Ely edit Nov 27 2023:
1-6 qps, depending on length and quality.
Rplizer +1 qps : x
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : o
Length bonus +1-2 qps : o
Part of a series +1 qps: o
Summary: +1 qps : x
Total: 4 qps, Sirron also awarded.
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Dyemond, a wisdom applicant, meets Queen's Guard Sirron in Caemlyn and they talk about the mushrooms encountered during the previous adventure. They discuss a few more herbs, and especially kaf, which should help Sirron adjust to his new duties.
PoV: Dyemond
Main participants: Sirron, Dyemond
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A Herb Store
Drying herbs and bunches of roots swing gently from ropes strung across the
ceiling. There is a faintly astringent scent to the air. Wooden-handled
utensils have been neatly arranged on the sideboard, and a mortar and
pestle stand nearby. Windows at the front, one with a spiderlike crack in
its pane, allow a view of the cobbled street outside.
[ obvious exits: E ]
Door east: door
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently.
Sirron Ramal the Squadman is standing here.
A stout looking guard is here, walking the streets of Caemlyn.
A stout looking guard is here, walking the streets of Caemlyn.
An herbalist holds brown tea leaves in her hands.
A mangy cat has arrived from the east.
Dyemond greets herbalist with a light kiss on her cheek.
Dyemond pats a mangy cat on its head.
A mangy cat purrs contentedly.
The Caemlyn cityguard leaves east.
Sirron says 'I am so glad that you could meet me today Dyemond.'
Dyemond nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'Of course, Guard Sirron.'
Dyemond says 'What can I do for you?'
Sirron says 'I know that you are busy, but the other day I ate a mushroom and it made me extremely sick.'
A mangy cat licks Sirron.
Dyemond nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'Yes, I remember. You insisted on eating the poisonous kind again and again.'
Dyemond says 'How are you feeling now? You surely have a healthier colour.'
Sirron says 'I was feeling dizzy and my stomach was tied in knots. That is the problem I just cannot tell the difference.'
Dyemond nods in agreement.
Sirron says 'I do feel much better now.'
Dyemond says 'Usually, the prettier a mushroom, the deadlier it is.'
Sirron shows Dyemond a mushroom, 'I found this mushroom in the woods and wanted to know if it was ok to eat.'
Dyemond says 'The most common poisonous kind has death in the name'
Dyemond says 'So, if you give "death" to me, it is clearly not gonna sit well with my stomach.'
Sirron gets a mushroom from an embroidered, cotton shoulder bag.
Sirron gives you a mushroom.
Dyemond says 'The most common edible kind is called Queenscrown, which I suppose sits well with you of all people.'
Dyemond smiles at Sirron.
l 2.queen
It is a mushroom.
Dyemond says 'Yes, this is a Queenscrown'
Dyemond nibbles a little bit of the mushroom.
Sirron says 'That is good to know. '
Dyemond gives a mushroom to Sirron.
Sirron smiles happily.
Dyemond says 'This one is safe to eat.'
Dyemond says 'If needed, even raw. But I prefer to make a stew.'
Sirron nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'Some mushrooms, carrots, potatoes... it is something between a soup and a stew. '
Sirron says 'That sounds really nice.'
Dyemond says 'A bit of meat into it, if you can spare. A real life saver during winters.'
Sirron nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'Just be sure not to put the poisonous mushrooms into it. '
Dyemond says 'I suppose your intestins taught you that lesson last time.'
Sirron looks at Dyemond through the sides of his eyes, 'Are you making fun of me?'
Sirron then breaks down in laughter.
Dyemond says 'Not at all. I often wonder, how did the people millenia ago discover what berries to eat
and which ones to avoid.'
Dyemond says 'I am learning the herbs myself now, and it is no easy task.'
Sirron says 'I would guess trial and error. Most would not continue to eat the ones that make them feel bad.'
Sirron falls down laughing.
Dyemond says 'In many cases, the difference between a healing ingredient and poison is just the amount used. In others, it is not being colourblind, or counting the leaves correctly.'
Dyemond nods at Sirron
Sirron nods at Dyemond.
Sirron says 'I also picked a couple of herbs on my way up from Tear.'
Dyemond says 'Well, that is easy to apply in some cases. But what about the herbs that poison you slowly? It must have been hard to find out, with many victims.'
Dyemond looks at your backpack with interest.
Sirron gives you a sack of green ivy.
Sirron gives you a tincture of a thick yellow liquid.
Dyemond says 'Really? Which ones?'
Dyemond nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'Ivy! I was just looking for it near caemlyn south gate! Thank you.'
Sirron says 'You are welcome to them. '
Sirron says 'Can you explain to me what they do?'
Dyemond says 'And a bit of honey. It always makes tea, cakes,or some potions more tasty.'
Sirron nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'Honey is really well known, by wisdoms or cooks. But it is true that it uses some of the cleaning antiseptic properties, when treated with heat, so baked or put in a too hot tea.'
Sirron nods in agreement.
Sirron listens with interest.
The Caemlyn cityguard leaves east.
Dyemond says 'Ivy is one of those, that can make you sick in large quantities. But in small ones, it is very useful, for example in the refreshing potions.'
Dyemond says 'As kids, we once eat a lot of ivy, no idea why. I think it was some sort of a bet.'
Dyemond shivers.
Sirron says 'Upset your stomach?'
Dyemond says 'Reader Werma gave us a long and intensive lecture on responsibility and not being cows nor goats.'
Sirron snickers softly.
Dyemond says 'And yes, it did upset our stomachs a lot.'
Sirron comforts you.
Sirron says 'An upset stomach is never pleasant.'
Dyemond says 'One of my cousins vomited for a few days. But he won the bet and that counted a lot for him. A woolheaded boy.'
Sirron chuckles politely.
Dyemond says 'If he's not careful, he'll lose his own head in a bet one day. Not that it contains much value.'
Sirron falls down laughing.
Dyemond says 'And what about your new duties, Sirron? How are you getting used to the life of a Queen's Guard?'
Dyemond says 'I hear especially switching from day duties and night duties can be very taxing at first.'
Sirron says 'It has been good. There are a lot of bandits that have been needing taken care of, but for the most part it is just being a calming presence for the poplace.'
Dyemond nods at Sirron.
Dyemond says 'A calming presence is always needed. I hear especially around the inns and taverns.'
Sirron says 'My skill set works better a night time to be honest.'
Dyemond arches an eyebrow.
Dyemond peers closely at Sirron, trying to figure him out.
Sirron says 'With me being such a small guy it is easier to blend in and watch for people's safety.'
Dyemond says 'And what kind of a skillset it is?'
Dyemond nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'But I still think you could do with a tiny bit of assistance for the night.'
Dyemond searches in her pack for a tiny moment.
Dyemond takes out several pouches, protecting her herbs from water or dirt.
Dyemond opens a few before finding what she needs.
Dyemond gets some brown kaf beans from a belt pack.
Sirron says 'I am pretty dexterious also so watching from the rooftops make it easier to find cutpurses.'
Dyemond nods at Sirron.
Dyemond gives some brown kaf beans to Sirron.
Sirron examines the kaf beans Dyemond gave him.
Dyemond says 'This is a sort of a miracle. I love kaf! Pour some hot, but not boiling, water in a cup
with grinded kaf.'
Dyemond says 'It is stronger than tea, really wakes you up. It is refreshing, but some find it bitter.'
Sirron nods in agreement.
Dyemond says 'You can add a bit of milk into it, but not too much, if you want all the waking properties.'
Sirron says 'Thank you.'
Dyemond says 'I hear some taverners in the west are doing crazy stuff with kaf, adding heated milk foam, or a bit of caramel. I should probably go and taste that some day.'
Sirron says 'If this really helps with my having a hard time to stay awake at night I will truly be in your debt.'
Dyemond says 'Oh, no debt. Just keep us all safer in the nights.'
Dyemond smiles at Sirron.
A mangy cat rubs up against Sirron and purrs softly.
Sirron smiles at Dyemond.
Sirron reaches down and absently pats the cats head.
Dyemond says 'Now, is there anything else I can help you with?'
Dyemond smiles at Sirron.
Sirron says 'No Dyemond you have been most helpful. '
Sirron says 'I know that I can always count on you for any help with herbs.'
Dyemond says 'Let me know, if there is anything else. And stay away from the poisonous mushroom!'
Sirron falls down laughing.
Sirron tries catching his breath from laughing and wheezes out, 'I will do my best.'
Dyemond nods in agreement.