Herbalist

As seen in

A Throne Built On Stars

General Profession Description

In Uclandia, herbalists not only grow their own herbs but also mix them with various carriers (liquids, gels, or pastes) so the herbs may be more easily used.
There is a clear distinction between Herbalists and Healers.

Photo by Mareefe

Herbalists grow herbs and/or produce final products intended to bring about a change in the state of a person. (While usually, this is a positive benefit, historically, there have been Herbalists who cater to those with evil intentions as well. Those Herbalists would grow harmful or poisonous herbs, and/or produce poisons.)
Healers use a variety of tools and skills to bring about an improvement in a client's overall health or cure one of a specific affliction. They may do this through sacrifice and prayer to the various Gods & Goddesses, consulting a variety of fortune-telling modalities, the use of herbs and potions, or through trance.

Formal Education

In Imperial City, there is a school that teaches the fine arts of Healing. Bear Water College of Healing Arts (AKA Bear Water College)
The College teaches both Healer tracks and Herbalist tracks. Tuition is set at a moderate rate so that the cost of study does not impede a student's potential. There is no benefit to Uclandi as a whole if a promising Healer or Herbalist is barred from study by a lack of available funding. There have, from time to time, been scholarships paid for by wealthy Rulers and Nobles, with the specification that the recipient of the scholarship will serve the community of the Donor for a pre-specified time after graduation.
Just before graduation, the student's name is provided to the Healer's Guild for enrollment. A formal invitation to join the Guild is sent to the student. If they choose to join the Healer's Guild, they are expected to present themselves to the Head of the Guild. In a conversation between them, arrangements are made for the student to move into the Guildhall (or the Guildhall in a community other than Imperial City that has one). Once the move from College to Guildhall is complete, a formal welcoming ceremony is held and the former student is now addressed as either Healer or Herbalist, depending on their former track of study.

Career

Qualifications

Ideally, a Herbalist will have pursued a formal education at Bear Water College. However, while this is a standard, it is not always practical for either financial reasons such as poverty or a lack of a sponsor or distance from Imperial City. Independent Herbalists, usually those who are somewhat self-taught, do exist. While many intelligent Independent Herbalists can find success, they have a much harder time gaining Imperial recognition and status without formal training.

Perception

Purpose

Herbalists provide a service and materials to both Healers and to individuals. In richer communities, the mere presence of reputable and honorable Healers and Herbalists can influence the population and economic growth. Generally speaking, if a Herbalist is any good, people in their community and nearby surroundings will be healthier.

Social Status

In most communities, Herbalists are held in high regard. Wise inn-keepers usually provide the first few drinks or even one meal a day for free for Herbalists.