Asmath Farming (AZ-mat Far-ming)

Before the Great Scourge, asmath was considered a hardy grain that was only grown around new settlements or during times of extreme famine. After Orcus's invasion ended, the survivors were faced with the problem of feeding large numbers of people, especially considering the damage to agriculture and wildlife done in the area directly surrounding Cradle. Asmath was originally looked at for use as a stand-in grain, not only because the course bread, gruel, and meal that could be produced from it was hearty and filling, but the grain itself was also drought resistant, prolific, and easy to grow. However, even though it was only meant to be a temporary stand-in food source, even now, thirty years later, the fields surrounding Cradle shake with the silver stalks and grey-black berries for miles. Many of the archeotexts that were given regarding cooking allowed people to make the grain into a wider range of more palatable foods, and so it has maintained its place as a staple in the diet of many individuals. Farming asmath is considered a noble, if simple, profession, because while the grain grows easily, it requires a great deal of effort to get it produced in sizeable quantities, and so many people who do take up growing it do so exclusively. Asmath farmers are respected by many of the worse-off individuals in Cradle who depend on the cheap grain for sustenance. It is by-and-large grown by elves, halflings, and dwarves, whose extended lifespans give them plenty of time to develop the land necessary to grow it. One thing asmath can't do is grow in certain environments. Cold and tropical environments are inhospitable for the grain, but considering Vcis is by-and-large a relatively temperate continent, it makes it the ideal environment for growing it.

Type

Agricultural / Fishing / Forestry