Litmancer

A Litmancer "litmus mancer" is a specialized Terrain Assessment personnel who can do advanced dowsing on an area and discover all of its ecological details, including what resources are available and what neighbours are under its jurisdiction.

Litmancer...Lithomancer....?

Although they sound similar, Litmancy and Lithomancy (see: Lithomancer) are distinct! Litmancy users work with a specific breed of lichen known as litmus, whereas Lithomancers primarily work with stones, acids, and resins and use lichen as a magical medium. In order to become a Litmancer, however, one must be proficient in Lithomancy at minimum.

Essentially, all Litmancers are Lithomancers, but not all Lithomancers are Litmancers.

Thank the heavenly void their uniforms are different.

— Tegid Morgans, folklorist

What is their purpose?

They are present for martial purposes, as terrain scouts, as well as mercantile purposes, when building new facilities. As more of the world becomes explorable and explored, they are increasingly important for the development of an area. Even if all of the islands of Glasson were to be fully explored, there will never be a lack of expeditions of Litmancers.

It is a particularly helpful trade in Glasson, where terrains are ritually destroyed (see: Fury of the Locii), end up covered in melted plastic (see: Caer Arganto)... or perhaps, a tsunami of centuries old trash (see: Heno Province of Pestilentia). You never know what will end up in a place you were sure you'd mapped out a few months ago.

It is especially important for the development and re-introduction of larger fauna, particularly mammals, into the ecosystems.

How does one become a Litmancer?

This vocation is taught using AC Drycraft which utilizes the four humours: Sanguine, Melancholy, Choler, and Phelgm. While these properties play a role in Lithomancy and Direct Current Drycraft, in Litmancy they are the governing forces and foundation of the magic. By connecting directly with the Godly Humours, the Litmancer can utilize "faces" or aspects of their natural laws. This helps with dowsing, identification, and research.

Once upon a time,
I ran for the river with its waters blue,
Delighted by the heavens’ hue.
I prayed for my soul to be free,
And what grabbed hold of me,
Was the person I had hoped to see.
Choler, Sang, Melanc, and Phlegm
Are thus restored, in providence.
And I ran for the river hence,
Once upon a time.

— Healing charm calling upon the humours

Admission into the Guild of Litmancers is available starting at Noble Profession L3 , and is taught directly through the six Caedir, the governing bodies which oversee the elemental Courts (see: The Court System). There are three grades of Litmancers:

Namegifters : Sometimes known as "the bards of the God", the namegifters specialize in identification of species and natural laws.

Sightgifters : Sometimes known as "the oracles of the God", they specialize in dowsing and finding/searching for species and natural laws.

Lawgifters : Sometimes known as "the arbiters of the God", they specialize in governing the canon of terrains, laws, and species. On Glasson this is no easy feat!