botanist

Experts in the world of plants, botanists often specialize in the study of a specific set of behaviors, type of environment, or classification of plant. They often know at least the basics of Agrokinesis, the ability to manipulate the growth, shape, and even genetic materials of plantlife.

Raz,
Today I flunked out of training. Completely. Not even Admiral Kydell would take me, and I begged. I've been reassigned for training as a biologist, in the hope I can still be of use to the Confederation.
I hope this letter finds you well. I miss you.
Your loving brother,

— Jeb

Perception

Purpose

Botanists have proven critical to the advancement of alchemy, as well as the success of space-based military and civilian vessels. Their study of plant life has led to the identification of key species to grow within spacecraft to assist in various aspects of life in space beyond simply food production, not to mention the development of effective and efficient growth techniques including specialized hydroponics methods. There have even been efforts to successfully identify a variety of species to allow for more powerful Agrokinetic spellcasting in space, as the nature of agrokinesis means the magic cannot be used without a local plant-generated Magical Field.

Social Status

Biologist Kane Jeb,
Biologists are important. And some of the bravest people I know. I just returned from ████, we were tasked with defending a small team of biologists while they ██████ ███ ███████. Even when the ████ ██ they focused on their work.
Don't believe the stories. Biologists are ████ ██ ███████ and I'm proud of you.
Miss you too,

— Second Petty Officer Kane Razick

While biologists are well regarded in most civilian sectors they tend to be overlooked by the military despite their successes in improving the comfort of space travel. The Sparnell Confederation is particularly prone to this, considering biologists and other civilian-centric careers as inferior to more military-minded pursuits. Due to the nature of Janikk, the Mordena value their biologists regardless of specialization.

Operations

Workplace

A botanist's workplace depends upon their specialization, research focus, available funding, and employer. Most maintain a reasonably stocked laboratory, capable of chemical and microscopic inspection of the plants within their care and area of focus, but the amount of time they spend within the laboratory versus out in the field varies by individual.
Field work is especially important when seeking new plants for study, and often botanists and other biologists are sent ahead as scouts when seeking new planets for colonization and even new locations for military bases. The Sparnell Confederation is particularly notable for sending their botanists on advanced scouting missions, escorted only by a small Special Forces unit, despite the officially held low opinion of such researchers.

Alternative Names

agrobiologist
plant biologist

Type

Agricultural / Fishing / Forestry

Demand

staple

Famous in the Field

• Finn Wood
• Jeb Kane

Other Associated professions

• biologist

Related Technologies

• Agrokinesis

Raz,
Our lab has been inundated with field work missions. It seems the Confederation is looking to █████ ████ ██████ and they're looking for volunteers to help. I put my name in for every single mission.
The guys in the lab say I'm crazy. They remind me about ████ and how he █████ ████ █████, but they don't understand. It's only a matter of time before they assign us to the same mission, right?
I'd risk █████ every day just to see your smile again. I miss you.
Forever your loving brother,

— Jeb

Raz,
Another mission to the field scouting potential military base sites, another disappointment that your team was not assigned to our protection detail. I made the customary request as head of the ███████ lab, but the paperwork never seems to go through in time.
This time we discovered ██████ ████ ███████ ███ ██ ████! This will completely revolutionize █████! It feels good to be working on something for the good of others for once.
I miss you. Write again soon. If you can.
Your loving brother,

— Jeb

Once again I must strongly recommend against granting the request of Biologist Kane Jeb.
His repeated exchange of letters with esteemed First Petty Officer Kane Razick are disruptive enough to my careful efforts to ensure her continued success within the Sparnell Armed Forces. Sending them on a mission together would prove disastrous to her current training.
I don't know why I need to keep explaining this.

— Admiral Kydell

Further Reading