Chut of the Wardens
Chut of the Wardens, an herb that grows deep in the mountains of Jarnelv and supposedly cures all diseases, strengthens those who eat it and only reveals itself to those who are truly in the service of the mountains.
Chut is a staple in both Jarnelvan cooking and medicine it is a rather common herb that grows alongside rivers near the coast, it smells earthy but tastes quite sweet and aromatic with a hint of peppery spice. When put into tea it frees the airways and relieves cough irritation and when applied to wounds it acts as a slight antiseptic agent. Neither Legendary nor particularly interesting however it is said that deep within the Pale Wardens a much rarer variety of Chut can be found. Some locals have tried to grow chut away from the coast - with little success, as the plant is not suited to the cold winters in the heart of the country. So how could such a plant survive in the mountains, where the climate is much harsher almost all year round?
Despite this many have tried to find this legendary herb. There are those desperate for a cure for themselves or loved ones, those seeking fame, and those generally answering the call of adventure. However, the guardians do not give up their secrets so easily, even on the mapped paths and passes, many travelers have disappeared or died trying to cross them. Naturally exploring new parts of the mountains takes an even greater toll with less than 2 people making it back for every 10 that venture forth. Throughout history stories of adventurers and travelers who did find the herb pop up here and there and with each story another wave of adventurous folks ventured into the Mountains.
The Skiva
Skiva! Warriors of Jarnelv, trained in the mountains for the mountains, in charge of protecting and maintaining the various passes through the wardens. Their outposts and citadels hidden deep within the Peaks with little to no contact to the populace of Jarnelv. Naturally they know the wardens like the back of their hands and did not concern themselves with the myths spread by the people. However a few centuries ago the wife of a general his name now lost in history fell gravely ill, no physician no healer was able to help her and in his desperation he pleaded with his regiment to face the danger and explore the nooks and crannies of the wardens in search of the legendary herb.
Balleign IV Regiment II Cohort, Field Report:
We have found a series of hot springs beneath the Neilveld cliffs, the third sector is isolated from the winds and a small ecosystem is growing amidst the ice. Among the various plants we found were several chut plants, whose leaves have a slightly reddish hue and whose medicinal properties we have yet to confirm. Despite this the I Cohort was sent with a sample to the Citadel immediately. They will arrive approximately 2 days after the raven, inform the general and make preparations for a team to deliver it.
The Chut of the Wardens was delivered and with it the first official record of the herb, this time it wasn't the adventurers answering the call but rather scholars, doctors, alchemists, mages even shamans. Soon the general's house was filled to the brim, the halls previously walked by warriors transformed into a sanctuary of research into the herb and the disease that had afflicted his wife. Weeks go by and indeed the medicinal properties of the Chut variant exceed the common variety by quite a large margin, there were even traces of magic were found in the water content of the plant. The illness however could not be cured by the Chut's medicine alone, but maybe the herbs reputation could. Every reputable doctor in Jarnelv and even some of Trakun and Ra'ves set out to research the mythical Herb, this onslaught of knowledge produced a cure for the generals wife completely without the need for the new herb.
The Chut Festival
After his wife's recovery, the general was overjoyed and decided to hold a meeting of scholars every four years to commemorate this monumental event, which he called the Chut Festival in honor of the herb that had set everything in motion. This tradition has carried on through the centuries and even today all 4 years Jarnelv hosts this event, though research is still the festivals primary focus it has evolved into a week of festivities for all people.
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