Bloodmoss

Bloodmoss is a widespread species of reddish moss found throughout much of Kermoria, thriving anywhere sufficient moisture and shade allow more conventional mosses to grow. Its color ranges from dull rust and burgundy to a deep, almost blood-red hue, making mature patches easily distinguishable from the greenery surrounding them. Despite its somewhat unsettling appearance and name, Bloodmoss is neither particularly rare nor inherently magical, and is among the more commonly gathered medicinal plants used by herbalists, healers, and alchemists.

When crushed or ground into a damp poultice, Bloodmoss possesses powerful natural coagulant properties, helping to slow bleeding and encourage wounds to clot. More sophisticated alchemical preparation concentrates these properties considerably, making Bloodmoss a common primary reagent in basic healing potions and other remedies intended to treat physical trauma. Its widespread availability, ease of cultivation, and relative safety have made it one of the foundational ingredients of practical healing alchemy—the sort of humble plant that has likely saved far more lives than its commonplace nature would suggest.

Properties

Geology & Geography

Bloodmoss is found throughout much of Kermoria and thrives in many of the same environments as ordinary mosses. It favors damp, shaded locations, commonly growing upon stones, fallen trees, rotting timber, shaded soil, and along the banks of streams and rivers. It is particularly abundant in temperate and boreal forests, though varieties adapted to warmer or colder climates are known to exist wherever persistent moisture provides suitable growing conditions.

While widespread, Bloodmoss does not grow equally well everywhere. Dense, mature patches are most commonly found in old forests, sheltered ravines, wetlands, and other places where the ground remains consistently cool and damp. Its accessibility makes it a staple of local herbalism throughout much of the world, and experienced gatherers rarely need to travel far to locate it—though identifying Bloodmoss correctly among the countless red and rust-colored mosses, lichens, and fungi of Kermoria remains a skill in its own right.

History & Usage

Everyday use

In its simplest form, Bloodmoss is used as a coagulant and wound dressing. Fresh moss may be cleaned, crushed, and pressed directly against a wound, while more carefully prepared poultices and salves concentrate its natural properties and can be stored for later use. Such treatments do little to repair the injury itself, but are remarkably effective at slowing blood loss and encouraging stubborn wounds to clot, making Bloodmoss a common sight in healers' kits, military field hospitals, and the packs of experienced travelers.

Through potionizing—yes, absolutely a word now—an alchemist can refine and amplify these properties beyond their mundane effects. Properly processed Bloodmoss serves as a common primary ingredient in basic, low-grade healing potions, where its natural affinity for stabilizing wounds is enhanced into a mild quasi-magical restorative effect capable of rapidly treating ordinary physical injuries. While unsuitable for the more powerful grades of healing potion, its abundance and reliability make Bloodmoss one of the most widely used ingredients in everyday restorative alchemy.

“Unremarkable until you need it. Then you’ll be quite glad you noticed the red moss beneath your boots.” — Victoria Pendrake

Type

Organic

Related Professions

• Alchemist