Healing & Medecine

[Vortigern]

After the recent discussion of the S&P Healer Class I looked at some of the older S&Ps and noted the presence in some writeups of 'Surgery' and 'Stygian Doctor' feats... which caught my attention.

From this I gather that there are some further healing abilities already written into the game somewhere? Where!?! And, generally speaking, what do they do?

I'm also curious as to how advanced of medecine/medical treatment you really find IC for the Hyborian Age?

 

[VincentDarlage]

There are some feats and/or skills in the Stygia book based on Ancient Egyptian techniques and knowledge. IIRC, some of the Mysteries allowed for some advanced healing too.

All the regional sourcebooks had sections on medicine and healing (although that section was edited out of Argos & Zingara).

 

[Vortigern]

Thanks!

Another question...

If a character's 'profession' is that of a healer/apothecary, would it be necessary for them to have ranks in the 'profession' skill for such, or would healing/herbalism/alchemy and whatnot cover that ground?

 

[VincentDarlage]

I would leave that up the GM. I would say that ranks in Alchemy and/or Heal would give an indication of skill, and ranks in Profession would indicate that person's ability to turn that skill into cash.

A person with low ranks in Heal (and/or other skills) but high ranks in Profession would be a quack - someone without much talent, but able to convince people he knows what he is doing.

A person with high ranks in Alchemy or Heal (or herbalism, or whatever), but low ranks in Profession is obviously talented, but unable to gain much recognition for that actual talent.

 

[librarycharlie]

I would leave that up the GM. I would say that ranks in Alchemy and/or Heal would give an indication of skill, and ranks in Profession would indicate that person's ability to turn that skill into cash.

A person with low ranks in Heal (and/or other skills) but high ranks in Profession would be a quack - someone without much talent, but able to convince people he knows what he is doin.

A person with high ranks in Alchemy or Heal (or herbalism, or whatever), but low ranks in Profession is obviously talented, but unable to gain much recognition for that actual talent.

Seconded.

Under the "profession" skill, it lists how someone can make a living off of it. A borderer with great herbalism knowledge may use it to keep himself alive in the woods, but wouldn't know anything about haggling as an apothecary in a civilized city.

For most PCs, the profession skill would be a waste, since they'll be using their talents on their fellows more often than not, and usually at (hopefully!) no charge. A PC who insists on full price for every healing skill attempt will be interesting, but very unpopular.

 

[sidkfjjteidlkkf]

I too think it is a few feats..

 

[Voltumna]

I just the Shamanic Ecstasy spell in Faith & Fervour. This offers a mystical way of treating the badly wounded or diseased, and many other problems. Basically it allows a shaman to enter a trance though which he goes into the spiritual realm, and there he bargains or coerce the spirits or demos responsible for the maladies. There are a two systems to resolve the scenes, but generally they allow you to add different skills or abilities as a bonus to the relevant check in question. For instance a shaman trying to heal someone, might add his diplomacy score to the heal check if he is suplicating for the health of the ill.

Very cool spell. I also like the fact that is is an alternative basic spell for divination, of which I would like to see some alternatives for other sorcery styles.