Dragonsblood Root

Vasilran

Herb Lore

This curious herb is believed to grow only where the blood of a dragon has been spilt. Some scholars have claimed that it is the natural offspring of the blood itself, springing forth from the crimson drops as other herbs spring from seeds. This is obviously a ridiculous fallacy. It is true, however, that dragonsblood is most often found high in the mountains of the north and other rocky places, which are the natural habitat of the draconic shifters.

It is worth noting that the Shifter’s Vale, where so many of the bestial gifted were slain, is richly covered in the tendrils of this vine. Whether this lays support to the blood lore, or the valley is merely a well suited habitat to the herb’s requirements of growth, I will leave it to the reader to decide.

A lesser known lore, and one that many scholars scoff at, has it that dragonsblood can often be found growing most lush and verdant near holy places and wells of power. If such is true, it does suggest that the entirety of the Shifter’s Vale may be a well. However, that question is beyond the scope of this volume and, indeed, unanswerable by any scholar unless blessed with that most rare gift of Weaving.

Appearance and Flavor

The growth of the dragonsblood herb is somewhat vining in nature. Its young leaves and first tendrils are known to have a crisp sweet flavor when harvested early.

The root on the other hand, which is ribbed, giving it the appearance of dragon scales, tends toward bitterness and is used exclusively for medicinal purposes. When cut open, its flesh bears a faint crimson tinge, lending to the myth of its origin.

In the autumn, bright red berries are put forth in small clusters at the base of the leaves. These are hard and sour and are said to resemble drops of blood. They are most often used in brewing a flavored ale known colloquially in the north as dragonfire ale.

Leechcraft

In leechcraft dragonsblood is most often used for the treatment of poison or broken bones.

For poison the root of the dragonsblood is pounded with wine and then warmed over a low flame. There is some debate over the efficacy of a properly harvested and dried root as opposed to a freshly gathered root, but most herb-lorists agree that the potency of the freshly harvested root is far superior to that of the dried. However, those Herbwives, Healers, and other folk with wortcunning who have graciously shared their knowledge with this author, have assured me that a properly dried root once ground fine enough has nearly the same effect as that of the freshly macerated tuber.

Grinding Herbs by TINTYPEPHOTOS

When used to treat a broken bone, the dragonsblood root is mixed with grease to make a poultice which is then applied to the affected area. This poultice is renewed daily and will greatly speed the healing of the patient.

Harvesting

The root of the dragonsblood is at its most potent at high summer. This is often claimed to be associated with the heat of the season reflecting the heat of a dragon’s flame. In any case, the root is best harvested during the moon directly following the summer solstice, before the year has turned too far to the cold.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Cool, rocky places. Most particularly near wells of power.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The young leaves and tender shoots of the vine are often used as a food source. The root of the plant, however, is used in leechcraft for the treatment of poison or broken bones.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dragonsblood is found most often in the mountainous regions of the north such as Varangia, the Shatterhorns, and the Shifter’s Vale.

by British Library

Lifespan

Perennial