Humoral Hike

The *Humoral Hike (Taalic: Anu-vian Tursha*) is the name given to the arduous pilgrimage undertaken by the Telurian shaman, Maerion, and his Draakar bodyguard, Korthos, across the fractured landscape of what was once known as the United States of America. Commencing in the aftermath of the cataclysmic ecological collapse of the late 21st century, known as the Great Desiccation, their journey is characterized by its singular purpose: to alleviate suffering and restore health to the scattered and beleaguered communities that have emerged amidst the ruins of the old world. Maerion, a practitioner of the ancient Telurian healing arts, and Korthos, a formidable warrior of Draakar lineage, traverse vast distances, offering succor to those afflicted by the myriad maladies born from the ravaged environment and the breakdown of societal structures. Their endeavor has become a subject of both reverence and skepticism among the disparate factions inhabiting the post-Desiccation territories, with some viewing them as saviors, while others regard them with suspicion and mistrust.

Origins and Purpose

The Humoral Hike began in the Telurian Enclaves of the Cascade Mountains, a region that, owing to its unique geological and ecological characteristics, weathered the Great Desiccation with comparatively less devastation than other parts of the continent. The Telurian people, deeply attuned to the rhythms of the natural world and possessors of ancestral knowledge of healing and ecology, recognized the dire plight of those beyond their protected valleys. Maerion, a respected elder shaman within the Telurian community and a master of Visceral Harmony, felt a profound calling to extend aid to the afflicted populations in the east. This sense of responsibility was amplified by prophecies within Telurian lore foretelling a time of great suffering followed by an era of restoration, spearheaded by those who could bridge the divide between the natural and the corporeal realms.

Maerion's decision to embark on this perilous journey was not taken lightly. The Telurian elders convened a council, deliberating for weeks on the risks and potential benefits of such an undertaking. The lands east of the Cascades were known to be lawless and dangerous, rife with mutated fauna, environmental toxins, and desperate bands of raiders. Furthermore, the Telurians, by nature reclusive and wary of outsiders, faced the challenge of navigating cultures and societies vastly different from their own. Ultimately, the council recognized the urgency of the situation and the unique capabilities Maerion possessed. They sanctioned the pilgrimage, providing him with sacred herbs, protective artifacts, and the blessings of the ancestral spirits.

To ensure Maerion's safety in the treacherous lands ahead, Korthos, a Draakar warrior of renowned strength and loyalty, was chosen as his bodyguard. The Draakar, a people distinguished by their draconic ancestry manifested in enhanced physiology and an innate connection to elemental forces, were respected throughout the region for their martial prowess and unwavering resolve. Korthos, bound by an ancient oath to protect the Telurian people, accepted the charge with solemn dedication. His imposing presence and formidable combat skills were deemed essential for navigating the dangers of the post-Desiccation world and safeguarding Maerion during his healing endeavors.

The purpose of the Humoral Hike, therefore, is twofold: to provide direct healing and relief to those suffering from ailments and injuries prevalent in the post-Desiccation environment, and to serve as a symbol of hope and interconnectedness in a world fragmented by disaster and distrust. Maerion's healing practices, rooted in the Telurian understanding of Visceral Harmony, aim to restore balance within the individual's body and to re-establish a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. His journey is not merely a medical mission but also a spiritual quest, seeking to mend not only physical wounds but also the fractured bonds between humanity and nature.

The Travelers

Maerion, the Telurian Shaman

Maerion is a Telurian elder, distinguished by his deep connection to the natural world and his mastery of Visceral Harmony, an ancient Telurian healing tradition. Telurians, often characterized by their slender builds, elongated ears, and a subtle bioluminescence in their skin, are deeply attuned to the earth's energies and possess a profound understanding of herbalism, natural remedies, and spiritual practices. Maerion, even amongst his people, is recognized for his exceptional sensitivity to these energies and his profound empathy for living beings.

His healing abilities are not rooted in conventional medicine, but rather in the manipulation of what the Telurians call the "humors"—not in the antiquated Galenic sense, but as a metaphor for the vital energetic flows within the body that are inextricably linked to the environment. Visceral Harmony seeks to restore the natural equilibrium of these humors, which are believed to be disrupted by environmental toxins, emotional trauma, and spiritual disharmony. Maerion achieves this through a combination of herbal remedies, therapeutic touch, and shamanic rituals that draw upon the earth's restorative energies. He carries with him a satchel filled with potent herbs gathered from the protected slopes of the Cascade Mountains, each carefully chosen for its specific healing properties. He also possesses a collection of intricately carved wooden totems, each imbued with ancestral spirits and designed to channel specific energies for healing and protection.

Maerion's demeanor is typically calm and contemplative, reflecting the Telurian emphasis on inner peace and harmony. He is a skilled listener, patiently attending to the stories and ailments of those who seek his help. While he is capable of great compassion and gentleness, he also possesses a quiet strength and unwavering determination, essential qualities for enduring the hardships of the Humoral Hike. His attire is simple and practical, consisting of woven plant fibers and cured animal hides, often adorned with natural pigments and Telurian glyphs that serve as both ornamentation and conduits for spiritual energy. He carries a staff made from petrified wood, a symbol of his connection to the ancient earth and a tool for channeling energy during healing rituals.

Korthos, the Draakar Bodyguard

Korthos is a Draakar warrior, a people descended from ancient draconic lineages, characterized by their imposing physique, scaled skin, and heightened senses. Draakars are renowned for their strength, resilience, and martial prowess, often serving as protectors and guardians in various societies. Korthos embodies these traits to an exceptional degree. His scales, a deep obsidian hue, provide natural armor, and his draconic blood grants him enhanced strength, speed, and stamina. He possesses an innate connection to elemental earth and fire, abilities that manifest in subtle ways, such as increased resistance to heat and cold, and an almost preternatural awareness of his surroundings.

Korthos is a stoic and taciturn figure, his primary focus being the safety and well-being of Maerion. He views his role as a sacred duty, bound by an ancient pact between the Draakar and Telurian peoples. While he is not a healer in the Telurian tradition, he possesses a deep respect for Maerion's abilities and understands the importance of their mission. His combat skills are formidable, honed through years of rigorous training in Draakar martial arts. He is proficient with a variety of weapons but favors a massive, two-handed warhammer crafted from a rare, volcanic obsidian, capable of shattering stone and bone with equal ease. He also carries a Draakar shield, emblazoned with the crest of his clan, offering near-impenetrable protection.

Despite his imposing appearance and martial prowess, Korthos is not inherently aggressive. He is disciplined and controlled, resorting to violence only when necessary to defend Maerion or those they are aiding. Beneath his stoic exterior lies a deep loyalty and a quiet compassion, often expressed through acts of service and unwavering vigilance. His attire is functional and protective, consisting of layered leather armor reinforced with obsidian scales and metal plates scavenged from the ruins of the old world. He carries a pouch containing essential survival gear, including fire-starting tools, rations, and medicinal balms crafted by Telurian healers.

The Post-Desiccation United States

The landscape traversed by Maerion and Korthos is a far cry from the verdant and prosperous nation it once was. The Great Desiccation, a prolonged period of extreme drought, ecological collapse, and societal upheaval in the late 21st century, has transformed the United States into a patchwork of desolate wastelands, toxic environments, and isolated pockets of civilization. The once-mighty cities are now crumbling ruins, choked by sandstorms and haunted by the ghosts of their former inhabitants. Vast stretches of farmland have turned into arid deserts, and the once-flowing rivers have dwindled into stagnant pools or vanished altogether.

The eastern regions of the former United States, particularly the Midwest and the Great Plains, have been hit the hardest by the Desiccation. These areas are now characterized by expansive dust bowls, ravaged by relentless winds and extreme temperatures. Water is a scarce and precious commodity, fiercely contested for by the surviving communities. Food is equally scarce, with mutated crops struggling to grow in the depleted soil and wildlife populations decimated or transformed into dangerous predators. The remnants of human civilization are scattered and fragmented, consisting of isolated settlements, fortified enclaves, and nomadic tribes struggling to survive in this harsh environment.

The societal structures of the old world have largely collapsed, replaced by a chaotic mix of warlordism, tribalism, and nascent forms of community governance. Raiders and bandits roam the desolate highways, preying on vulnerable settlements and travelers. Technological infrastructure has deteriorated, with electricity, communication networks, and transportation systems largely defunct or unreliable. However, amidst the ruins, pockets of resilience and ingenuity have emerged. Communities have adapted to the harsh conditions, developing new methods of water harvesting, food production, and resource management. Barter and trade networks have sprung up, connecting disparate settlements and fostering a fragile sense of interconnectedness.

The environment itself is not merely desolate but also actively hostile. The Desiccation has unleashed a wave of ecological mutations, giving rise to bizarre and dangerous flora and fauna. Toxic dust storms, contaminated water sources, and radiation hotspots pose constant threats to survival. Diseases, both old and new, proliferate in the unsanitary conditions, further weakening the already vulnerable populations. A condition known as Aegrotism, a wasting sickness characterized by rapid cellular decay and organ failure, is particularly rampant in areas with high levels of environmental toxicity. It is against this backdrop of environmental devastation and societal fragmentation that Maerion and Korthos undertake their Humoral Hike, seeking to bring healing and hope to the afflicted.

The Journey Eastward

Maerion and Korthos began their eastward trek from the Telurian Enclaves in the Cascade Mountains, initially following ancient trails known only to the Telurians and Draakar. Their early journey took them through the remnants of the Pacific Northwest, a region that, while scarred by the Desiccation, retained pockets of relatively fertile land and functional infrastructure. They encountered small, isolated communities of survivors, eking out a living from subsistence farming and scavenging. Maerion offered his healing services to these communities, treating ailments ranging from dehydration and malnutrition to injuries sustained in scavenging expeditions or conflicts with mutated wildlife. Korthos, his imposing presence deterring potential threats, ensured their safety and assisted in procuring supplies and navigating treacherous terrain.

As they moved eastward, the landscape grew increasingly desolate and the challenges more formidable. They crossed the Great Basin, now a vast expanse of salt flats and dust dunes, enduring scorching heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. They learned to navigate by the stars and to find hidden sources of water in underground springs and forgotten cisterns. They encountered nomadic tribes of scavengers, some hostile, others wary but willing to trade for Maerion's healing services or Korthos's protection. They witnessed firsthand the ravages of Aegrotism, encountering entire settlements decimated by the wasting sickness, their inhabitants left weak and emaciated.

Their journey led them through the ruins of former cities, now ghostly shells of their past glory. They passed through the skeletal remains of Boise, Salt Lake City, and Denver, each a testament to the scale of the Desiccation's devastation. In these urban ruins, they encountered desperate gangs vying for control of scarce resources, mutated creatures lurking in the shadows, and remnants of pre-Desiccation technology, some still functional, others broken and useless. In the ruins of Denver, they came across a community of survivors who had established a precarious existence within the underground metro system, repurposing the tunnels and stations into habitable spaces. Maerion and Korthos spent several weeks with this community, treating the sick and sharing Telurian knowledge of sustainable living and resource management.

Further east, they entered the Great Plains, now a seemingly endless dust bowl. Here, the challenges intensified. Dust storms, capable of stripping flesh from bone and blinding travelers, became a frequent hazard. Water sources were even scarcer, and food was almost nonexistent. They encountered mutated megafauna, creatures warped and enlarged by the environmental toxins and radiation, posing a constant threat. In this desolate landscape, they met a group of Ironclad Pilgrims, a religious order dedicated to scavenging and repurposing pre-Desiccation technology. The Pilgrims, initially suspicious of Maerion and Korthos, eventually recognized their benevolent intentions and provided them with valuable information about safe routes and hidden oases.

Throughout their eastward trek, Maerion and Korthos left a trail of healed communities and grateful individuals. Word of their journey spread through the fragmented networks of the post-Desiccation world, carried by travelers, traders, and even raiders. They became known by various names: "The Wandering Healers," "The Humoral Pilgrims," "The Telurian Saviors." Some viewed them as mythical figures, almost divine in their ability to alleviate suffering. Others remained skeptical, dismissing them as charlatans or simply another pair of travelers seeking their own gain. Regardless of the prevailing opinions, their journey continued, driven by Maerion's unwavering commitment to healing and Korthos's steadfast loyalty.

Healing Practices and Encounters

Maerion's healing practices are deeply rooted in the Telurian understanding of Visceral Harmony. He approaches each patient with a holistic perspective, considering not only their physical symptoms but also their emotional state, their connection to the environment, and their spiritual well-being. His diagnostic methods involve careful observation, gentle palpation, and intuitive sensing of the patient's energetic imbalances. He often employs a form of divination using Telurian runes or by interpreting patterns in natural phenomena, such as the flight of birds or the movement of water.

His treatments are multifaceted, combining herbal remedies, therapeutic touch, and shamanic rituals. He prepares potent infusions, poultices, and balms from the herbs he carries, each carefully selected for its specific healing properties. For instance, Moonpetal, a rare luminescent flower that grows only in high-altitude Telurian valleys, is used to treat radiation sickness and cellular decay. Sunstone Root, a hardy desert plant, is employed to combat dehydration and restore vitality. Shadowmoss, a deep green lichen found in subterranean caves, is used to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Therapeutic touch is a central element of Maerion's healing. He channels earth energies through his hands, gently manipulating the patient's body to release blockages and restore the flow of vital humors. He is particularly adept at treating injuries to the musculoskeletal system, using techniques that combine massage, acupressure, and gentle realignment of bones and joints. He also employs sound therapy, using resonant chants and the vibrations of his petrified wood staff to harmonize the patient's energy field.

For more complex or spiritually rooted ailments, Maerion performs shamanic rituals, often in locations deemed sacred by the Telurians or by the local communities they encounter. These rituals may involve drumming, chanting, dancing, and the creation of temporary altars adorned with natural objects. He enters altered states of consciousness to communicate with ancestral spirits and seek guidance in diagnosing and treating the patient's condition. He may also perform energy extractions to remove negative or stagnant energies from the patient's aura and environment.

Throughout their Humoral Hike, Maerion and Korthos have encountered a diverse range of ailments and injuries. They have treated victims of raider attacks, suffering from lacerations, broken bones, and blood loss. They have cared for individuals afflicted by malnutrition and dehydration, restoring their strength and vitality. They have addressed cases of radiation sickness and chemical poisoning, using Telurian remedies to detoxify the body and stimulate cellular regeneration. And they have confronted the insidious Aegrotism, often managing to slow its progression and alleviate its symptoms, though a complete cure remains elusive.

In one notable encounter, they came across a community ravaged by a mysterious plague that caused paralysis and respiratory failure. Local healers were baffled, and many had succumbed to the illness themselves. Maerion, after careful observation and consultation with local shamans, determined that the plague was caused by a previously unknown airborne pathogen, exacerbated by the community's contaminated water supply. He devised a treatment regimen combining potent herbal infusions, purification rituals, and improved sanitation practices. Korthos, meanwhile, helped to enforce quarantine measures and secure a clean water source. Over time, the plague subsided, and the community recovered, hailing Maerion and Korthos as heroes.

In another instance, they encountered a young woman suffering from severe psychological trauma after witnessing the destruction of her settlement by raiders. Conventional remedies were ineffective, and she had become withdrawn and unresponsive. Maerion, recognizing the deep spiritual wounds, performed a soul retrieval ritual, guided by Telurian ancestral spirits. He helped the woman to process her trauma, reconnect with her lost sense of self, and find a path towards healing and resilience. These encounters, repeated countless times across their journey, underscore the profound impact of the Humoral Hike on the lives of those they touch, offering not only physical healing but also emotional and spiritual solace in a world desperately in need of both.

Legacy and Continuing Journey

The Humoral Hike, though still ongoing, has already begun to leave an indelible mark on the post-Desiccation landscape. Maerion and Korthos have become symbols of hope and compassion in a world often characterized by despair and brutality. Their journey has inspired others to undertake similar acts of service and healing, fostering a nascent network of aid and cooperation across the fragmented territories. Stories of their deeds, often embellished and mythologized, circulate among settlements and traveling communities, becoming part of the folklore of the post-Desiccation era.

The long-term impact of their journey is yet to be fully realized. However, it is clear that the Humoral Hike represents more than just a medical mission. It is a cultural exchange, a spiritual pilgrimage, and a testament to the enduring power of human compassion and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Maerion's Telurian healing practices, once confined to isolated enclaves, are now being disseminated across a wider geographical area, potentially influencing the development of new medical traditions in the post-Desiccation world. Korthos's unwavering dedication and martial prowess have inspired a sense of security and protection in vulnerable communities, fostering trust and cooperation in a climate of fear and suspicion.

As they continue their journey eastward, Maerion and Korthos face ever-evolving challenges and uncertainties. The lands ahead are rumored to be even more desolate and dangerous than those they have already traversed. New threats, both environmental and human, may emerge. However, their commitment to their purpose remains steadfast. They are driven by a deep sense of responsibility to alleviate suffering and to contribute to the slow and arduous process of rebuilding a shattered world. The Humoral Hike is not merely a journey across a ravaged landscape; it is a journey of hope, healing, and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of catastrophe. Their tale serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, compassion and courage can illuminate the path towards a brighter future.