A TREATISE ON NORTHERN MEDICINE

[sarahbarah 5021]

Penned by the hands of Amaya of Venzia, Aster Amador, Henrik Amador, and Rozsika Korvacz

c. 512 E.S..

 

HE HAESENI PEOPLE, throughout their rich history, have consistently demonstrated remarkable talent in the art of healing, showcasing an inherent ability to adapt to the challenges posed by their environment. With an astute understanding of the natural world, the Haeseni have mastered the intricate balance between their surroundings and their own health whilst uilizing the bountiful offerings of the natural world. Likewise, their commitment to their religious convictions have since played a pivotal role in shaping their healing practices; Certainly, it can be said that the Haeseni healing arts are not merely pragmatic; but are also imbued with a distinct sense of religious fervor and an unrelenting faith in GOD. As such, the Haeseni view their ability to heal a divine gift, a sacred duty bestowed upon them by their faith.

 

Haeseni medicine has been known to revolve around the integral understanding of the four humors. These vital bodily fluids, intricately linked to the four elements - water, fire, earth, and air - sit at the core of alchemical and medicinal treatments in Haeseni culture. Moreover, the parallels observed between the Haeseni zodiac and the four elements have further molded the Haeseni healing philosophy. Herbs - both alchemical and mundane - are also assigned specific elemental affinities, which additionally emphasize their role in the practice of humoral balancing.

 

The Haeseni people thus recognize the elements as divine gifts from GOD and perceive them not only as the fundamental constituents of the physical world but also as tangible blessings that pervade the metaphysical realm. Grounded by the belief that these elements are bestowed upon the Descendants by the Creator, Haeseni healers channel their unrelenting faith to harness these gifts, invoking blessings of the divine to mend the ailments of the sick. In presenting this treatise, we hope to explore the unique amalgamation of skills and beliefs that characterize the Haeseni people as gifted healers.

 

— AMAYA OF VENZIA, Queen of Hanseti-Ruska

 

I

 

HE FOUR ELEMENTS hold immense significance as the basis of Haeseni medicinal philosophy They are conceptually intertwined with humoral sciences and the Sigmundic zodiac, which form the foundation of all Haeseni healing practices. Beyond their medicinal implications, these elements surpass the boundaries of conventional scientific understanding, delving into realms of Canonist belief and Haeseni astrology. Fundamentally, each element is assigned to one of the four Holy Scrolls in an attempt to align its medicinal attributes with broader spiritual contexts; The prayers derived from these sacred scrolls serve as a powerful means to restore balance to the humors of afflicted patients due to their predetermined correlations with the four elements, thus imbuing every treatment with divine faith whilst restoring the body’s homeostasis. 

 

I.I Tied to the element of Earth, the Scroll of Virtue embodies the foundations of Canonist belief. It symbolizes the grounding principles upon which the entire medicinal framework rests, providing a sense of stability and permanence for the ill. Those who encounter an imbalance in their earth-associated humor will find solace in prayers from the Scroll of Virtue. [1]

I.II The Scroll of Gospel, interlinked with the element of Air, contributes prayers that are used to balance any air-associated humors or organs and promote communication and wisdom. These prayers are channeled to stimulate mental clarity, dispelling confusion and facilitating a deeper understanding of the ailment. [1]

I.III Fire, the element of transformation and energy, is embodied in the Scroll of Auspice. Practitioners draw upon the fiery energy of the Scroll of Auspice to utter prophetic prayers, seeking insights into the patient's future health and potential outcomes of their ailment. It is also used to effectively balance the fire-related humors and organs of the body. [1]

I.IV Water finds its representation in the Scroll of Spirit, due to the element’s symbolism of purity and cleanliness. The recitation of prayers from the Scroll of Spirit is thought to cleanse and purify the patient, washing away impurities and promoting a rejuvenation of the body and soul whilst simultaneously balancing the water-associated humors and organs throughout the body. [1]

 

The act of reciting scripture from the Holy Scrolls is seen as a sacred healing ritual, believed to invoke GOD’s blessings associated with each element interconnected with this scripture. In light of this, Haeseni practitioners have come to believe they can realign the humors of the afflicted with the power of holy prayer to restore balance and promote the overall well-being of the patient. Due to this fundamental understanding, the elements serve as the founding pillars of medical theory, guiding the course of treatment through their intricate associations with humoral theory, astrological influences, and sacred scriptures. The interplay of these elements, in turn, shapes the diagnostic understanding of ailments and additionally determines the nuanced approaches undertaken for healing.

 

Furthermore, hymns and prayers may be used to supplement the effect of a relevant treatment. Each practitioner may use their own preferred prayers and passages as befit a situation, but the following are recommended by current practitioners for common use.

 

II.I Recite the Hymn of Solace – “Rejoice, for GOD's will is our salvation. Rejoice, for GOD is our Father, and He will keep us safe. Rejoice, for GOD's love will keep us safe” – thrice when applying blissfoil or frostvine salves; clean the skin of the treatment after the third recitation. [2]

II.II Recite the Prayer for Peace – “Most powerful GOD, we pray that we may find peace in our time. For without Your guidance we would not be here now, and we will continue to exert Your Word, as it is the good word, until we finally find peace within ourselves and with each other.” – twice when applying pressure to the bleeding wounds of a soldier. Remove the cloth or gauze and continue treatment after the final amen. [2]

II.III Recite the Prayer for Celebration – “Dear Lord, thank You for this gift that You have granted to us, and thank You for the many gifts that You will continue to give.” – when tending a mother expecting a child. For every other recitation, have the mother inhale for the duration; for each alternate recitation, she must exhale for the duration. [2]

 

1] THE HOLY SCROLLS. Translated by Saint Daniel, year unknown. [Link]

2] WAGNER’S HYMNAL, PARABLES, AND PRAYERS OF THE CANON. Rudolf Wagner, 262.  [Link]  

 

 

II

HE CURRENT UNDERSTANDING of the body is entwined with the concept of the four elements and the corresponding humors. This framework, originating from ancient Raev philosophy, has since persisted for centuries as a guiding principle in Haeseni medicine. The four elements - earth, water, air, and fire - are the fundamental building blocks of this world, and are similarly dubbed GOD’s gifts to Man. Each element is associated with specific qualities, and in turn, are thus linked to the four humors - and their respective temperaments - that govern bodily health. An imbalance in these bodily fluids are believed to lead to illness, and restoring equilibrium by offsetting any imbalance of the humors is essential for the maintenance of good health.

 

II.I Blood, aligned with the element of air, is believed to embody the qualities of being hot and moist, akin to its assigned element. Individuals with a prevailing sanguine humor  - those who are born beneath air-signs, are thought to be optimistic, full of vitality, and particularly exuberant. According to ancient Hanseti studies, imbalances in blood were believed to manifest as overactive emotions, pale complexions, and fevers.

 

II.II Phlegm is associated with the element of water and is traditionally defined by its cold and moist qualities. Individuals with a dominant phlegmatic humor - those born beneath water-ruled signs, in particular, are considered calm, content, and wise. It is believed that imbalances in the phlegmatic humor give rise to issues such as fatigue, congestion, and respiratory ailments.

 

II.III Yellow Bile is believed to possess hot and dry qualities, thus linking it to the element of fire. Individuals with a choleric temperament - those born beneath fire-ruled signs, are considered to be passionate, quick-tempered, and perhaps indecisive at times. Imbalances in yellow bile were connected to conditions such as inflammation and digestive disorders.

 

II.IV Black Bile, associated with the element of earth, is defined by its cold and dry qualities. Those born beneath earth-ruled signs possess a predominant melancholic temperament. These individuals are considered to be loyal and charismatic, but oftentimes prone to sadness. Imbalances in black bile are theorized to contribute to conditions like depression, paranoia, and various cancers of the body. 

 

Each aforementioned humor is associated with a specific temperament, element, and concurrent Zodiac sign, which further serves to aid the Haeseni comprehension of one’s bodily disposition and health.The correlation between humors and temperaments is an integral aspect of Haeseni medical and philosophical thought, due to its influence the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Such philosophy has shaped the broader perceptions of the patient’s behavior and the correct course of treatment. In the wake of such forethought, Haeseni physicians aim to maintain a balance amongst these humors and their respective temperaments to ensure overall well-being, employing various therapeutic methods to correct any perceived imbalances following the initial diagnoses. 

 

 

III

N REFERENCE TO the Haeseni Zodiac, it is commonly thought that the Sigmundic signs only pertain to an individual’s emotional state and personality traits. However, Haeseni physicians believe that an individual's health and well-being are influenced by the balance of bodily fluids or humors (see section Botanical Healing for further reading). Each of these humors are associated with specific elements (earth, water, air, and fire) and, by extension, corresponding zodiac signs. Bearing in mind the interplay of astrological philosophy and the core alchemical elements, a course of treatment is determined not only by the position of an individual’s sign in the sky but also by the complementary element that rules it. Both iterations of the Haeseni zodiac, ancient [1] and contemporary [2] alike, persist in practical usage today, aligning the corresponding signs of each month with their respective elemental essence:

 

 

Haeseni medical theory employs two schools of thought; The first posits that the alignment of constellations influences a person's humoral balance. For instance, during winter, a season associated with water, individuals born beneath fire-aligned signs are susceptible to illnesses stemming from an imbalance in yellow bile. Consequently, physicians may employ remedies such as fire-aligned herbs, stones, or prayers.

The second school of thought contends that a person's specific association with their Sigmundic sign provides a more significant indicator of their health, independent of the elemental affiliations of the signs. For instance, when the  Queen’s zodiac constellation graces the night sky, individuals born under the Queen experience peak health for that part of the year. Additionally, the presence of an ally or rival sign can impact one's well-being. The ally's presence enhances health, whilst the rival's increases susceptibility to illness - or an imbalance of the humor that the rival sign rules. If a sign unrelated to their own dominates the celestial expanse, no conclusive inference about health can be drawn, indicating a period of mild health for the patient in question.

 

Among physicians, the first realm of thought tends to be more popular as it gives a diagnosable solution to a person’s ailments. However, the second realm of thought tends to be popular amongst Haeseni astronomers, who utilize star maps to predict a person's future health in the coming months. 

 

1] SIGMUNDIC CALENDAR AND HAESENI ZODIAC. Year and author unknown. [Link]

2] THE HAESENI ZODIAC. Mischa Barbanov-Bihar, Amaya of Venzia, Fabian d’Arkent-Kortrevich, 489. [Link]

 

 

IV

 

ITHIN ALCHEMICAL TRADITION, Haeseni practitioners believe in the existence of the four primary elements - earth, water, air, and fire - each imbued with distinct qualities that shape the mundane realm. These elements, in turn, are associated with the aforementioned four humors - black bile, phlegm, blood, and yellow bile - forming the foundation of  homoeostatic balance, physiological and psychological alike. (For medical purposes, the element of aether may be set aside.)

 

Herbs, as the alchemist's primary tools, are thought to encapsulate the very essence of these elements, serving as conduits to balance the humors within the human body. The alchemical base elements assigned to herbs are not arbitrary; rather, they are linked to the plant's inherent qualities, appearances, and even the environments they thrive in. Similarly, these herbs are believed to encapsulate the divine blessings bestowed upon them by GOD. In His infinite wisdom, He imbues these herbs with sacred qualities, aligning them with the core elements of earth, water, air, and fire. 

 

I. AMBERRIDDLE | SANGPVIT 

❖ Base Element: Earth

❖ This thick sap possesses the power to staunch blood flow from wounds. A remedy of great potency, its advanced applications require the guidance of an alchemist.

 

II. AQUA NYMPH | VATRAPVIT 

❖ Base Element: Water

❖ Emerging from swamps, this delicate plant associated with water demands careful handling. Boiling its entire undamaged form yields a potent oil, a balm that can soothe burns of the severest nature.

 

III. BASIL | BALIZUM 

❖ Base Element: Earth

❖ Known for its prowess in warding off illness, this imported herb associated with the earth finds its place in kitchens as a guardian against maladies.

 

IV. BLACKCURRANT | KOMIOXTZ 

❖ Base Element: Fire

❖ When dried, its leaves ease soreness in soldiers and squires, this versatile herb can be grown in home gardens. Its fruits also offer a source for delectable preserves.

 

V. BLISSFOIL | LAUBLAUW 

❖ Base Element: Water

❖ Delicate blue flowers near birches bear pollen capable of relieving pain, but caution is urged in its application. Advanced usage, as with many herbs, requires the wisdom of an alchemist.

 

VI. BLOODLOTUS | ROTRAAT 

❖ Base Element: Air

❖ Thriving by cliffs and caves, this herb becomes an essential additive in the recovery of patients suffering from blood loss or malnutrition, especially in times of war.

 

VII. CLOVE | LAANGASKAS 

❖ Base Element: Earth

❖ Chewing dried clove buds provides relief from toothaches, while boiling with lemon serves as a mouth rinse for pregnant individuals.

 

VIII. CHAMOMILE | LICHTEBLAUWM 

❖ Base Element: Fire

❖ Drying its flowers for a soothing tea makes chamomile a remedy for upset stomachs and body aches. 

 

IX. FROSTVINE | KHOLVOGG

❖ Base Element: Water

❖ Powdered as an anesthetic or pain reliever, this herb, found at the base of evergreens, requires careful application. Expertise from an alchemist is advised for advanced usage.

 

X. GISLOCINOVI | JOV-JOLYE 

❖ Base Element: Water

❖ An imported lotus-like flower with dark green stalks, its juice cleans wounds without the sting of aqua vitae. However, it is strictly not for consumption, and alchemical guidance is essential.

 

XI. HAWTHORN BERRY | SANGERNE 

❖ Base Element: Air

❖ Recommended for the aging with poor circulation or mild heart ailments, this herb proves versatile as it provides relief when applied to sores.

 

XII. HEARTLEAVES | REGESANG

❖ Base Element: Water

Gathering young, white roots for drying yields a remedy steeped in teas with honeycomb, offering relief for throats, lung ailments, and headaches. Found in pastures or open fields.

 

XIV. LAVENDER| LORYBLAUWM

❖ Base Element: Earth

❖ Aromatic when dried, lavender becomes a stress-relieving agent best hung above beds or steeped in teas with other herbs. Suitable for home gardens.

 

XV. MEADOWSWEET | LILWOLK

❖ Base Element: Fire

❖ Drying its flowers for teas aids in stomach and liver ailments, while a tincture made with leaves proves effective against sharp pains.

 

XVI. PEPPERMINT | JOVNAASZ

❖ Base Element: Water

❖ Grown leaves in tea form ease anxiety, while dried leaves used aromatically aid in breathing whilst clearing congestion of the sinuses. A delightful addition to home gardens.

 

XVII. SERPENT’S STALK | MOOSZURVO

❖ Base Element: Water

❖ Found by stagnant waters, its canes ground to a paste provide remedies for fevers, burns, and act as a pesticide. Alchemical consultation is imperative for advanced usage.

 

XVIII. STINGING NETTLES | SVORKAS

❖ Base Element: Fire

❖ Teas or stews from its leaves alleviate arthritis and joint pain, while root stews aid poor circulation. Exercise caution when harvesting from open fields, using gloves.

 

XIX. THYME | BEJVORKA

❖ Base Element: Earth

❖ Creating a tincture with Carrion or vodka provides a mouth rinse and cleanser for oral wounds. Easily grown in home gardens.

 

XX. TIPPEN’S ROOT | KVESNAASZ

❖ Base Element: Earth

❖ A yellow-spotted root that, when crushed, emits a pungent odor akin to rotting eggs. Used as a paste or salve, this root possesses the ability to swiftly coagulate blood upon application, bringing an immediate halt to the flow of surface-level flesh wounds.

 

XXI. VALERIANA | KVESLORY

❖ Base Element: Air

❖ Drying and steeping its roots yields a sleep-inducing tea. Blending with fragrant herbs masks the scent, offering a remedy for restlessness. A welcome addition to home gardens.

 

XXII. WILLOW | JOLYE-DRVOGG

❖ Base Element: Air

❖ Dried leaves for teas and bark pastes for salves make this tree, identified by its swaying branches near water, a valuable resource. Its healing properties extend to soothing fevers and easing the pain of wounds, contributing to the well-being of the patient.

 

The Haeseni alchemist, akin to a devout seeker of his faith, elucidates the myriad of methods to make use of these herbs. From the artful preparation of tisanes, where the herbs' essence is coaxed into a soothing elixir, to the creation of potent oils and tinctures, the pathways to harnessing herbal remedies are well-practiced.

 

I. TISANE

❖ Similar to the preparation of herbal tea, it involves gathering the herbs at the right time of year, drying them in a cool place, and chopping them into smaller pieces. 

❖ The chopped herbs can be sewn into teabags or kept in an airtight container for proper infusion.

Steep the tisane in semi-boiling water. 

 

II. SYRUPS

❖ Boil fresh barks, roots, and berries and steep.

❖ Strain the mixture, add equal amounts of honey, and heat until thickened.

❖ For added potency, add brandy to your concoction and store it for six months.

 

III. OILS AND TINCTURES

❖ Oils are for external use, while tinctures, produced with an alcohol base, are made for internal use.

❖ Wash and chop plant parts, place them in an airtight jar, and cover with oil or alcohol.

❖ Shake daily for three weeks, filter out plant parts, and store in a dark, cool cupboard for up to a year.

 

IV. POULTICE

❖ Applicable for wounds, bites, or infections, a poultice involves boiling, steaming, or pounding plant parts into a paste.

❖ Add water, alcohol, vinegar, or flour (cooked in a hot pan) for consistency.

❖ Apply directly to the skin, secure with a wet dressing, and cover with a bandage.

 

V. COMPRESS

❖ Different from a poultice, a compress uses a cloth soaked in a herbal solution.

❖ Apply directly to the skin and cover with a bandage.

❖ Compresses can be hot or cold; hot for infections or fever, and cold for reducing swelling.

 

 

V

 

AESENI MEDICINE PROVIDES extensive and thorough insight into herbs and their application when treating illnesses and wounds. They are a useful and versatile manner of treatment; however, herbal remedies are not the only way to cure ailments. Gemstones, although less conventional, are a viable, traditional alternative method to rid someone of sickness and humoral imbalance.

 

Similar to herbs and their place in nature, as aspects of the known and GOD-given world, gemstones of all shapes and types contain the essences that facilitate a change in the four humors. Gemstones fall into the same elemental and humoral categories as herbs and the Haeseni Zodiac; thus, specific gemstones are associated with a specific humor out of the four. Their humoral association and elemental assignment, generally, depend on the gem's native region, physical characteristics, aesthetics, and studied healing properties. A highlight of this would be the common opal [1], a gemstone with cultural and regional significance to the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, bearing emotional stability and resistance to disease while symbolizing love and passion. For its preserving and steadfast properties in aiding or preventing illness, it shares a connection to black bile and cures earth-associated humoral imbalances and sicknesses.

 

However, there are gemstones that inherently defy categorizations due to their immediate association with the zodiacs: birthstones. Thanks to the contributions of Haeseni astronomers, birthstones have been discovered to bear an intrinsic link to the Haeseni Zodiac. Thus, their humoral associations are dependent on the zodiac assigned to the gemstone. Moonstone [2], for instance, is associated with the Moon in the Haeseni Zodiac. As such, Moonstone is affiliated with phlegm and water-aspected problems because the Moon’s innate essence is water. This also indicates that the individual in question must exercsie caution about which gemstones they seek for treatment. Birthstones associated with rivaling signs would not inherently promote sickness, but rival birthstones may be the least effective or wholly ineffective in curing a patient. The birthstones of allied signs would be more effective than rivals, while a patient’s birthstone may be the most effective, depending on the ailment.

 

Ultimately, the use of varying jewels and crystals for treatments should fall to circumstance. A patient or wearer of gemstones must ensure they avoid prolonged exposure to a specific gemstone, lest they risk creating another humoral imbalance in the body. Imbalances through unneeded exposure are easy to avoid by frequently swapping out personal items composed of specific stones, such as jewelry or other adorned accessories. Preventing direct contact with the gemstones by storing them until needed is also a simple and effective precaution. Gemstones, geodes, and crystals, in use and preservation, should be treated with the utmost care for their versatility in medicine and fashion, along with their religious pretenses as GOD's bounty to Man. 

 

1] COMPENDIUM OF HAESENI GEMSTONES: VOL I. Ofeliya Weiss, Aveline Kortrevich, Amaya of Venzia, 510. [Link]

2] THE HAESENI BIRHSTONES. Mischa Barbanov-Bihar, Amaya of Venzia, Verónica Weiss, 491. [Link]

 

 

 

Her Royal Majesty, AMAYA OF VENZIA, 

Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska, Princess-Consort of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duchess-Consort of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margravine-Consort of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Countess-Consort of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscountess-Consort of Varna, Baroness-Consort of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, and Astfield, Lady of the Westfolk, et cetera.

 

The Honourable, HENRIK AMADOR, 

Viscount of Zvezlund, Baron of Mondstadt, Patriarch of the House Amador and Lord Archivist of the Royal Valdev Library.

 

His Lordship, ASTER AMADOR, 

Scholar of the Abstract.

 

Firress ROZSIKA KORVACZ,

Scholar of the Abstract

 

Spoiler

A massive thank-you to LJ, Nate, and Critter for providing their expertise on this project. It took a few weeks for us to finish this, and it was certainly a labor of love, but we're all very proud of it and hope it will provide a bunch of fun flavor rp for the medics in Haense!

 

*Please note that while the humoral theory is based on actual alchemical lore, most of this is based on medieval theories and research and is not legitimate story lore, merely meant to serve as cultural flavor. Hope you guys enjoy!

 

The formatting is inspired by Ncarr's, shout out to noah carr xo

 

[esotericas 1554]

Far across the continent, a timeworn Alchemist reads through the missive, her brows furrowed. She wonders, somewhere tucked in a corner of her mind, what might have been.

[pomegrad 98]

From her bedside, Rozsika read over her copy of the treatise, feeling a small sense of pride. “It jest a start,” she said, “Yam excited to share more with Fran e Ari soon.”

[psychra_notte 115]

Sitting atop a tower outside of Valdev, Aster stared out to the stars before glancing to the Treatise, a hopeful smile upon his face "Perhaps this will get some interested in medicine and the stars..." His gaze shifted back up to the sky "One can hope."

[Bonito 2263]

This particular scroll catches Willem’s attention. The scribe takes note of some things, making additions in his journal.

 

Spoiler

this is rly cool

 

[zuziee 3219]

Ludvika Ludovar reads over the useful tips hoping for a trick to help her tummy aches :(

[SteppeNomad 1552]

The machine priest Adeptus who had been assigned by the Technoabbot to Haense had always been one careful to monitor the humors and keen in the old ways of medicine. For it is only true that balance in all things is found within precise placement of gems and each metal within each sacred augmentatae. Only that way can one ensure there is no rejection. Only with exact skill and precise prayer, incense, symbols, and position of the stars, can one ensure that the wounded are relieved of their suffering. For the LORD most high had given to us the means to ease all our burdens and all our curses.

 

Prayer of Relief from Torment

To be recited to/by a soldier in severe pain:

Although my body is broken,

Although my blood pours away,

Although my time may end,

The Immortal GOD will greet me,

And embrace me with His holy aura,

If only I remain constant to Him,

Through this time of torment.

 

-Even the most wounded and most damaged of GODAN'S sons can be saved through the glory of DILIGENT progress, and the most ancient sciences.

 

[tadabug2000 3505]

Ofeliya Weiss gave a general courtesy read of the missive, pausing heavily upon the first mention of gemstones.

 

She was lost, then, having an entirely new aspect of gems to study into and made a mental note to change out what jewelry she wore frequently so she did not imbalance her humors!