gpetruc said:
I really like the idea, but I there are some things that I don't understand.
You are only providing a list of herbal mixes, and a list of generic herb types, but not an actual list of herbs, are you ?
Plants with A+ and A- (for example) should be treated as same (that is, a plant usable to get A or a for a mix) except that they can't be used in the same mix ?
In the mixes, the - sign is used to separate the single components used, and so Adder's Tongue 3I-x means that you need 3 doses of a plant with the I (capital only) code, and one doze of either a X (uppercase) or a x (lowercase) code ?
) yep, no herbs actually listed. You could make a list, but in reality is should vary with region, and instead of using a tiny corner a character sheet, would require a sheet or two. I wanted a system that was abstract enough to encourage use without being too (for me) confusing. In play, I name some herbs (the rare, capitalized ones). In actual herb use, dozens of plants, roots, barks, mushrooms, etc. would qualify for each of these categories. I initially started out with herbs for each category, but was quickly overwhelmed by the data. Using modern herbalism as a source, there are just too many of them. You would also need to incorporate a climate and location list to help determine which herbs are found in what location.
2) you got it right. The polarity (+, - and ' ' neutral) was added to prevent easily mass produced herbal products. In practice, I found that without it, it was just too easy.
3) the excel file is actually much easier to read. The - between each ingredient was for ease of reading, so you are again correct. No formula specifies a + or - value.
4) finally - here is some more data on herbs
COMMON USES FOR HERBS - NO PREPARATION REQUIRED
4 sp a A popular medicine for aiding in breaking fevers, this herb has many medicinal uses.
6 sp A Thought by many to have religious significance, this herb is used for both medicine and religious practices.
4 sp B Believed to make unborn children be born stronger and healthier, so is often chewed by expecting mothers.
3 sp d A popular herb for drinkers, when chewed or crushed and mixed with drinks, it reduces the duration and intensity of hangovers.
8 sp N When chewed, it relieves upset stomachs and negates stomach acids. While not with game mechanics, it is a popular medicine.
8 sp S Cloth soaked in a broth made of this herb is used in the treatment of sprains and achy muscles, and as a treatment for arthritis.
6 sp V This herb is typically crushed and smeared over insect bites to reduce swelling and reduce discomfort.
9 sp Y In the hands of a professional dyer, it produces vibrant dyes in high demand.
3 sp y In the hands of a professional dyer, it produces good cloth dyes
DC HERB GATHERING
23 In the wild but within 1 day of town or larger settlement
20 In the wild but within 2-5 days of a town or city, within 1-2 days of a village or thorp
18 In the wild but within 3-5 days of a village or thorp
16 In the wild no closer then 6 days from any settlement
DC increased by 4 if the day is not entirely focused on herbalism (I.e. traveling, tending to the wounded, etc.)
DC is increased by 4 if gathering under poor conditions (rain, in fog, etc.)
DC is increased by 2 if gathering is done in unfamiliar territory.
Roll bonus: +1 for 1 helper, +2 for 2-4 helpers, +3 for 5+ helpers.
Roll bonus: helpers who have 5+ ranks in herbalism or survival grant and additional +1 for each such helper
Survival of 5+ ranks gives a +2 synergy bonus for gathering herbs
With a base success, a single herb is found for 8 hours work. Every 3 points the roll exceeds the base, 1 additional roll is made.
HERB FOUND
1 a
2 b
3 c
4 d
5 I
6 n
7 p
8 r
9 s
10 t
11 v
12 w
13 x
14 y
15-16 crops: find 2 doses, roll again, ignore 15+ rolls
17-18 crops: find 3 doses, roll again, ignore 15+ rolls
19 choose herb found
20 find fine herb (capitalized), roll again, ignore 15+ rolls
Polarity of herbs found: roll d8 - (1-3) = + (4-6) = - (7-8) = neutral
Polarity of rare herbs (ie. capitalized): roll d8 - (1-4) = + (5-8) = -
The cost for making herbal products is 1/4 the cost to buy the herb, but all herbs required must be found.
Why are herbs so hard to find: herbs are not hard to find, but the herbs must be perfect and gathered under stringent conditions. If the moon phase is wrong, if a steel instead of silver or copper bladed knife is used, if not wrapped and tied with lemon grass, etc. The difficulty is for finding the proper conditions and a herb in the correct condition for the
herbalist to use. Improperly collected, the herb has no value for herbal concoctions.
Failing in a roll to make a concoction ruins all the herbs used.
Buying herbs: herbs can be bought, but buyer beware. The conditions the herbs were gathered in is not always clear.
Remember - if not gathered correctly, they are worthless, and ruin all herbs used in the mix with them.
Market value for herbs: Herbs sell at 6 SP each, 12 SP for rare herbs.
re-done version of the intro section
Plants useful for herbalism have a letter code associated with them used to determine what mixtures can be made from them.
A capitalized letter code matters: a lower case letter is a common variety of herb useful for mixes that require them, while the upper case letters denote rare herbs. These herbs are used with mixtures that require them, but can also substitute for the more common herbs of the same letter. For example, a 'N' herb is used in mixtures that require 'N', but can also be substituted for mixtures requiring 'n').
When searching for herbs, the herbs can have 1 of 3 values, a '+', '-', or ' ' (the absence of either). These are referred to as positive, negative, and neutral. When creating mixtures, the mixture can not mix both positive and negative herbs. Neutral herbs can mix with either type.
The formula used for herbal mixes takes the form of 'x-2V-y'. The 2 denotes 2 doses of that herb. The dash between the herbs is for ease of reading and does not indicate a positive or negative value to the herb. Positive, negative, and neutral values are for the gathering of herbs and determines which herbs found can mix with which other ones, but is not part of the mix formula.
