High Herbalist of Sybella
Overview
The High Herbalist of Sybella is an Imperial title created by the Highguard Civilian Commissioner in Summer 380YE. It is responsible for overseeing the Sybella Cross Physician's Hall, a ministry built at Sybela in Bastion. When it was established, the expectation was that the hall would give preferential treatment to the Anvil Hospital & Imperial School of Medicine sodality, but it remains to be seen whether successive High Herbalists adhere to this vision for the Physician's hall.
Responsibilities
The High Herbalist is expected to supply herbs at a preferential rate to the Anvil Hospital & Imperial School of Medicine - although of course this is merely an expectation and exerts no legal restrictions on the holder of the title who is free to do with the resources provided by the ministry as they see fit. If the Physician's Hall were ever threatened, it would be the responsibility of the High Herbalist to deal with those threats - but also to deal with any opportunity to expand the Hall, or work more closely with the physicks, apothecaries, and herbalists of Sybella Cross.
Powers
Purchase of Herbs
| Herbs | |
| 7 Crowns | 8 drams of true vervain, and 2 drams each of imperial roseweald, bladeroot, cerulean mazzarine, marrowort |
| 17 Crowns | 17 drams of true vervain, and 4 drams each of imperial roseweald, bladeroot, cerulean mazzarine, and marrowort |
| 35 Crowns | 26 drams of true vervain, 6 drams each of imperial roseweald, bladeroot, cerulean mazzarine, and marrowort |
The Sybella Cross Physician's Hall is a ministry. The High Herbalist can purchase quantities of herbs at a set price. The High Herbalist makes their decision how much money to spend during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.
| Kruidenkenner Purchase | |
| 7 Crowns | 16 random herbs |
| 17 Crowns | 33 random herbs |
| 35 Crowns | 50 random herbs |
The Kruidenkenner
In Autumn 383YE, the Senate chose to expand the Kruidenkenner Magazjin in Necropolis. As a consequence, grateful merchant-herbalists of the Sarcophan Delves have made their merchandise available to the High Herbalist at what they consider reasonable prices. This additional track will remain available as long as the Empire's good relations with the Kruidenkenner and the Delves continue.
Appointment
The High Herbalist of Sybella is appointed by unanimous decision of the Highborn senators. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title may be appointed by the Imperial Senate instead.
The title can be held by a citizen of Highguard. The High Herbalist has tenure, and serves until they die or step down. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Highborn National Assembly, and by the Assembly of the Nine.
| Summit | Elected |
|---|---|
| Autumn Equinox 385YE | Asher of Cantiarch's Hold |
| Winter Solstice 384YE | Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard |
| Winter Solstice 380YE | tolame |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Asher of Cantiarch's Hold. This title has tenure, the occupant may hold the title until it is revoked, they die or they relinquish the position. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.
Sybella Cross Physician's Hall
Built in Sybella Cross in Bastion, the Physician's Hall purchases herbs from citizens and provides medicinal support to the inhabitants of Sybella Cross. As one of the richest towns in Bastion, and a central hub for trade, the Hall is ideally placed to take advantage of herb traders traveling to and from Urizen and Therunin, or those en route to or from the new Gardens of High Chalcis in Reikos.
Much of the trade at the Physician's Hall is between private citizens, but the High Herbalist and their representatives often receive first refusal or access to special opportunities to acquire herbs at bargain prices.
The Hall also serves as an academy for training herbalists, physicks, and apothecaries. While it does not rival the great physicians schools of pre-Druj Reikos, it has attracted students and teachers from across Bastion, Casinea, and Necropolis - especially in the wake of the coronation address of Imperatrix Lisabetta.