illness & herbs

the maw chews. illness, injury, birth, and death are all the maw eating.

illness in smoke and fur blends real canid ecology with the maw faith. over thirty diseases, injuries, and genetic conditions, each with daily penalties to satiety, hydration, hp, hunt yield, or pain exhaustion. every sickness has a wolf-world name; the packs do not know human words for the things that eat them.

diseases of the body

the body is the maw's first meal. these are the sicknesses that stalk the packs, each with its own name and its own hunger. each disease has multiple stages; without treatment, they worsen.

green-cough → blackcough → redcough a worsening chest sickness caused by mold spores from rotten meat that irritate the lungs. the human name for this is a respiratory infection. dc 12/15/18; deadly if it reaches redcough; −1 hp/sunrise at redcough. treat with catmint, coltsfoot, chickweed, pine needles. yellowcough a phlegm-heavy lung cough that is contagious on the breath. dc 14; −2 satiety/sunrise; fatal without mullein or lungwort. pupcough → weak lungs the first-winter cough of the very young; can settle into weak lungs for life. dc 10/12; −1 hp/sunrise at weak lungs; treat with catmint or honey. leaf-bare cough → hacking → congestion the chill-season cough caused by cold air; the human name is a cold or chill. dc 11/13/15; catmint, mullein, or lungwort cures it; deadly at congestion (−2 hp/sunrise). rot-lung → wheeze → necrosis mistmoor's swamp fever in the lungs; a wet, feverish sickness that spreads in the mist. dc 13/15/17; belly-rip fungus is the only cure for necrosis; treat earlier stages with mullein, lungwort, feverfew. weeping-scale the crusting, weeping plague that brings fever, scabbing, and hard pads. the human name is canine distemper. dc 16; +1 exhaustion/sunrise; treat with elderberry, mountain ash, or coneflower to ease symptoms (no cure). shiver-fever the shaking body-fever; a wolf is too weak to hunt, with aches and chills. the human name is influenza. dc 13; +1 exhaustion/sunrise; treat with boneset, borage, feverfew, willow bark. river rot → bloody flux → failing the fouled-gut sickness of poisoned water from twoleg sewage. dc 13/17/20; no known cure; −10 satiety/sunrise at failing; treat symptoms with watermint, bindweed, oak bark. gut-run violent watery bowels that dehydrate the body. the human name is diarrhea. dc 11; −8 satiety/sunrise; treat with blackberry, knotgrass, meadowsweet, watermint, yarrow. yellow-eye the liver-sickness that yellows the gaze; slow and wasting. the human name is hepatitis. dc 14; −10 hydration/sunrise; treat with celandine, dandelion, dock, jewelweed, watermint. the spotting a blistering skin-and-fever pox that runs through a crowded den. the human name is pox. dc 15; −2 hp/sunrise; swamp milkweed is the only cure; treat fever with feverfew. scratch-bare the fur-falling itch; patches of bald, scabbed skin. the human name is mange. dc 12; −1 charisma; −10% hunt; treat with burdock root (slow cure). the itch biting parasites in the coat. the human name is fleas. dc 10; −8 mood/sunrise; vector for other diseases; treat with knotgrass, tansy, mugwort, garlic mustard. leaf-burn a rash from a poison plant, with swelling and torment. the human name is poison ivy. dc 12; −1d4 charisma, disadvantage stealth 3 days; treat with jewelweed, douglas' sagewort, witch hazel. sting-swell a venomous insect sting that causes a hot, swelling bite. the human name is an insect sting or mild poison. dc 10; −2 dexterity for 1 day; treat with adder's tongue, blackberry, dandelion, jewelweed, juniper berry. milk-fever the nursing-mother's fever that strikes she-wolves with a litter. the human name is eclampsia. dc 14; −2 strength and constitution, +1 exhaustion/sunrise; treat with feverfew, parsley, saffron. shaking-sickness → hemorrhage uncontrollable tremors and fits; the body betraying itself. the human name is a seizure disorder. dc 12/15; treat with adder's tongue, yarrow, cobwebs (for bleeding). wasting-sickness → emaciated → cachectic the slow shrinking-away; a wolf eating and eating and still fading. the human name is chronic wasting. dc 14/16/18; −4 satiety/sunrise each stage; treat early with chervil, parsley, slippery elm. growth-sickness → spreading → terminal a hidden lump that grows and kills; the maw's quietest eating. the human name is cancer. dc 16/17/19; treat early with burdock root, mullein, lungwort (slow progression, no cure). blood-shock collapse from blood loss; stabilize now or lose them. the human name is physical shock. immediate treatment required; use yarrow, horsetail, or cobwebs to stabilize; dc 15 medicine check. cloudmouth → prodrome → frenzy → terminal the froth-and-madness death. the human name is rabies. always fatal, no cure; dc 14/16/18/20; sedate the wolf far from the pack and wait. chestbind → wheeze → attack tight → wheeze → attack; a chronic respiratory condition. the human name is asthma. dc 12/14/16; many herbs ease it (coltsfoot, ivy, mullein, etc.); blocks field at attack stage. shudderfit → convulsion → crisis tremor → convulsion → crisis; a chronic neurological condition. the human name is epilepsy. dc 11/13/15; skullcap and valerian ease it; blocks field at convulsion stage. gutknot → torsion → failure swelling → torsion → failure; a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition. the human name is bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus. dc 12/15/18; torsion blocks field; requires immediate treatment with fennel, watermint, sweet sedge. burrfever → joint_seize → nerve_rot fever → joint_seize → nerve_rot; a tick-borne bacterial infection. the human name is lyme disease. dc 11/14/17; −20% hunt at joint_seize stage; 0.15 contagious; treat with goldenrod, meadowsweet, stinging nettle. foulwater rot → kidney_pain → organ_rot fever → kidney_pain → organ_rot; a water-borne bacterial infection found near contaminated water. the human name is leptospirosis. dc 12/15/18; 0.06 contagious through urine; treat with dandelion, watermint, wild garlic. brood-rot → chronic → wasting fever → chronic → wasting; a reproductive system infection. the human name is brucellosis. dc 11/14/17; chervil or feverfew treat early fever; 0.65 contagious through mating; blocks conception. water-scorch burning pain when passing water; frequent, urgent need; cloudy, bloody urine. the human name is a urinary infection. dc 13; treat with bindweed, goldenrod, horsetail, juniper berry, or watermint. belly-grind hard stones forming in the gut, causing sharp pain after eating and vomiting. the human name is gallstones. dc 14; treat with celandine. root-rot infection deep in the tooth root; swelling, foul breath, refusal to eat. the human name is a tooth infection. dc 13; treat with alder bark or prickly ash. gut-stone hard, dry stool that will not pass; straining, loss of appetite. the human name is constipation. dc 11; treat with bindweed. belly-worm internal parasites in the gut; bloating, satiety that never fills, vomiting. the human name is worms. dc 12; treat with knotgrass or tansy. redscratch itching sores from mating contact; soreness, chills, and lethargy. dc 12; blocks conception until treated; treat with chervil or feverfew. joint-rot aching, stiff joints that worsen with age and cold; a slow wearing-down of the bones. the human name is arthritis. dc 14; −10% hunt, +1 pain exhaustion/sunrise; treat with willow bark, meadowsweet, or daisy. bone-ache deep, constant pain in the bones and joints that never fully leaves; a burden carried through life. the human name is chronic pain. dc 15; −10% hunt, +1 pain exhaustion/sunrise; treat with willow bark and meadowsweet.

sicknesses of the mind

the packs count a wounded mind as real as a wounded leg. each of these is a tracked condition with its own penalties and its own calming herbs.

heart-shock the frozen stillness after trauma; the human name is emotional shock. +1 exhaustion, −2 to all checks until treated; treat with poppy seeds or valerian; lasts 1d4 days if untreated. the hollowing → hollow → the husk grief that empties a wolf out, stage by stage: first the hollowing, then the hollow, and finally the husk — a wolf so emptied they barely eat, speak, or move. the human name is grief or melancholic collapse. dc 12/14/16; each stage: −1 charisma, −4 satiety/sunrise; chamomile, rosemary, or valerian may ease the descent; husk stage also blocks all social actions. the sleepless → sleepless → exhaustion cascade nights that will not release into sleep; the human name is insomnia. dc 11/13/15; +1 exhaustion/sunrise at sleepless, +2 at cascade; treat with chamomile, valerian, lavender. the skitters → anxious → panic-prone a body wired to bolt at nothing; the human name is anxiety. dc 11/13/15; −2 to social checks, disadvantage on stealth; treat with borage, chamomile, lavender, valerian. fever-wander → wandering → incoherent mind adrift in fever-dreams; the human name is delirium. dc 12/14/16; −4 to all intelligence-based checks; treat with chamomile, skullcap. the long-forgetting → confused → lost memory unraveling with age; the human name is dementia. dc 14/16/18; −2 to survival and navigation per stage; treat with skullcap, rosemary (slows progression). den-madness → paranoid → break contagious mistrust that turns a pack on itself; the human name is paranoia or pack madness. dc 12/14/16; −1 to charisma, disadvantage on cooperation checks; treat with skullcap, valerian. feral-shift → feral → unsentient the pull back toward the wild, mindless wolf. dc 13/15/17; at feral, −4 intelligence, cannot speak; treat with skullcap, passionflower, valerian. the fixing → compulsive → tunnel vision a mind locked on one thing; the human name is obsession. dc 12/14/16; −2 to perception when distracted; treat with skullcap, rosemary. the screaming-sleep → screaming dreams → sleep panic dreams that wake the whole den; the human name is night terrors. dc 11/13/15; +1 exhaustion/sunrise; treat with lavender, valerian. the fraying → strained → frayed a wolf worn thin by unending strain; the human name is chronic stress. dc 11/13/15; +1 exhaustion/sunrise; treat with rosemary, chamomile. the refusing → refusing → wasting a belly that will not take food; the human name is eating distress. dc 11/13/15; −6 satiety/sunrise; treat with bindweed, chamomile, chervil, fennel, sage. the low-spirit a darkness that settles over the heart; no joy, no hunger, no hope. the human name is depression. dc 14; −2 satiety/sunrise, +1 exhaustion/sunrise; treat with borage, chamomile, or rosemary. the spirit-eaten → spirit-wasting → devoured a curse-sickness the maw is said to lay on a wolf who has broken a deep taboo. first the spirit-eaten — a hollow wrongness. then spirit-wasting — the wolf visibly fades, eating without strength. finally devoured — barely alive, the soul nearly consumed. the human name for this is a psychosomatic or curse-belief illness. dc 16/18/20; each stage: −1 to all stats, −4 satiety and hydration; only wolfsbane can lift it, at real risk to the patient (dc 20 medicine check, 2d6 poison damage).

genetic conditions

wolvden-style birth mutations and register-time rp traits. some are lethal at birth; others stay with the wolf for life. herbs cannot cure most genetic conditions, though some may ease symptoms. these conditions are drawn from real-world studies of inbred wolf populations, including those on isle royale and in scandinavia.

milk-luck keeps the pup-gut ability to digest milk into adulthood; can drink milk without an upset stomach. the human name is lactase persistence. no penalties; +2 hydration from milk. blindness milky eyes; cannot see; disadvantage on perception and ranged awareness. compensates with scent and hearing: no penalty, plus +2, on tracking. partial blindness clouded vision from hereditary cataracts: −2 perception; disadvantage on wisdom (perception) checks. compensates with scent and hearing: no penalty, plus +1, on tracking. night-fade progressive retinal atrophy; night vision fails first, then day vision; −2 perception in low light; worsens with age. the human name is progressive retinal atrophy. perception −1 per 12 moons after onset. deafness cannot hear pack calls; disadvantage on wisdom checks involving listening. flat-skull a flat skull and shortened airway (the human name is brachycephaly); labored breathing; −2 scent perception; con disadvantage on respiratory saves; −4 satiety/sunrise (chewing pain); −10% hunt. often fatal in newborns. spine-twist a malformed lower spine (the human name is lumbosacral transitional vertebrae); rear leg weakness causes dex disadvantage; −15% hunt; +1 pain exhaustion each sunrise from chronic back pain. crooked-spine gnarled, crooked vertebrae from inbreeding (the human name is vertebral malformation); chronic pain and reduced mobility; −1 dex; −10% hunt; +1 pain exhaustion each sunrise. wedge-spine misshapen vertebrae that compress the spinal cord (the human name is hemivertebra); may cause partial paralysis, incontinence, or difficulty walking; −1 dex; disadvantage on dex saves. back-rot degenerative joint disease of the spine (the human name is spinal arthritis); str and dex disadvantage; −15% hunt; +1 pain exhaustion each sunrise. thin-blood reduced genetic diversity from too-close breeding (the human name is inbreeding depression); −1 to all con saves; −10% hunt efficiency; twice as likely to contract contagious diseases. thin-blood (immune) immunoglobulin a deficiency (the human name is iga deficiency); more prone to infections; disadvantage on saves against disease; +1 exhaustion when sick. racing-mind hyperactive and impulsive (the human name is adhd); −15% hunt (breaks formation); dex disadvantage on stealth; +2 to tracking and survival. still-mind a brain wired for deep focus and pattern recognition, but sensitive to change and social nuance. (the human name is autism). +2 to herblore, medicine, and tracking (hyperfocus). −2 to charisma (persuasion/deception) with unfamiliar wolves. Disadvantage on checks when routine is broken or in chaotic environments. Advantage on checks that involve sustained attention (tracking, foraging, identifying herbs). May become overwhelmed in crowded dens (extra exhaustion). crooked-teeth misaligned or missing teeth (the human name is dental anomaly); −10% hunt (difficulty gripping prey); disadvantage on bite attacks. crooked-jaw malocclusion (the human name is overbite or underbite); cannot properly grip or tear meat; −15% hunt; −2 satiety each sunrise from inefficient eating. failing-kidney hereditary kidney defect; −10 hydration each sunrise; +1 exhaustion on failed con save each sunrise. weak-heart congenital heart defect; −1 con; cannot sustain long chases (−20% hunt); may collapse if pushed too hard. hidden-stones undescended testicles (the human name is cryptorchidism); reduces fertility (cannot sire pups). pale-hide a coat of pure white with pink eyes (the human name is albinism); easier to spot (−1 stealth on hunts); sunburn in strong light. shadow-hide a coat of deep black (the human name is melanism); +1 stealth when stalking prey at night. washed-hide diluted coat color (the human name is coat color dilution); no mechanical penalty, but the pelt is paler and less distinct. conjoined fused twin; body cannot survive long outside the womb. lethal at birth. missing foreleg three-legged: −50% hunt bones; disadvantage on strength and dexterity checks. missing hindleg three-legged: −50% hunt bones; disadvantage on strength and dexterity checks. missing tail no tail; poor balance; disadvantage on dexterity checks. twisted-leg one or more legs are malformed and twisted; −1 dex; −15% hunt; cannot run at full speed. hip-rot malformed hip joint (the human name is hip dysplasia); chronic pain and lameness; −1 dex; −10% hunt; +1 pain exhaustion each sunrise after strenuous activity. thin-litter genetic tendency toward smaller litters; −1 to litter size when breeding (minimum 1). barren cannot produce offspring; no other mechanical penalty. muteness no voice; cannot howl, call for help, or rally the pack; relies on others to relay messages. use the sign command to communicate through body language.

injuries

the body breaks. these are the wounds that wolves carry, each with its own healing time, yield penalties, and risk of infection. real wolves in the wild heal slowly, and injuries often become chronic if not treated properly.

deep gash a severe cut or laceration; bleeds heavily; requires stitching or cobwebs. −20% hunt yield; risk of infection; treat with yarrow, horsetail, cobwebs. fractured rib cracked or broken rib; painful breathing; restricts movement. −30% hunt yield; blocks field until healed; treat with comfrey, broom, rush stalks. sprained leg torn ligaments or strained muscle; limping; reduced mobility. −15% hunt yield; treat with comfrey, willow bark, arnica, daisy, meadowsweet. broken jaw fractured mandible; cannot eat solid food; requires liquid diet. −50% hunt yield; requires splinting; treat with comfrey, rush stalks, slippery elm. punctured paw a deep wound in the paw pad; painful to walk; risk of infection. −10% hunt yield; treat with dock or plantain. infected wound a wound that has become infected; swelling, heat, and pus. −25% hunt yield; requires wound wash; treat with alder bark, burdock root, coneflower, goldenrod. torn claw a claw ripped or broken; painful; affects grip and hunting. −10% hunt yield; treat with yarrow or plantain. scorched hide burn damage from fire or caustic substances; painful and prone to infection. +1 exhaustion/sunrise; 7-day heal; cobwebs only. skull-ring (concussion) head trauma from a blow; disoriented and confused. −15% hunt yield; requires rest and skullcap. swollen eye eye injury or infection; vision impaired in one eye. −10% perception; treat with celandine or adder's tongue. internal bleeding bleeding inside the body from trauma; life-threatening. −1 hp/sunrise; treat with shepherd's purse or yarrow (dc 15). shattered bone open fracture; bone protrudes through the skin; severe pain; risk of infection and blood loss. −50% hunt yield; requires surgery; treat with comfrey and bindweed; 4‑6 weeks rest. wrenched joint dislocated shoulder; arm useless; extreme pain on movement. −20% hunt yield; requires medicine dc 15 to pop back in; rest 1‑2 weeks. snapped sinew ruptured tendon; cannot put weight on leg; severe mobility loss. −30% hunt yield; surgery only; 6 weeks healing. mangled paw crushed paw with multiple fractures; cannot walk; high infection risk. −50% hunt yield; treat with comfrey and dock; 3 weeks rest. gouged eye eye scratch or laceration; vision impaired; risk of infection. −2 perception; treat with celandine or feverfew; 5 days heal. foul-bite infected bite from a dirty mouth; deep puncture; fever and swelling. +1 exhaustion; −1 hp/sunrise; treat with yarrow or goldenrod. pus-pocket abscess; swollen painful lump; bursts after 3 days if untreated. −4 mood; −1 hp/sunrise; treat with burdock root and hot compress. pulled sinew muscle strain; reduced speed and strength. −10% hunt yield; rest 3 days; comfrey reduces to 1 day. torn gristle ligament tear; joint unstable; pain on movement. −15% hunt yield; surgery needed; 4 weeks recovery. thorn-stuck splinter or foreign body stuck in the paw; local pain; risk of infection. −1 dex in that paw; remove with stick (dc 10); then dock leaf. frozen-paw frostbite; numbness and tissue damage; risk of losing toes. −1 dex; +1 pain exhaustion; treat with prickly ash. sun-sick heatstroke; exhaustion and confusion; can be fatal. +1 exhaustion; −4 mood; treat with feverfew and cool water. chill-bite hypothermia; shivering and weakness; risk of death in cold. +1 exhaustion; −2 dex; treat with warmth and honey. smoke-lung smoke inhalation; coughing and breathing difficulty; risk of pneumonia. −1 con; −10% hunt; treat with mullein or lungwort. caved-chest flail chest; multiple ribs broken; breathing laboured; risk of lung puncture. −1 con; −20% hunt; surgery required; 6 weeks rest. dead-limb nerve damage; limb partially paralysed; cannot use that limb fully. −2 dex; permanent; no cure.

the green tongue

over a hundred herbs with real properties, gathered by foragers, kept in the healers' den store, and worked by medics into poultices, teas, salves, and surgeries. some herbs heal; some are poison held one leaf from mercy. wolves cannot perform miracles; they set what bones they can, stitch what they can reach, and lose the rest to the maw.

the healer's code: medics are not blocked from courtship, mating, or pups, but the den punishes discovery hard. a caught court costs standing and exiles existing pups. a discovered birth or adoption is always public and exiles the litter and the healer. medics keep a neutral scent so they can treat any wolf; crossing that line is treason. — the green tongue's oldest law

herb categories

the menders

wounds, bones, infection.

comfrey marsh-mallow root goldenrod horsetail yarrow cobwebs coneflower burdock root oak bark alder bark bindweed vines straight sticks

the pain-and-sleep herbs

used carefully; they build tolerance and withdrawal.

willow bark meadowsweet poppy seeds addictive valerian chamomile lavender passionflower skullcap

the gut, breath, and fever herbs

mullein lungwort coltsfoot pine needles watermint chamomile blackberry feverfew borage honey

fur, skin, and pests

jewelweed mugwort garlic mustard knotgrass lamb's ear dock

the poisons and mercy-herbs

restricted; misuse maims or kills. the healer's darkest knowledge.

deathberries (yew) lethal deadly nightshade lethal water hemlock lethal foxglove lethal oleander lethal wolfsbane lethal bloodroot toxic holly berries toxic wintergreen toxic death-cap mushroom lethal

special cures

herbs that do not fit the usual categories.

belly-rip fungus experimental

glow-fungus from the belly-rip sinkhole; the only cure for rot-lung necrosis. not a poison; it is the maw's strange mercy.

full herb compendium

all known herbs, their effects, what they cure, their side effects, and how to prepare them. this is the complete reference for the green tongue. wolf-world names are used; real names are given in brackets where helpful. preparation methods: dried, poultice, eaten raw, tea, gargle, sweetened, ointment, sap, rub, eaten cooked, simmered milk.

adder's tongue common reroll failed poison save with advantage if within 1 minute of sting; juice treats swollen eyes and cleans deep gashes.
cures: sting-swell (mild poison), swollen eye, deep gash, shaking-sickness (seizure disorder)
side effects: can cause swelling, blistering, itching; toxic in large amounts; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
preparation: fresh roots or leaves simmered in milk; chewed into a poultice for eyes and wounds.
alder bark uncommon mistmoor prevents infection and reduces swelling.
cures: root-rot (tooth infection), infected wound, gut-run (diarrhea)
side effects: fresh bark causes severe vomiting; prolonged use may cause low potassium, heart problems.
preparation: bark chewed directly or applied as poultice; gargled for tooth and gum pain.
arnica rare greyspire halves bruise and sprain recovery (external only); anti-inflammatory poultice for joint pain. never eat; internal use is lethal.
cures: sprained leg, punctured paw, joint-rot (arthritis)
side effects: highly toxic if ingested; nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, coma; topical may cause itching or rash.
preparation: external use only as poultice or ointment.
beech leaves common carry herbs; nut oil prevents infection and clears minor surface wounds. leaf tea is mildly antiseptic and eases leaf-bare cough (cold/chill).
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), infected wound
side effects: excessive intake may be toxic; unripe nuts cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
preparation: leaves used in tea; ointments for burns, sores, and ulcers.
bindweed vines common relieves gut complaints and urinary problems; immune-stimulating tonic for fever. tough vines lash splints to broken bones, speeding supported breaks (bone healing minus 7 days). strong laxative in large amounts; use sparingly.
cures: the refusing (eating distress), water-scorch (urinary infection), shiver-fever (influenza), gut-stone (constipation)
side effects: strong laxative; large amounts cause stomach pain; toxic to livestock.
preparation: leaves may be eaten cooked to reduce oxalic acid; seeds used as purgative.
blackberry (bramble) common soothes insect stings and ends non-magical venom; root bark is strongly astringent; settles diarrhea and gut upsets.
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), the refusing (eating distress), infected wound, sting-swell (mild poison)
side effects: prolonged or high-dose use may cause digestive upset or constipation from tannins.
preparation: leaves chewed into pulp and applied to stings; root bark eaten raw or as tea.
bloodroot restricted toxic 3d6 poison damage (dc 16 half). prolonged contact causes tissue damage and scarring.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, vertigo, contact dermatitis; topical use can cause tissue damage.
boneset common mistmoor reroll failed disease save with advantage; take the better result. slows early cloudmouth (rabies) (one sunrise, no cure). eases deep respiratory congestion and fever pain. fresh plant is toxic; always dried.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill)
side effects: large amounts cause severe diarrhea; contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; liver damage.
preparation: dried leaves and flowers as tea.
borage common extra milk for nursing mother; one additional pup. reduces fever, eases cough, and calms anxiety and low spirits. must be used fresh; drying destroys properties.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), the skitters (anxiety), the low-spirit (depression)
side effects: upset stomach, headache, nausea; possible liver damage with prolonged use.
preparation: must be used fresh, never dried; leaves and roots eaten raw.
broom common bind broken bones and splint fractures; anti-inflammatory poultice for bruising and sprains; move at half speed without worsening. toxic in large doses; cardiac effects and weakness.
cures: fractured rib, sprained leg, broken jaw
side effects: contains toxic alkaloids; weakness, blurred vision, cardiac arrhythmias, nausea.
preparation: chewed and applied as poultice.
burdock root common poultice draws infection from bites and open wounds after 24h rest. eases skin disease and early growth-sickness (cancer). diuretic; avoid when dehydrated.
cures: infected wound, deep gash, scratch-bare (mange), growth-sickness (cancer)
side effects: generally safe; may cause allergic reactions; high doses may cause liver injury.
preparation: root dug up, washed, chewed into pulp, applied to bites and wounds.
burnet common leaf applied to cuts staunches bleeding; settles gut sickness and deep wounds. 1 leaf per day ignores first exhaustion from a forced march.
cures: sprained leg, gut-run (diarrhea), deep gash
side effects: limited documented side effects.
preparation: applied as poultice; root eaten raw as astringent.
catchweed burrs common burrs hold poultices in place; extends duration 4 hours without harming the pelt. clears urinary complaints.
cures: water-scorch (urinary infection)
side effects: limited documented side effects.
preparation: burrs attached to pelt over poultices.
cattail common silverrush mistmoor pollen is hemostatic; stops bleeding like yarrow; analgesic; mildly antiseptic.
cures: deep gash, sprained leg, infected wound
side effects: generally safe short-term; may cause mild gi discomfort; avoid in pregnancy.
preparation: pollen eaten raw; young shoots and rhizomes eaten cooked.
celandine common removes eye swelling and restores eyesight within 1 hour; treats liver complaints and belly-grind (gallstones); eases leaf-bare cough (cold/chill). large doses cause vomiting; use sparingly.
cures: swollen eye, partial blindness, yellow-eye (hepatitis), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), belly-grind (gallstones)
side effects: large quantities cause vomiting and purging; fresh juice is local irritant; may cause dry mouth.
preparation: leaves chewed into a poultice and held gently against the eye.
chamomile common compound advantage on wisdom saves vs fear for 1 hour. reduces fever, calms nerves, soothes eating troubles, and eases grief. mildly sedative; aids sleep and recovery.
cures: the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), the refusing (eating distress), shiver-fever (influenza), the hollowing (grief), fever-wander (delirium)
side effects: generally safe; allergic reactions possible, especially in ragweed-sensitive wolves.
preparation: leaves and flowers eaten raw; tea made from flowers.
chervil common removes nausea; eases redscratch itch; leaf juice clears infected wounds. stimulates appetite and eases gut troubles in wasting wolves.
cures: infected wound, gut-run (diarrhea), redscratch, the refusing (eating distress), wasting-sickness (chronic wasting), brood-rot (brucellosis, early fever)
side effects: generally safe; potential for mild gi discomfort or allergic reactions.
preparation: poultice applied to wounds or eaten raw for bellyache.
chickweed common roadside compound ends green-cough (3 doses per 24 hours); poultice soothes skin conditions and reduces mild swelling. anti-bacterial; promotes wound healing.
cures: green-cough (mild respiratory), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), infected wound
side effects: high doses may cause vertigo, weakness, headache, difficulty breathing.
preparation: used as tea or poultice.
cobnuts common +1 stealth when approaching prey; rich in protein and fiber; restores +8 satiety on patrol.
cures: none
side effects: may trigger allergic reactions in tree-nut-sensitive individuals.
preparation: eaten raw or cooked.
cobwebs common auto-stabilize dying wolf; bandages deep gashes and burns. required for field dressing. can increase infection risk if wound is already dirty; clean wound first.
cures: dying, deep gash, shaking-sickness (seizure disorder), scorched hide
side effects: can increase risk of infection if wound is dirty.
preparation: gathered in a swath and applied to bleeding wound; wrapped around injury.
coltsfoot common ends green-cough after 1 dose; leaf pulp soothes cracked and sore paw pads. toxic long-term; contains alkaloids that damage the liver; use short-term only.
cures: green-cough (mild respiratory), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), punctured paw, chestbind (asthma)
side effects: likely unsafe; contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage liver and lungs.
preparation: leaves chewed to pulp and eaten for shortness of breath.
comfrey uncommon thistlehide poultice heals 1d4 hp on deep wounds; stimulates tissue regeneration and prevents scar tissue.
cures: fractured rib, broken jaw, sprained leg, deep gash
side effects: do not take internally; contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids causing fatal liver damage; may cause abortion.
preparation: roots chewed into poultice and applied externally.
coneflower (echinacea) common greyspire advantage on infection saves within 1h of injury; boosts immune system. shortens cough and fever duration. allergic reactions possible; watch for hives.
cures: infected wound, shiver-fever (influenza), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill)
side effects: common: nausea, upset stomach; allergic reactions possible including anaphylaxis.
preparation: tea.
daisy common ignore joint-rot (arthritis) and joint pain penalties for 8 hours; leaf promotes wound healing and skin repair. tea eases sleeplessness and mild low spirits.
cures: deep gash, leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), infected wound, the sleepless (insomnia), sprained leg, joint-rot (arthritis)
side effects: mildly toxic to humans and pets.
preparation: tea, poultice.
dandelion common roadside compound soothes stings and flushes fever; supports liver health; eases eating distress and foulwater rot (leptospirosis). diuretic.
cures: the refusing (eating distress), yellow-eye (hepatitis), shiver-fever (influenza), foulwater rot (leptospirosis), sting-swell (mild poison)
side effects: generally safe; rare upset stomach or diarrhea; allergic reactions possible.
preparation: leaves and stems eaten raw; root eaten raw or as tea.
deadly nightshade restricted lethal confusion then paralysis (wis dc 15). as few as 5 berries kill an adult. touch may be toxic.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: extremely toxic; all parts poisonous; symptoms: blurred vision, seizures, death.
deathberries (yew) restricted lethal mercy killing; medic knowledge only. seeds kill within minutes; yarrow used as antidote to induce vomiting.
cures: none (mercy)
side effects: seeds can kill within minutes; poisonous to most animals.
skullcap uncommon sedative rest for skull-ring (concussion) recovery; anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory. treats nervous conditions, seizure-like episodes, depression, grief. high doses cause confusion and irregular heartbeat.
cures: skull-ring (concussion), the long-forgetting (dementia), feral-shift, the skitters (anxiety), fever-wander (delirium), the fixing (obsession), den-madness (paranoia), the sleepless (insomnia), the hollowing (grief), shudderfit (epilepsy)
side effects: generally well-tolerated; may cause confusion, stupor, vivid dreams, mild digestive disturbances.
preparation: dried herb steeped in water for tea.
dock common restores cracked paw pads after 1 day rest; leaf chewed and applied soothes scratches and infected wounds. root tea treats liver complaints, gut sickness, and leaf-bare cough (cold/chill).
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), yellow-eye (hepatitis), gut-run (diarrhea), punctured paw, infected wound
side effects: oxalate content may cause gi symptoms or kidney damage; avoid mature or uncooked leaves.
preparation: leaf chewed and applied to scratches; root as tea.
douglas' sagewort common greyspire prevents infection 24h; soothes leaf-burn (poison ivy) and insect stings; neutralizes mild poison. internal use may have mutagenic effects; use topically.
cures: leaf-burn (poison ivy), infected wound, sting-swell (mild poison)
side effects: contains thujone with mild psychoactive properties; internal use may have mutagenic effects.
preparation: leaves and stems dried, used as rub or tea.
edelweiss very rare greyspire ends bellyache and eating troubles; suppresses leaf-bare cough (cold/chill) for 4 hours.
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), the refusing (eating distress), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill)
side effects: generally safe; coumarins may damage liver and kidneys in large amounts.
preparation: eaten raw.
elder (external) common toxic treats sprains; toxic if eaten (dc 14 or 2d4 poison). bark and leaf poultice reduce swelling. unripe berries and all internal parts cause severe vomiting.
cures: sprained leg
side effects: poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, coma; unripe berries and other parts toxic.
preparation: bark and leaf poultice only; unripe or uncooked parts are toxic.
elderberry rare mistmoor advantage on disease saves for 3 sunrises; rich in antioxidants. reduces weeping-scale (distemper), shiver-fever (influenza), and leaf-bare cough (cold/chill). raw or unripe berries cause violent vomiting; must be fully ripe.
cures: weeping-scale (distemper), shiver-fever (influenza), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill)
side effects: raw or unripe berries, leaves, stems are toxic; can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea; cooked berries are safe.
preparation: must be cooked; raw or unripe berries are toxic.
fennel common compound extra day without food before exhaustion sets in; eases chest tightness and leaf-bare cough (cold/chill); settles digestive cramps, eating troubles, and gutknot (bloat). antifungal and antibacterial.
cures: the refusing (eating distress), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), gutknot (bloat), infected wound
side effects: generally safe; rare: stomach upset, seizures.
preparation: seeds eaten raw or as tea.
feverfew common reduces inflammation and fever; advantage on disease saves for 1 day. treats swollen eyes and head pain. chewing fresh leaves causes mouth sores; use dried only.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), redscratch, rot-lung (swamp fever), milk-fever (eclampsia), swollen eye, the spotting (pox), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), brood-rot (brucellosis, early fever)
side effects: 5 to 15% develop mouth ulcers or gi irritation; may increase bleeding; abrupt stop may cause rebound headaches.
preparation: dried leaf eaten raw or as tea.
foxglove restricted lethal deadly heart poison (dc 18 or die in 1d4 min). narrow margin between medicine and death. all parts poisonous.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: extremely toxic; all parts poisonous; narrow therapeutic index; toxicity: vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, death.
goldenrod rare +2 hp per 8h rest. slows early cloudmouth (rabies) (+2 next save, no cure). anti-inflammatory and diuretic; clears water-scorch (urinary infection) and infected wound.
cures: infected wound, deep gash, water-scorch (urinary infection), burrfever (lyme)
side effects: generally well-tolerated; may cause heartburn; allergic reactions possible.
preparation: tea.
heather common sweetens bitter herb mixtures. tea is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic; eases gut upsets, mild cough, and nervy tension.
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), the skitters (anxiety)
side effects: possibly safe; no side effects reported; safety in pregnancy not established.
preparation: tender tops and flowers made into tea; roots in milk for diarrhea.
holly berries restricted toxic 2d4 poison (dc 12 half). leaves cause diarrhea and vomiting; leaf spines can puncture the digestive tract.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: berries poisonous; leaves cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; leaf spines may tear mouth.
honey common feeds starving pups (+10 satiety, -1 exhaustion); sweetens pup feeding. adults: -1 starvation exhaustion when depleted. soothes smoke-damaged throat and cough; antibacterial wound dressing.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), deep gash
side effects: generally safe; may cause blood sugar spikes; allergic reactions possible.
preparation: used directly or mixed with other herbs.
horsetail common +3 medicine to stabilize dying; hemostatic poultice closes wounds and stops bleeding. antimicrobial; treats torn claws, paw wounds, and water-scorch (urinary infection). long-term use may cause thiamine deficiency.
cures: deep gash, torn claw, punctured paw, water-scorch (urinary infection)
side effects: contains thiaminase; long-term use may cause thiamine deficiency; high doses may cause liver injury.
preparation: tea, poultice.
ivy vines common preserves dried herbs in the store 2 extra weeks; leaf extract thins chest mucus and opens airways; eases fever, leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), and chestbind (asthma). can also be applied as a poultice for minor skin irritations. do not confuse with leaf-burn (poison ivy); ensure it is english ivy.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), shiver-fever (influenza), chestbind (asthma)
side effects: may cause mild nausea or vomiting in large doses; fresh herb can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive wolves.
preparation: leaves steeped as tea (often sweetened with honey), or crushed and applied as poultice.
jewelweed common roadside wild sap neutralizes leaf-burn (poison ivy); cools bee and nettle stings. anti-fungal; soothes liver complaints and eases gut sickness.
cures: leaf-burn (poison ivy), sting-swell (mild poison), yellow-eye (hepatitis), gut-run (diarrhea)
side effects: possibly safe; may cause digestive upset if consumed in high amounts.
preparation: sap applied directly to skin; tea used internally.
juniper berries common neutralizes sting-swell (mild poison); antiseptic berries slow infection in wounds; clears water-scorch (urinary infection) and gut-run (diarrhea). excessive use damages kidneys over time.
cures: sting-swell (mild poison), gut-run (diarrhea), water-scorch (urinary infection), infected wound
side effects: allergic reactions possible; excessive use may cause kidney damage; large doses cause convulsions.
preparation: berries eaten raw; leaves used for respiratory issues.
knotgrass common roadside compound cures gut-run (diarrhea); kills belly-worm (worms) in 1 day; drives off the itch (fleas). eases water-scorch (urinary infection) and leaf-bare cough (cold/chill). no serious side effects reported.
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), the itch (fleas), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), water-scorch (urinary infection), belly-worm (worms)
side effects: no serious side effects reported; may cause mild gi discomfort.
preparation: eaten raw; infusions for kidney and bladder conditions.
labrador tea common ends wheezing for 4 hours; settles gut sickness; source of vitamin c. toxic in large amounts; causes vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, and death. maximum one dose per day.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), gut-run (diarrhea), chestbind (asthma)
side effects: contains ledol and grayanotoxin; toxic; large amounts cause vomiting, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, delirium, spasms, death.
preparation: dried leaves brewed as tea; maximum one dose per day.
lamb's ear common roadside fuzzy leaves pressed on wounds stop bleeding and soothe insect stings. advantage on disease saves until next sunrise. antiseptic; no known toxicity.
cures: infected wound, sting-swell (mild poison)
side effects: not known to be toxic; possible allergic reactions.
preparation: fuzzy leaves applied directly to skin as compress.
lavender common compound cures fever and chills; hides death-scent at burial. calming; advantage vs fear when inhaled; eases grief and nightmares. large oral doses cause nausea.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), the hollowing (grief), the screaming-sleep (night terrors)
side effects: generally well-tolerated; allergic skin reactions possible; large oral doses may cause nausea.
preparation: leaves or flowers eaten raw; used as rub or tea.
mullein rare greyspire mistmoor roadside heals yellowcough and rot-lung (swamp fever) lung damage; medics use it for full recovery. expectorant and antiviral; shortens cough duration.
cures: yellowcough, rot-lung (swamp fever), growth-sickness (cancer), chestbind (asthma), bronchitis, leaf-bare cough (cold/chill)
side effects: no common or severe side effects; tiny hairs may cause skin irritation; seeds contain rotenone.
preparation: tea.
lungwort rare greyspire mistmoor also heals yellowcough and rot-lung (swamp fever) when mullein is scarce. soothes respiratory irritation; expectorant and wound healing. use in moderation; may contain liver-affecting substances.
cures: yellowcough, rot-lung (swamp fever), growth-sickness (cancer), chestbind (asthma), bronchitis, leaf-bare cough (cold/chill)
side effects: generally safe in moderation; large doses may cause stomach discomfort; may contain liver-toxic substances.
preparation: tea or poultice.
marsh-mallow root uncommon mistmoor soothes rot-lung (swamp fever) fever and wheeze; mucilaginous root coats sore throat and eases leaf-bare cough (cold/chill). demulcent for bruises, swellings, and sprains. may lower blood sugar.
cures: rot-lung (swamp fever), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), sprained leg, chestbind (asthma)
side effects: generally safe; rare: bloating, gas, fullness; may lower blood sugar.
preparation: tea, poultice.
belly-rip fungus rare mistmoor experimental glow-fungus from the belly-rip sinkhole; the only known cure for rot-lung necrosis. requires careful application by an experienced healer.
cures: rot-lung (swamp fever)
side effects: unknown; use with extreme caution.
preparation: applied directly to necrotic tissue; healer's discretion.
death-cap mushroom rare mistmoor lethal pale mushroom found only in the rotting mere. intensely toxic; 3d6 poison (dc 18 half). causes organ failure and seizures. healers may use trace amounts experimentally.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: extremely toxic; one of the most lethal mushrooms; causes organ failure, seizures, nausea; fatal if ingested.
preparation: no safe preparation; experimental use only by experienced healers.
lizard's tail common mistmoor removes 1 fever exhaustion; anti-inflammatory and diuretic. sedative rhizome eases fever, body aches, and water-scorch (urinary infection). contains saponins; causes nausea if too much is eaten.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), water-scorch (urinary infection)
side effects: contains saponins; poisonous when ingested; causes irritation, nausea, vomiting.
preparation: dried roots eaten raw; steeped as tea.
meadowsweet uncommon silverrush ignore 1 pain exhaustion for 4 hours; pain relief for 1 sunrise; ignores joint-rot (arthritis) and bone-ache (chronic pain) penalties. contains salicylates; eases gut upset, gut-run (diarrhea), and fever. increases bleeding risk if used with wounds.
cures: sprained leg, gut-run (diarrhea), the refusing (eating distress), shiver-fever (influenza), burrfever (lyme), joint-rot (arthritis)
side effects: contains salicylates; increases bleeding risk; large amounts or long-term use possibly unsafe.
preparation: tea.
mountain ash (rowan) common bitter bark eases fever and weeping-scale (distemper), soothes liver complaints; choleretic. berries require caution; large amounts cause stomach damage.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), weeping-scale (distemper), yellow-eye (hepatitis)
side effects: fresh berries possibly unsafe; large amounts cause stomach irritation, vomiting, kidney damage.
preparation: bark as tea; berries require caution.
oak bark common thistlehide stops bleeding; +2 stabilize. astringent and antiviral; treats acute gut-run (diarrhea), reduces inflammation, and prevents infection in cuts and scrapes. prolonged use damages liver.
cures: deep gash, infected wound, gut-run (diarrhea)
side effects: oral use may cause stomach upset; topical may irritate skin; prolonged use may cause kidney or liver damage.
preparation: tea for diarrhea; chewed as poultice for wounds.
oleander restricted lethal 4d6 poison, no antidote (dc 18 half). one of the most poisonous plants known; all parts lethal. sap causes severe eye inflammation.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: one of the most poisonous plants; all parts toxic; small amounts lethal.
parsley common compound ends lactation within 6 hours; eases milk-fever (eclampsia) and eating troubles. analgesic, antibacterial, and digestive aid. use leaves only. note: because it ends lactation, medics use it on nursing mothers only when the eclampsia is severe enough that continued nursing risks the mother's life; the litter must then be fostered or hand-fed.
cures: milk-fever (eclampsia), wasting-sickness (chronic wasting), the refusing (eating distress), water-scorch (urinary infection)
side effects: large amounts may cause kidney damage; avoid in pregnancy.
preparation: eaten raw or as tea.
passionflower uncommon compound eases racing thoughts and the sleepless (insomnia); reduces the skitters (anxiety) and feral-shift.
cures: the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), feral-shift
side effects: common: dizziness, drowsiness, confusion; not for use by pregnant wolves.
preparation: tea.
pine needles common greyspire tea ends coughing after 1 dose; expectorant for chest congestion. supports water-scorch (urinary infection) and immune system. avoid in pregnancy; may cause uterine contractions.
cures: green-cough (mild respiratory), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), water-scorch (urinary infection), chestbind (asthma)
side effects: may cause uterine contractions; avoid pregnancy; large quantities may cause stomach upset.
preparation: tea.
pine bark common greyspire inner bark eases leaf-bare cough (cold/chill) and frost-nipped paws; reduces inflammation and eases breathing and chestbind (asthma).
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), punctured paw, chestbind (asthma)
side effects: minor: stomach upset, headaches, dizziness; may increase bleeding risk.
preparation: inner bark eaten raw or as tea.
plantain uncommon thistlehide roadside compound gentle wound remedy; cleanses torn claws and deep gashes. expectorant; opens airways and eases chest illness. astringent and hemostatic. anaphylaxis possible in rare cases.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), deep gash, punctured paw, torn claw, chestbind (asthma), bronchitis
side effects: anaphylaxis possible; mild: nausea, vomiting, bloating; high doses may cause serious allergic reactions.
preparation: tea, poultice, eaten raw.
leaf-burn (poison ivy) restricted toxic contact: -1d4 cha, disadvantage stealth 3 days. contains urushiol; causes severe skin rash and mouth or throat irritation if eaten.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: highly toxic; contains urushiol; causes severe skin irritation; ingestion causes severe mouth and throat irritation.
poppy seeds common compound addictive sedative and pain relief; unconscious rest 1 sunrise. calms shock and emotional distress. mild hypnotic; aids sleep and reduces the skitters (anxiety). excessive intake is toxic.
cures: the sleepless (insomnia), the skitters (anxiety), heart-shock (emotional shock), the hollowing (grief)
side effects: generally safe; excessive intake may cause digestive discomfort and drowsiness.
preparation: seeds eaten raw; petals and leaves chewed for sleep.
prickly ash rare greyspire ends frozen-paw numbness; numbs root-rot (tooth infection) pain for 1 hour. improves circulation to cold extremities; analgesic and anti-inflammatory. may increase bleeding risk.
cures: root-rot (tooth infection), punctured paw, joint-rot (arthritis)
side effects: no known major side effects; may cause allergic reactions; may increase bleeding risk.
preparation: bark and berries chewed or as tea.
purple loosestrife common silverrush roadside staunches bleeding on stitched wounds; reduces bleed timer; cures gut-run (diarrhea). astringent and infection-fighting; cleans festering wounds. sedative in large amounts.
cures: deep gash, gut-run (diarrhea), infected wound
side effects: astringent properties may cause gi distress in large quantities.
preparation: tea; flowering tops dried and eaten.
ragweed common roadside 3 leaves removes 1 exhaustion. astringent properties ease mild respiratory inflammation and liver complaints. highly allergenic; avoid in wolves with known pollen sensitivity.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), yellow-eye (hepatitis)
side effects: highly allergenic; causes hay fever, contact dermatitis, respiratory distress.
preparation: tea; caution, highly allergenic.
ragwort common elder hunts at full speed for 1 day. eases joint and limb stiffness.
cures: sprained leg
side effects: toxic; contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids causing liver toxicity with repeated use.
preparation: avoid; no safe preparation.
raspberry leaves common advantage on birth hemorrhage saves; rich in vitamins and minerals. strongly astringent; eases mild gut-run (diarrhea) and chest cough. detoxifying tonic.
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill)
side effects: generally safe; may cause diarrhea, hypoglycemia, acute liver injury; may cause premature labor.
preparation: tea.
rosemary common compound hides death-scent at burial; anti-inflammatory and digestive aid.
cures: the hollowing (grief), the long-forgetting (dementia), the fraying (chronic stress), the skitters (anxiety), the fixing (obsession)
side effects: large amounts cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, kidney damage; undiluted oil toxic.
preparation: eaten raw as culinary herb; tea.
rush stalks common mistmoor silverrush hard stalks bind broken bones; lash splints with sticks (+2 medicine to set fractures). antispasmodic and expectorant.
cures: fractured rib, broken jaw, sprained leg
side effects: contains thiaminase; long-term use may cause thiamine deficiency.
preparation: stalks boiled for diuretic; used as splint material.
saffron common compound auto-stabilize postpartum hemorrhage; ends milk-fever (eclampsia). sedative and expectorant; eases cough, the skitters (anxiety), and the hollowing (grief). large doses cause vomiting and bloody urine.
cures: dying, milk-fever (eclampsia), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), the skitters (anxiety), the hollowing (grief)
side effects: generally safe up to small amounts; large doses cause vomiting, dizziness, bloody urine; may cause miscarriage.
preparation: eaten raw; tea.
sage common compound soothes sore throat; elders eat hard food longer. antimicrobial wash for infected wounds. extended use or large amounts cause seizures.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), the refusing (eating distress), gut-run (diarrhea), infected wound
side effects: extended use or large amounts: restlessness, vomiting, vertigo, rapid heart rate, seizures, kidney damage.
preparation: tea, gargle, eaten raw.
skunk cabbage common treats severe cough and blackcough; antispasmodic for the chest. toxic fresh (dc 12); contains oxalates; causes mouth pain. overconsumption causes kidney failure.
cures: green-cough (mild respiratory), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), chestbind (asthma)
side effects: possibly safe in small amounts; large amounts cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness; contains oxalates.
preparation: dried form only, used as ointment or tea.
slippery elm uncommon thistlehide eat or drink without pain for 8 hours. powdered bark soothes gut lining
cures: broken jaw, gut-run (diarrhea), the refusing (eating distress), the skitters (anxiety), water-scorch (urinary infection)
side effects: topical may cause contact dermatitis; whole bark may be abortifacient.
preparation: dried bark as tea or eaten raw.
snakeroot common advantage vs snake venom saves.
cures: the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), sting-swell (mild poison)
side effects: nasal congestion, sedation, gi upset, bradycardia; diarrhea, the low-spirit (depression).
preparation: dried root eaten raw.
sorrel common stops heavy bleeding from deep wounds; restores appetite; analgesic for sprains; diuretic; large amounts cause kidney damage; toxic in excess.
cures: deep gash, leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), sprained leg, water-scorch (urinary infection), the refusing (eating distress)
side effects: large amounts possibly unsafe; may increase kidney stone risk; contains oxalic acid.
preparation: leaves eaten raw or cooked.
straight stick common wild thin twig for wolves in pain to bite during deep treatment; also used to lash splints.
cures: none
side effects: none; splinters possible if not smoothed.
preparation: gathered from any woody area.
sticklewort common neutralizes snake venom; astringent; treats gut-run (diarrhea), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), and infected wounds. hepatoprotective.
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), infected wound, sting-swell (mild poison), yellow-eye (hepatitis)
side effects: allergic reactions possible; caution for blood clotting issues.
preparation: tea, gargle, poultice.
stinging nettle common with comfrey -1 broken bone healing day. dried leaves drive off the itch (fleas). cook or dry before use; raw stings.
cures: fractured rib, sprained leg, the itch (fleas), water-scorch (urinary infection), burrfever (lyme), joint-rot (arthritis)
side effects: generally safe in moderate amounts; common: constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach; touching raw plant causes irritation.
preparation: dried or cooked; tea.
swamp milkweed very rare mistmoor toxic only herb known to cure the spotting (pox) in its late stage.
cures: the spotting (pox), the spirit-eaten (spirit curse)
side effects: toxic; contains cardiac glycosides; causes dangerous heart issues; lethal in large doses.
preparation: dried roots eaten
sweet sedge common ends mild gut infection in 1 day
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), shaking-sickness (seizures), the refusing (eating distress), gutknot (bloat)
side effects: likely unsafe; contains cancer-causing beta-isoasarone; causes kidney damage, shaking, seizures.
preparation: avoid; no safe preparation.
tansy common halves sprain recovery time; lethal in pregnancy; causes miscarriage.
cures: sprained leg, the itch (fleas), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), belly-worm (worms)
side effects: toxic; contains thujone; causes vomiting, severe diarrhea, tremors, kidney and liver damage, seizures; not for pregnant wolves.
preparation: leaves, flowers, stems eaten together; extreme caution.
thyme common compound ends minor pain for 2 hours. mucolytic expectorant for chest congestion. antifungal and antibacterial.
cures: the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), chestbind (asthma)
side effects: possibly safe short-term; allergic reactions, dizziness, stomach upset; rare hypersensitivity.
preparation: eaten raw; tea.
tormentil common +2 medicine for any injury. more tannin than oak bark; strongly astringent
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), infected wound
side effects: generally well-tolerated; mild stomach pain or heartburn possible.
preparation: tea, poultice.
valerian common compound unconscious 1d4 hours. addiction and withdrawal symptoms after long-term use; wean slowly.
cures: the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), feral-shift, the refusing (eating distress), the hollowing (grief), heart-shock (emotional shock), shudderfit (epilepsy)
side effects: generally well-tolerated; common: dizziness, headache, daytime drowsiness; withdrawal symptoms if discontinued.
preparation: tea or eaten raw.
watermint common removes nausea in 10 minutes. analgesic, antiseptic, and antispasmodic; treats cough, wounds, gut sickness, and liver complaints. not for pregnant wolves; may cause premature birth.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), infected wound, gut-run (diarrhea), the refusing (eating distress), yellow-eye (hepatitis), gutknot (bloat), foulwater rot (leptospirosis)
side effects: not for pregnant mothers; may cause premature birth or miscarriage; toxic to sheep.
preparation: poultice; tea from fresh or dried leaves.
water hemlock restricted lethal lethal poison (dc 20 half, still 6d6). one of the most poisonous plants; cicutoxin causes death within 15 minutes. all parts are poisonous; even small amounts cause convulsions.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: one of the most poisonous plants; contains cicutoxin; even small amounts cause muscle spasms, respiratory failure, death within an hour.
wild cherry bark common stops coughing for 2 hours, even blackcough; sedative and digestive tonic. calms the skitters (anxiety). contains cyanogenic glycosides; short-term use only (10 to 14 days); large doses toxic.
cures: green-cough (mild respiratory), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), gut-run (diarrhea), the skitters (anxiety)
side effects: generally safe in small amounts; excessive doses toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides; short-term use only.
preparation: bark tea or eaten raw; short-term use only.
wild garlic common advantage vs vermin disease 24h; cleans and slows infection in fresh wounds. treats leaf-bare cough (cold/chill) and liver complaints; drives off the itch (fleas). excessive intake causes vomiting.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), the itch (fleas), infected wound, yellow-eye (hepatitis), foulwater rot (leptospirosis)
side effects: generally safe; excessive intake may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
preparation: eaten raw or cooked; tea.
willow bark common mistmoor silverrush pain relief 1 sunrise; cools fever. ignores bone-ache (chronic pain) and joint-rot (arthritis) penalties for 1 sunrise. contains salicin; natural anti-inflammatory for joints and fractures. stomach bleeding possible with long-term use.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), sprained leg, fractured rib, burrfever (lyme), joint-rot (arthritis)
side effects: common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, rash; may affect blood clotting; similar to aspirin.
preparation: bark chewed in small amounts for pain; tea.
wintergreen restricted toxic often misidentified; 1d4 poison (dc 10). oil is unsafe to eat. external redness and irritation; large amounts cause tinnitus, confusion, and death.
cures: none (poison)
side effects: oil is unsafe to take orally; topical: redness, irritation; large amounts cause ringing in ears, nausea, confusion.
witch hazel common astringent and hemostatic; reduces eye swelling; soothes leaf-burn (poison ivy) and insect stings; eases chest cough. internal use in large doses may cause liver problems.
cures: swollen eye, infected wound, leaf-burn (poison ivy), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), sting-swell (mild poison)
side effects: most common: dry skin; high doses may cause liver or kidney problems; contains trace safrole.
preparation: topical application; internal use with caution as tea.
wolfsbane very rare greyspire lethal removes the spirit-eaten curse (dc 20 medicine check); deals 2d6 poison damage to patient. extremely toxic; all parts poisonous; historically used to poison wolves. can be absorbed through skin.
cures: the spirit-eaten (curse-belief illness)
side effects: extremely toxic; all parts poisonous; contains aconitine; ingestion causes numbness, nausea, respiratory failure; can be absorbed through skin.
preparation: steeped into a strong tea by a trained medic and given directly to the patient; no way to lessen the risk, only a steady hand and a fast attempt.
yarrow common +2 medicine to stabilize; stops bleeding; cleanses torn claws. anti-inflammatory; lowers blood pressure. also settles gut sickness. allergic reactions possible.
cures: deep gash, infected wound, shaking-sickness (seizure disorder), torn claw, gut-run (diarrhea), internal bleeding
side effects: generally considered safe; may interact with lithium; allergic reactions possible.
preparation: tea, poultice, eaten raw.
catmint tea uncommon compound cures severe blackcough (2 doses per 24 hours); eases the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), and the refusing (eating distress). large doses cause vomiting. not for pregnant wolves.
cures: green-cough (mild respiratory), leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), the skitters (anxiety), the sleepless (insomnia), the refusing (eating distress), chestbind (asthma)
side effects: high doses possibly unsafe; headaches, vomiting; emmenagogue and abortifacient; avoid in pregnancy.
preparation: leaves and flowers for congestion and coughs; tea.
purslane common roadside compound fleshy leaves hold ditch-water; chew for +12 hydration without visiting the creek. anti-inflammatory; eases the refusing (eating distress) and the skitters (anxiety).
cures: the refusing (eating distress), the skitters (anxiety)
side effects: limited studies; no significant adverse effects; constipation reported; contains oxalates.
preparation: eaten raw as vegetable.
chicory common roadside settles gut upset, gut-run (diarrhea), and the refusing (eating distress); supports liver health and yellow-eye (hepatitis) recovery. high fiber may cause gas and bloating.
cures: gut-run (diarrhea), the refusing (eating distress), yellow-eye (hepatitis)
side effects: fresh plant may cause allergic skin reactions; high fiber may cause gas, bloating, diarrhea.
preparation: root eaten raw or as tea.
mugwort uncommon roadside rub through pelt to drive off the itch (fleas); settles gut upsets and the refusing (eating distress). toxic in pregnancy; causes miscarriage.
cures: the itch (fleas), gut-run (diarrhea), the refusing (eating distress)
side effects: contains thujone; harmful in large amounts; may cause miscarriage; respiratory allergic responses.
preparation: used as rub; tea with caution.
garden mint common compound ends nausea in minutes; eases stomach cramps, the refusing (eating distress), gut-run (diarrhea), and gutknot (bloat). antimicrobial.
cures: the refusing (eating distress), gut-run (diarrhea), gutknot (bloat), infected wound
side effects: may cause sleepiness; concentrated oils toxic to dogs and cats in large quantities.
preparation: eaten raw as culinary herb; tea.
wood sorrel common compound steadies a queasy stomach; treats the refusing (eating distress) and shiver-fever (influenza). contains oxalic acid; high doses are toxic; causes kidney damage.
cures: shiver-fever (influenza), the refusing (eating distress)
side effects: contains oxalic acid; high doses toxic; overdose causes diarrhea, nausea, kidney damage.
preparation: small amounts eaten raw.
oxeye daisy common roadside eases joint ache and sprains; suppresses leaf-bare cough (cold/chill); aids liver complaints and shiver-fever (influenza). antispasmodic; diuretic; clears water-scorch (urinary infection). allergic reactions in sensitive wolves.
cures: sprained leg, leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), shiver-fever (influenza), yellow-eye (hepatitis), water-scorch (urinary infection)
side effects: may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to asteraceae; may cause contact and inhalant allergy.
preparation: young leaves eaten raw; tea.
common mallow common roadside compound poultice for scraped and scorched pads; soothes dry cough and the refusing (eating distress).
cures: punctured paw, scorched hide, leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), the refusing (eating distress), chestbind (asthma)
side effects: none known; may lower blood sugar; livestock poisoning reported; muscular tremors.
preparation: tea, poultice.
shepherd's purse common roadside hemostatic; stops internal and external bleeding; treats deep gash and internal bleeding. toxic in pregnancy; causes uterine contractions.
cures: deep gash, internal bleeding
side effects: possibly safe in small amounts short-term; large amounts cause heart palpitations; causes uterine contractions; avoid pregnancy.
preparation: tea or eaten raw.
garlic mustard common roadside rub through pelt to drive off the itch (fleas); antiseptic poultice for infected bites and wounds; neutralizes sting-swell (mild poison); eases leaf-bare cough (cold/chill) and burrfever (lyme); kills belly-worm (worms) in the gut over several days.
cures: leaf-bare cough (cold/chill), infected wound, sting-swell (mild poison), burrfever (lyme), belly-worm (worms)
side effects: safe in moderate amounts; large quantities may cause digestive discomfort; contains goitrogens.
preparation: young leaves eaten raw; poultice.

the healing system

corvus implements a detailed healing system that blends realism with the maw faith. healing is not magic; it is careful, dangerous work.

hp and recovery

hp = 10 + strength + survival (con score). recovery is slow and depends on the wolf's condition, injury load, and access to herbs.

  • long rest – once per sunrise, restores hp. recovery is modified by: active injury load (−1 per injury), satiety below 30 (−1), and winter season (+1).
  • pain exhaustion – a separate tracker (0 to 5) distinct from main exhaustion. accumulates from painful injuries and diseases. herbs like willow bark and poppy target this pool specifically. at 5 stacks, it overflows into main exhaustion.
  • death saves – at 0 hp, a wolf must make death saves unless stabilized. medics can stabilize with a medicine check, often using yarrow or horsetail for a bonus.

herbs and healing

  • rarity – common, uncommon, rare, very rare, or restricted.
  • effect – what the herb does mechanically.
  • cures – which conditions it treats.
  • side effects – mechanical penalties for misuse.
  • preparation – how to use it (poultice, tea, eaten raw, etc.).
  • pack-specific – some herbs are only found in certain territories.
  • poison/restricted – dangerous herbs that only medics may handle.
forage use /field action:forage to forage in your territory or :verge to forage at the thunderpath edge or twoleg compound. roll to find herbs. prepare use /herbs action:prepare to turn raw herbs into usable poultices, teas, or preparations. treat use /medic action:treat to apply a prepared herb to a wound or condition. requires the correct herb and a medicine check. field dressing any wolf can use /medic action:field_dressing (survival dc 14) to pack cobwebs against a deep gash, suppressing the sunrise bleed for one day. wound wash medic action, dc 10 medicine. dock leaves or horsetail flush an infected wound clean (/medic action:wound_wash). stabilize use /medic action:stabilize on a dying wolf. yarrow and horsetail give bonuses.

herb side effects and addiction

the compendium's warnings are mechanical, not flavor. eating an apply-only herb, pressing a skin-toxin into an open wound, or dosing a pregnant wolf backfires (hp loss, miscarriage risk, gut upset). sedatives like poppy, valerian, and willow build tolerance and withdrawal with repeated use.

vomiting: nauseating herbs (adder's tongue, alder bark, celandine, mountain ash, sage, rosemary, saffron, sorrel, elderberry, coltsfoot, skunk cabbage, juniper) eaten internally can be brought back up on a failed constitution save; the wolf retches up the dose and its meal (−8 satiety, −6 hydration, −3 mood). a trained herbalist doses more gently.

cumulative organ damage: the compendium's "long-term use" warnings now bite. repeated internal doses of an organ-straining herb are tallied for life; past the herb's threshold the harm becomes a permanent long-term condition that shows on /vitals: diuretics that waste potassium (alder bark) → The Sapping (−1 str/con); kidney-stressing herbs (juniper, sorrel, wood sorrel) → Bitter-Water (−1 con); liver-toxic herbs (oak bark, ragwort, comfrey) → Yellow-Wither (−1 con and on disease/poison saves); thiamine-leaching herbs (horsetail, rush stalks, stinging nettle) → The Trembles (−1 dex/wis). vary your herbs; do not lean on one draught.

herb tolerance

using the same herb on the same injury within 3 days raises the treatment dc by +2. varied treatment is encouraged by yarrow and plantain also curing torn claw.

bone-set failure

bone injuries (fractured rib, spinal injury, sprained leg, broken jaw) left untreated for 3+ sunrises cause permanent −1 attribute malunion (malunion_X in long-term injuries).

medic overextension

healing 5 or more wolves in one sunrise adds +1 exhaustion on rollover.

healer's instinct

a full medic earns +1 wisdom permanently after 20 successful treatments (healer_instinct long-term trait).

the maw chews. illness, injury, birth, and death are all the maw eating. the medic's task is not to stop the maw, but to make the chewing merciful. — the healer's creed

pack starter herbs

what each den learns first. these are the herbs every wolf in the pack knows, the ones that keep the pack alive through the first winter.

greyspire arnica, coneflower, prickly ash, edelweiss mistmoor elderberry, lizard's tail, boneset, swamp milkweed thistlehide comfrey, plantain, oak bark, slippery elm silverrush meadowsweet, alder bark, cattail, purple loosestrife

herb rarity

herbs run from common to very rare, with a separate restricted tier for the poisons a medic is trusted to keep.

  • common – found on most forages. the backbone of the green tongue.
  • uncommon – requires knowledge of where to look. often pack-specific.
  • rare – hard to find, even in the right territory. prized by medics.
  • very rare – almost legendary. found only in one place, if at all.
  • restricted – poisons and mercy-herbs. only the medic may handle them. misuse maims or kills.

the green tongue's knowledge is political power. a medic who withholds a cure can blackmail the alpha. a forager who lies about a rare herb's location can send a rival pack into a death trap.

the healer's code

the green tongue has its own laws, older than any pack.

  • the neutral scent: medics are forbidden to court, mate, or raise pups, but not blocked from doing so in game; their scent must stay neutral to the pack's hierarchy so they can treat any wolf without triggering dominance aggression. discovery costs them dearly: a caught court costs standing and exiles any existing pups, and a discovered birth or adoption is always made public and exiles both the litter and the healer.
  • the oath of mercy: a medic cannot refuse to treat a wolf in need, regardless of pack or crime. to let a wolf die without trying is to break the oath.
  • the keeper's burden: medics carry the darkest knowledge. they know which herbs induce miscarriage, which poisons kill without trace, which plants can end a suffering wolf's life with a single leaf. this knowledge is a burden, not a privilege.
howlbert.straw.page

the maw is always hungry. will you heal, or will you watch?