❀ hi, i’m raven ❀

note: this is intended for writing knowledge; do your own research prior to smoking any herbs

⤷ BLUE LOCUS

⟶ lucid dreams

⟶ decompresses nervous system

⤷ CALEA ZACATECAS

⟶ lucid dreams, mental clarity, sharpen senses

⤷ CALENDULA

⟶ clarity/remembrance of dreams

⟶ anti-inflammatory

⤷ CLOVE

⟶ relieves congestion, headaches, & flus/colds

⤷ DAMIANA

⟶ relieves depression/anxiety, aphrodisiac, calming

⟶ relieves headaches

⟶ desert herb native to south & central america

⤷ GOTU KOLA

⟶ mental clarity

⟶ relieves respiratory issues & skin infections

⤷ HYSSOP

⟶ relieves anxiety, encourages focus

⟶ relieves respiratory issues, treats emphysema

⤷ INDIAN WARRIOR

⟶ muscle relaxer, sleep aid

⤷ LAVENDER

⟶ calming

⟶ relieves headaches/migraines

⤷ MUGWORT

⟶ remembrance of dreams

⤷ MULLEIN

⟶ decongestant, anti-inflammatory, soothes infected lungs, relieves colds

⤷ PASSIONFLOWER

⟶ calming, sedative, pain relief, sleep aid

⤷ PEPPERMINT / SPEARMINT

⟶ relieves anxiety, rejuvenates mind/body

⟶ improves blood circulation, clears respiratory passages, healing properties

⤷ RED RASPBERRY LEAVES

⟶ high in flavonoids, vitamin a, vitamin c, potassium, calcium, & phosphorus

⟶ antioxidant, reduces blood sugar levels, neutralizes nicotine present in blood

⟶ herbal cigarettes were commonly wrapped in red raspberry leaves ; produces a strong, full-bodied smoke ; good substitute for tobacco

⤷ ROSE

⟶ relieves depression/anxiety, increases libido

⟶ antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

⤷ SKULLCAP

⟶ anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, mild sedative

⤷ WHITE HOREHOUND

⟶ anti-inflammatory, stimulates appetite, analgesic

⟶ treats asthma/bronchitis/whooping cough, relieves headaches/toothaches

⟶ native to the mediterranean

⤷ WILD DAGGA

⟶ mild euphoric effect

⟶ muscle relaxer

⤷ anarchy

➝ society without enforced government

⤷ aristocracy

➝ small, elite ruling class holds power over lower socioeconomic strata ; members chosen based on wealth

⤷ autocracy

➝ controlled by one singular person of power without restraints

⤷ communism

➝ state owns and operates industry on behalf of the people ; citizens are apart of a classless society that distributes goods & services as needed

⤷ democracy

➝ power held by the people through voting in order to ensure fair representation and prevention of abuse of power

⤷ dictatorship

➝ power held by one person or a group of people who control the masses

⤷ fascism

➝ control of the people by promoting ancestral/cultural values & eradicating foreign influences

⤷ federalism

➝ union of smaller states which are self-governed yet united under a central government

⤷ junta

➝ militaristic rule after taking over by force

⤷ monarchy

➝ authority is vested in a single figure for life and passed down hereditarily ; level of power may vary from absolution to nonexistent

➝ constitutional monarchy: limited power as outlined in a constitution // absolute monarchy: unlimited power

⤷ oligarchy

➝ authoritative power rests with a small faction of people or families who are deemed worthy due to wealth, education, and/or family history

⤷ plutocracy

➝ ruled by the wealthy

⤷ republic

➝ democratic model in which the people elect representatives

⤷ socialism

➝ collective and cooperative ownership of production, opposed to private

⤷ stratocracy

➝ ruled by the military following wars and expansion

⤷ technocracy

➝ scientists are decision makers ; rulers are chosen based on experience/knowledge/skill

⤷ theocracy

➝ power rests with religious figures ; scriptural laws and legal codes are coincided

⤷ totalitarian

➝ total control by government including the prohibition of opposition & extreme regulation of public/private life

⤷ tyranny

➝ absolute control by ruler with an oppressive power

⥇ agriculture

⟿ what is grown in abundance? how common is farmland? where is the farmland?

⥇ architecture

⟿ what kind of buildings? how tall/spacious? what are they made of? how well made? how well planned?

⥇ animals

⟿ what wild animals are lurking in the area? hunting? any animals affecting the livestock or agriculture?

⥇ biomes

⟿ desert? tundra? grassland? forest? savanna?

⥇ bodies of water

⟿ seas? lake? ponds? rivers? fresh water/salt water? fishing? keep in mind, settlements are often built near bodies of water

⥇ climate

⟿ dry? rainy? temperate? tropical? polar? how have people adjusted to this climate?

⥇ elevation

⟿ altitude? how does the altitude affect lifestyle?

⥇ geology

⟿ rocky? types of rocks?

⥇ landforms

⟿ mountains? valleys? plateaus? plains? hills? glaciers? peninsulas? volcanos? canyons?

⥇ latitude / longitude

⟿ location on planet? how does it affect other elements of land?

⥇ livestock

⟿ common domesticated animals? common animal usages?

⥇ minerals

⟿ any valuable minerals / metals? are they mined regularly? how are they used?

⥇ natural disasters

⟿ earthquake? tornado? volcano? duststorm? flood? hurricane? tsunami? how often do these occur? protocols?

⥇ population

⟿ how many people? how dense is the population? how does the population affect surrounding nature?

⥇ resources

⟿ what is abundant? scarce? how are they used? how available are they?

⥇ sacred land

⟿ religiously important land? historical importance? widely accepted as sacred? how is it honored?

⥇ soil

⟿ good or bad for vegetation? rocky?

⥇ tectonic activity

⟿ earthquake frequency? volcano frequency? trenches?

⥇ topography

⟿ how common are maps? how accurate? how long have they been around? who makes them?

⥇ vegetation

⟿ what is abundant? scarce? what grows easily? with difficulty? what is commonly foraged? who forages? plant types? tree types?

➸ alligator: aggression, survival

➸ ant: teamwork, hardworking

➸ armadillo: active, boundaries, objectivity, protection

➸ bat: nocturnal, cleansing

➸ bear: adaptability, introspection, power, strength

➸ beaver: alterations, balance, builder, gatherer

➸ bee: development, diligence, consciousness

➸ bird: transition between life & death, freedom, mobility

➸ bobcat: fierce, intensity, loner

➸ buffalo: abundance, bravery, freedom, life, respect, sacredness

➸ bull: strength, warning

➸ butterfly: carefree, grace, metamorphosis, transformation

➸ camel: endurance, weary

➸ cat: grace, healing, independence

➸ cougar: courage, leadership

➸ cow: nurture, patience, stoicism

➸ coyote: adaptability, insight, playfulness

➸ crane: independence, solitude

➸ crocodile: fierceness, leadership

➸ crow: flexibility, majestic, perspective, warning

➸ deer: gentleness, kindness, love, peace, sensitivity

➸ dog: loyalty, protection

➸ dolphin: harmony, kindness, playfulness

➸ dove: gentle, purity

➸ dragon: nobility, wisdom

➸ dragonfly: carefree, change, illusion

➸ eagle: connection to creator, divinity

➸ eel: disguise, flexibility, strength

➸ elephant: long-life, self-preservation

➸ elk: agility, freedom, friendship, stamina, strength

➸ fox: cunning, deceit, intelligence, provider

➸ frog: cleansing, healing

➸ giraffe: mobility, watchfulness

➸ goat: stubbornness, vitality

➸ goose: communication, faith, travel

➸ gorilla: adaptability, strength

➸ grasshopper: faithfulness, luck

➸ grizzly bear: hunter

➸ hawk: courage, messenger, truth, wisdom

➸ hedgehog: curiosity, overcoming, protection, reliance

➸ hippo: protection, stability, strength, survival

➸ horse: loyalty, mobility, stamina, strength, wisdom

➸ hummingbird: connection, lightness, messenger, speed

➸ jaguar: ferocity, power, valor

➸ kangaroo: feisty, fun-loving

➸ koala: affection, amicability, compassion, faith, gentleness

➸ ladybug: fortune, innocence, love, resolution

➸ leopard: aggression, ferocity, speed

➸ lion: power, respect, strength

➸ lizard: agility, conservation

➸ manatee: peace, unassuming

➸ monkey: agility, observation, playfulness

➸ moose: headstrong, longevity, unstoppable

➸ orca: focus, power

➸ otter: efficiency, playfulness

➸ owl: connection, insight, intuition, patience, psychic vision, solitude, wisdom

➸ panda: gentle strength, luck, peace

➸ panther: astral travel, femininity, guardianship, power, rebirth

➸ peacock: immortality, pride, vanity

➸ pegasus: lightning

➸ phoenix: hope, prosperity, rebirth, renewal

➸ pig: abundance, intelligence / ignorance, stubbornness, uncleanliness

➸ quail: harmony, protectiveness

➸ rabbit: alertness, clever, lust, overcoming

➸ ram: achievement, new beginnings, sacrifice, teaching

➸ raven: cleverness, intelligence, mischievousness, wisdom

➸ roadrunner: agility, speed

➸ scorpion: defense, self-protection

➸ shark: authority, curiosity, efficiency, guardianship, movement, observation, perception

➸ sheep: conformity, innocence, vulnerability

➸ snake: cunning, fertility, life, malice

➸ spider: balance, creativity, destiny, fate

➸ squirrel: adaptability, change, playfulness, resourcefulness, renewal

➸ swan: acceptable, beauty, grace

➸ tiger: awareness, courage, determination, ferocity, protection, strength

➸ turkey: abundance, blessing, connection, generosity

➸ turtle: longevity, protection

➸ unicorn: grace, purity, singularity, uniqueness

➸ whale: community, healing, strength, wisdom

➸ wolf: freedom, guidance, loyalty

➸ zebra: free-spirit, safety, strength, socialization

Definition

⭃ an imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice

⤠ generally written to criticize a societal norm or political system

⤠ note: dystopian and apocalyptic are often confused — dystopian societies function under the illusion of stability while apocalyptic societies are unstable and appear unstable

Types

⭃ corporate

⤠ control by corporation(s)

⤠ through products, advertising, media, etc.

⭃ religious

⤠ control by religious ideology, enforced by religious figures or theocratic government

⤠ compliance due to fear of spiritual consequences

⭃ technological

⤠ control by technology such as computers, robots, science, etc.

⤠ negative impacts of innovation

⭃ totalitarianism

⤠ extreme governmental control

⤠ loss of individuality, dangerous living conditions, ecological devastation

Elements

⤠ dangers of conformity

⤠ dehumanized state of living

⤠ distinct separation of social classes

⤠ fear of outside world (or past conditions) outweighs current living conditions

⤠ illusion of being utopian

⤠ lack of education or education used to enforce thought control

⤠ loss of individuality

⤠ post-apocalyptic or disaster great enough to require extreme societal change

⤠ propaganda

⤠ residents remain in a constant state of survival

⤠ restrictions of independence & freedom

⤠ strict laws and regulations

⤠ surveillance

Protagonist

⤠ feels trapped

⤠ questions existence & controlling system

⤠ recognizes oppression & helps others recognize oppression

Popular Literary Examples

⤠ Brave New World

⤠ A Clockwork Orange

⤠ Divergent

⤠ Fahrenheit 451

⤠ The Giver

⤠ The Handmaiden’s Tale

⤠ The Hunger Games

⤠ The Maze Runner

⤠ Ready Player One

⤠ The Stand

⤠ Tender is the Flesh

⤠ 1984

What is Culture?

Elements of Culture

⤠ aesthetics

⟿ philosophy of beauty?

⤠ agriculture

⟿ what is grown in abundance? what is scarce? does agriculture dominate the economy? only grown for survival? who has farmland? where is the farmland?

⤠ architecture

⟿ how intricately planned? what are buildings made of? how close together? how tall?

⤠ art

⟿ what is considered art? is it common? appreciated?

⤠ attitude towards [blank]

⟿ (adolescents, age, animals, death, elders, expectations, nature, sin, work, etc.)

⤠ beliefs

⟿ widely accepted opinions? how do these opinions affect society?

⤠ body language

⟿ common gestures? posture?

⤠ calendar

⟿ tracking of dates? time? seasons? years? eras?

⤠ communication styles

⟿ letters? mail carrier system? common gestures?

⤠ concepts of [blank]

⟿ (past/future, self, time, etc.)

⤠ education

⟿ are there schools? who attends? for how long? what is taught?

⤠ ethics

⟿ shared morality? what is considered immoral?

⤠ family values

⟿ importance of family? what is considered family? treatment of elders? children? women?

⤠ fashion

⟿ common fabrics? how intricately designed? who makes clothes? difference for classes? difference for work?

⤠ folklore

⟿ legends? stories? fairytales? what themes do they represent?

⤠ food

⟿ what do they eat? different food for different regions? different classes? where do they get food? how do they cook?

⤠ government

⟿ roles? political divides? foreign affairs?

⤠ health / medicine

⟿ how advanced? is healthcare commonly available?

⤠ history

⟿ how did they get where they are? wars? slavery? famine? rebellions? well-known figures?

⤠ holidays

⟿ what are they? how inclusive? how extravagant? how meaningful?

⤠ justice

⟿ laws? judges? punishments? rehabilitation? worst offenses? minor offenses?

⤠ language

⟿ singular? multiple? accents? written?

⤠ literature

⟿ books? sacred text? authors? documents?

⤠ manners

⟿ what is considered ‘good’ manners? what is considered ‘poor’ manners? are manners important? only for certain groups?

⤠ music

⟿ genres? instruments? religious songs? well-known songs? bards? how common is it to be able to play music? where is music played most?

⤠ notions of [blank]

⟿ (beauty, cleanliness, courtesy, friendliness, leadership, modesty, etc.)

⤠ philosophy

⟿ well-known philosophers? shared views or individualized?

⤠ religion

⟿ monotheistic? polytheistic? how many religions? main religion? how does religion affect other aspects of the culture?

⤠ social classes

⟿ different lifestyles? gaps in treatment/resources? causes for classes?

⤠ societal roles

⟿ (age, class, gender, work, etc.)

⤠ traditions

⟿ events? rituals? customs?

⤠ travel

⟿ modes of transportation? (car, carriage, walking, animals) how common are these? roads? travel markers? distance & time?

⤠ work ethic

⟿ what is considered work? how important is work? is pride taken in work?

• ensures households run smoothly

• different titles depending on era and delegated tasks (listed below)

• servants would sleep in chambers together; women in one and men in the other; with the exception of higher paid members (chamberlain, cook, marshal, page, etc.)

• servants generally come from surrounding lands

• when nobles were away from the estate, many positions would be taken away excluding important staff (chamberlain, cook, lady’s maid, marshal, nursemaid, page, steward)

• servants sometimes made side money by exposing secrets of their estate; secrets they were privy to due to their inside knowledge

• servants were oftentimes loyal and bonded to their masters; after all, they grew up there and spent much time with the family

• servant’s life was strenuous work, but oftentimes fulfilling; many took pride in their work

notes

⇛ keep in mind your location and which wood is available to your characters; there’s so many times I’m reading or watching a show and they’re surrounded by certain trees but then have… a magically perfect fire pit?

⇛ different wood burns with different heat intensity and duration due to wood density and water retention

⇛ some wood also produces comparatively more smoke, which can be undesired, especially if your characters are trying to keep a low profile or something like that

⇛ seasoned firewood means it has been properly dried and stored for at least six months; seasoned wood will be darker and may be cracking at the ends; also will be lighter to carry and have less of a scent; unseasoned wood can be dangerous to burn

⇛ sap deposits and wet wood are harder to ignite and produce more smoke

⇛ if fire is not getting enough air (logs piled too tightly) it can produce more smoke

⇛ if wood is not fully dry it will emit a hissing sound as it tries to burn off the remaining moisture; this is a sign for poor burning

⇛ any wood from a tree/plant with the word ‘poison’ in the name will create smoke with irritant oils causing severe breathing problems and eye/skin irritation

list

➝ alder : poor // low heat, short duration

➝ apple : good // low heat, long duration, very low smoke // sweet smell when burned

➝ ash : best // high heat, long duration, very low smoke // considered the best for firewood because it can be burnt even if not completely dried

➝ beech : very good // high heat, long duration, low smoke // smells pleasantly nutty when burned

➝ birch : fair // high heat, very short duration // can be good fire starter

➝ blackthorn : good // moderate heat, long duration, low smoke // very good for indoor fires

➝ cedar : good // moderate heat, long duration // tends to spit & leave sap deposits but can be good for kindling // pleasant smell

➝ cherry : good // high heat, long duration, low smoke // but during off season will spit & leave sap deposits // sweet scent when burned

➝ chestnut : poor // low heat, short duration, heavy smoke

➝ douglas fir : poor // low heat, short duration // leaves sap deposits

➝ elder : poor // low heat, short duration, heavy smoke

➝ elm : fair // moderate heat, long duration, heavy smoke // only after properly dried (takes nearly two years to dry completely) // smells pretty bad when burned

➝ eucalyptus : poor // high heat, short duration, heavy smoke // leaves a lot of sap deposits

➝ hawthorn : very good // high heat, long duration // traditional firewood

➝ hazel : good // high heat, moderate duration // almost no spitting

➝ hickory : good // high heat, moderate duration, low smoke // smells like a barbecue

➝ holly : poor // low heat, short duration // will burn wet or dry so can be good to start a fire

➝ hornbeam : good // high heat, moderate duration

➝ horse chestnut : fair // high heat, long duration // spits and sparks a lot making it unsafe (but decent for something like a stove)

➝ laburnum : very poor // low heat, short duration, heavy smoke // such thick smoke it is really unusable

➝ larch : fair // moderate heat, moderate duration // leaves a lot of sap deposits if unseasoned

➝ laurel : fair // moderate heat, moderate duration // leaves a lot of sap deposits if unseasoned

➝ lilac : good // moderate heat, moderate durations // plus smaller branches make excellent kindling

➝ lime : poor // low heat, short duration

➝ maple : good // high heat, long duration, low smoke // smells good when burned

➝ oak : good // high heat, long duration, low smoke // needs to be seasoned to be good // considered very good for indoor fireplaces

➝ pear : good // high heat, long duration // needs to be seasoned to be good // pleasant smell

➝ pine : fair // high heat, moderate duration // leaves a lot of sap deposits // not good for indoors but alright for fire pits

➝ plum : good // high heat, moderate duration

➝ poplar : very poor // low heat, short duration, heavy // thick choking smoke makes it unusable

➝ rowan : very good // high heat, long duration // excellent for any type of fire

➝ rhododendron : good // high heat, long duration // must be seasoned to be good

➝ robinia : fair // high heat, long duration // spits a lot

➝ spruce : poor // low heat, short duration

➝ sycamore : fair // moderate heat, moderate duration // must be seasoned first

➝ sweet chestnut : poor // moderate heat, moderate duration // spits a lot and produces a lot of smoke

➝ thorn : very good // high heat, long duration // one of the best woods due to very minimal spitting and smoke

➝ walnut : fair // moderate heat, moderate duration

➝ willow : poor // low heat, short duration

➝ yew : good // high heat, long duration // spits a lot, cannot be used for cooking // pleasant smell

⇢ fires ; protocols?

⇢ food ; where does it come from? who makes it?

⇢ illness ; how medically advanced? are doctors/healers available? hospitals? on call? only for wealthy?

⇢ labor ; how are structures made?

⇢ materials ; what is available? where does it come from?

⇢ natural disasters ; protocols for disasters? which are able to affect which location?

⇢ trash ; where does it go? who picks it up?

⇢ utilities; are they widespread? only available to wealthy? electric lines? plumbing? sewers? magic?

⇢ water ; where does it come from? how is it distributed?

—————

General Positions

⇸ financial advisor

⇸ military advisor

⇸ political advisor

⇸ religious advisor

—————

Roles

⤖ administration

⤖ agriculture

⤖ architecture

⤖ city watch

⤖ commerce

⤖ economy

⤖ finance

⤖ foreign affairs

⤖ immigration

⤖ law enforcement

⤖ medicine

⤖ military

⤖ navy

⤖ public health

⤖ religion

⤖ science

⤖ spirituality

⤖ taxation

⤖ trade

—————

Names

⤠ admiral

⤠ almoner

⤠ ambassador

⤠ archduke

⤠ baron / baroness

⤠ chamberlain

⤠ chancellor

⤠ chapelmaster

⤠ chaplain

⤠ cofferer

⤠ commander

⤠ constable

⤠ count

⤠ diplomat

⤠ duke

⤠ earl

⤠ emperor

⤠ general

⤠ grand master

⤠ hand

⤠ heir

⤠ herald

⤠ high [blank] (marshall, priest, etc.)

⤠ justiciar

⤠ keeper of the seal

⤠ khan

⤠ king / queen

⤠ knight

⤠ lord [blank] (commander, hand, etc.)

⤠ maester

⤠ marquess

⤠ marshall

⤠ master of [blank] (coin, ships, spies, law, etc)

⤠ minister

⤠ monarch

⤠ priest

⤠ prince / princess

⤠ prophet

⤠ secretary

⤠ spymaster

⤠ steward

⤠ treasurer

⤠ viscount

—————

Keep in Mind…

Businesses

⤔ bakery

⤔ brothel

⤔ factory

⤔ farm

⤔ healers

⤔ inn

⤔ market

⤔ messengers

⤔ museum

⤔ school

⤔ slaughterhouse

⤔ tavern

⤔ university

⤔ winery

—————

Jobs

↠ alchemist

↠ apothecary

↠ archer

↠ architect

↠ archivist

↠ armorer

↠ artisan

↠ astrologer

↠ baker

↠ barber

↠ bard

↠ barkeep

↠ blacksmith

↠ bladesmith

↠ bodyguard

↠ bookseller

↠ brewer

↠ bricklayer

↠ brothelkeeper

↠ builder

↠ butcher

↠ carpenter

↠ charioteer

↠ chef

↠ city guard

↠ clerk

↠ cobbler

↠ cook

↠ courtier

↠ cutler

↠ dairymaid

↠ distiller

↠ farmer

↠ fisherman

↠ fletcher

↠ gardener

↠ glazier

↠ guildmaster

↠ hatter

↠ healer

↠ herbalist

↠ herder

↠ historian

↠ housemaid

↠ hunter

↠ innkeeper

↠ jailer

↠ jester

↠ jeweler

↠ leatherworker

↠ locksmith

↠ mapmaker

↠ mason

↠ merchant

↠ messenger

↠ midwife

↠ miner

↠ monk

↠ mortician

↠ nurse

↠ page

↠ painter

↠ pirate

↠ prostitute

↠ ranger

↠ roofer

↠ ropemaker

↠ rugmaker

↠ saddler

↠ sailor

↠ seamstress

↠ sculptor

↠ servant

↠ shaman

↠ shepherd

↠ shipwright

↠ shoemaker

↠ slave

↠ smuggler

↠ soldier

↠ stablehand

↠ stonemason

↠ tailor

↠ tanner

↠ tavernkeeper

↠ teacher

↠ thief

↠ trapper

↠ undertaker

↠ weaver

↠ wetnurse

↠ wheelwright

↠ woodcarver

—————

Landmarks

⇥ arena

⇥ armory

⇥ astronomer’s tower

⇥ citadel

⇥ city fountain

⇥ city pool

⇥ colosseum

⇥ crypt

⇥ docks

⇥ jail

⇥ palace

⇥ public bath

⇥ temple

⇥ town hall

⇥ water supply

—————

Services

⤖ city guard

⤖ exterminators

⤖ guilds

⤖ sanitation

⤖ undertaker

—————