Poisoncraft

Artist - Alex Konstx - Artstation.com

Overview:

The practice of herblore and potioncraft has long been regarded as one of the pilars of sapient life. Without knowledge of the plants of the world, death would come for all living things much earlier. The ability to heal, and enhance has been seen as the greatest knowledge life has to offer. This knowledge of the properties of plants has beneficial qualities beyond counting, and it also has a dark side. A learned Apotekari has the power to create potions and tinctures that can save lives, and they also now how to take them.

History:

In the wilds of the forests among the Sapient species herblore is widely known and taught. Potioncraft is utilized by all of the healers in every village of the lands, regardless if it is Foukka, Alfir, Teva or Eldblud. Poisoncraft is equally as used, for hunting and warfare, the knowledge of poisoncraft has aided the development of the forest societies.

Valsgardi Invasion and Colonization:

When the Valsgardi invaded, it was these poisons that evened the fight. They allowed the Foukka and the Eldblud to stand their ground for as long as they did, and it is a large reason the Valsgardi are so afraid of the forests. When Emperor Olaf and the Tribes of the Forests formed a truce, poisoncraft was outlawed within the cities of man. The forest cities and peoples could continue how they like, but within city walls, anyone caught in possession of poison, or found to be producing poison, would be executed without trial, on the spot.
The site that became Ringvolstad, was previously an Eldblud settlement. The village was of decent size, and as a result, suffered the worst of the war's destruction. The Eldblud people killed or driven off into the deeper forests, with the exception of those caught as prisoners of war, enslaved by the Valsgardi in accordance to the peace treaties. The only building allowed to remain standing in what became Ringvolstad, was the ancient house of Apotekari. The Eldblud healers that resided there were able to nurse the wounded Valsgardi back to health.

Regulation and Formation of Law:

The Valsgardi were not ignorant as to the benifits of the potioncraft utilized by the Apotekari, but the feared the poisoncraft. The Emperor finally decided that the benefits outweighed the risks and allowed the Apotekari to continue to operate and provide healing services to the new Valsgardi village of Ringvolstad, with the stipulation that anyone found guilty of poisoncraft would die without question.