Greenwardens also provide essential community services, including officiating at weddings and funerals for those unable to afford more lavish ceremonies. These events are characterized by their simplicity and the deep spiritual connection they foster with nature, often involving rituals that connect participants more closely with the land.
+Significant time is also spent in meditation and prayer, particularly in their gardens or amidst nature, seeking to deepen their connection with the Heartmender and to interpret her will through the behavior of plants around them.
+The apprenticeship within the Greenwardens is a critical pathway for knowledge transfer. Apprentices are selected based on potential and willingness to embrace the Greenwarden lifestyle and are immersed in learning about medicinal plants, herbal remedies, and the spiritual practices that define their role. After completing their training, apprentices typically remain with their mentors for a period, contributing to ongoing projects and gaining practical experience before establishing their own practice. This period is crucial for reinforcing their skills and understanding of their responsibilities as future Greenwardens.
+Each Greenwarden, whether a mentor or an apprentice, is considered autonomous within the broader community, with collaborations and shared endeavors arising organically based on mutual interests and geographical proximity. This decentralized structure ensures that each Greenwarden is both a learner and a teacher, continuously evolving in their practice while contributing to the collective wisdom of their community.
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THEY BLESS CROPS AND FIELDS, TYPICALLY IN SPRING JUST AFTER PLANTING THE SEEDS.
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As each Greenwarden is considered a sovereign entity, there are no hierarchical ranks beyond the title of Greenwarden. Greenwardens may mentor one or more apprentices, who retain the title of apprentice as long as they remain under tutelage. The process of becoming an apprentice is straightforward and begins when a Greenwarden recognizes potential in an individual and extends an invitation to them. If accepted, the individual becomes an apprentice, learning under the guidance of the Greenwarden. The transition from apprentice to a recognized Greenwarden occurs when the individual leaves their mentor’s tutelage and establishes their own practice. This transition is based on community recognition of the apprentice’s skills and capabilities, affirming their readiness to operate independently. The traditions and practices of the Greenwardens are as such passed down from mentor to student, resulting in a diverse range of priorities and methods among them.