View source for Guide to Being an Empath in Elanthia and Living Through It (obsolete book)

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:''Note: This is an older revision of this book. The current version of this book in game is [[Guide to Being an Empath in Elanthia (book)|Guide to Being an Empath in Elanthia]].''
''by Battle Empath Alyenah Teplo of the Gryphon Clan''

To my sisters, Celione and Amethystle,
and to my friend and teacher Acynarian -
we walk one path.
<br/><br/>
===Table of Contents===
Introduction<br/>
How do I begin?<br/>
Overhealing<br/>
Empathic Shock<br/>
The Infirmary<br/>
Wandering Empaths<br/>
Field Empaths<br/>
The Morgue<br/>
Money<br/>
Empathic Etiquette<br/><br/>

===Introduction===

When I was growing up, my mama always kissed my brother's and
my boo-boos away.  Usually that was help enough, and when it
wasn't, there were herbs and poultices aplenty.  There was no
suffering in our farmhouse, just occasional accidents.  If my
parents had not met with the fatal ambush when I was but 10,
I would probably be kissing away my babies' ouches just like
mama did, in my own yard.  Just that when I was helping
Mistress Tartberry at her orphanage years after that tragedy,
someone noticed that what I touched healed up faster.  Someone
of a strange profession - an empath.

That began my road into one of the noblest and hardest
professions in Elanthia, and now I can look back and say that
I've learned a lot on that road.  Maybe enough to share with
those who walk their first steps.  So welcome, my brothers and
sisters, to the life in Empath Guild, and to its joys and
hardships.


===How do I begin?===

If you had a talk with one of our guildleaders, most likely
Lady Annael in Crossing, you've begun already.  Find a mirror,
and take a good look at yourself, for it will be rare from now
on that your face and body will not be covered with injuries
you've taken from others.  Annael and other guildleaders will
teach you spells to heal yourself up, even now you should ask
her for the one that heals external wounds.  But the task of
repairing oneself is tedious, and only those of us truly
concerned with their beauty manage to look pretty for days.
But be careful, for the wound builds upon a wound, and a scar
upon a scar, and too much of either can make you quite dead.
  
But I am going too fast, am I not?  How are those wounds I am
scaring you with going to get on your body?  You have your
empath touch now, and as you touch the wounded you can feel
their hurts, external and internal, wounds and scars.  As the
guildleader has taught you, you will take, or transfer, the
wounds from others, to relieve their suffering.  It hurts, and
the Empath guild is not for the weak of heart (and stomach),


Reading: 
for many a time you will fall to your knees in pain.  Still,
you must persevere, and touch the patient again if a link
breaks, for you can ease your injuries with spells, while he
or she relies on you for help.
  
Beware, for you can only heal one kind of wounds on yourself at
first, only external wounds that are visible on your skin.  As
you take one of those off a patient's body part, a scar will
take its place.  You can transfer that as well, but until you
learn another spell another empath will have to relieve you of
your scars.  Never be afraid to ask another empath for help and
guidance, for they can tell you many things that Annael will
not.


===Overhealing===

It is not that I want to scare you, my reader, it is just that
I have seen too many of my guild brothers and sisters drop at
my feet while healing others.  I have overhealed myself, though
that is not what made me face the void most often.  Sometimes,
in our desire to help others, and in a rush to help as many as
we can, we neglect our own health.  A wise soul told me long
ago that a dead empath is a worthless empath, and I couldn't
agree more.  Though death in Elanthia need not be permanent,
thank the Gods, it is still dreadful to all involved.  Most
patients blame themselves when an empath dies while healing
them, and most dead empaths feel bad as they've created a
problem for clerics and other empaths to solve now.  Be wary
when working on heavy wounds, take your time, check your
health, and don't let yourself die.

Maybe I should give you an example.  I do think that the most
common cause of empathic death is taking a chest injury (the
abdomen comes close) where the chest of a patient looks like
it's been danced upon by a bunch of trolls.  You can see blood
gushing out, bones protruding, gore...  Did I warn you that you
can't be weak of a stomach?  When an empath begins to work on
such a deadly injury (and indeed, most likely the work is done
for resurrecting a corpse who died from it), she needs to
insure that her own chest is healthy inside and out.  That
includes scars, for after you've healed the wound on yourself
it will add to the scar tissue you already have, and that can
kill you just as surely.

It is very important to begin preparing a healing spell before
you start on the wound, cast it as soon as you see yourself
bleed, and prepare another portion of a spell.  Do not try to
save your mana and heal it all at once, you may not have the
time, for the dead can't cast spells.  Obviously you should
only work in a place where there is enough life energy from
which to draw, or you are as good as dead.  Never hesitate to
break the link with your patient if you are afraid
that the transfer is becoming dangerous or if your spell does
not work.  It might be embarrassing to some to fall down and
stop transferring, but it is less embarrassing then failure to
survive.
  
In short, some deaths from overhealing are unavoidable, but
with care you can survive many a deadly wound.  It might seem
noble to die while saving others, but how many more others
could you save if you had lived?


===Empathic Shock===

When we join the guild, we pledge never to harm a living
creature, be it a troll or a thief.  Sometimes some of us do,
in error or in rage, and face dire consequences.  No matter how
old you grow, no matter how advanced you become within the
guild, you will never be allowed to even attempt to use any
kind of weapons on anything alive.  If you do, the light will
go out of your eyes briefly, and so will your healing gift,
only for a much longer time.

The shock eventually wears off, but it leaves a lingering scar
on your soul, to taunt you forever.  Any empath who touches you
will feel the trace of the empath shock you've suffered.  Not
only that, but also everyone in the vicinity will see that
empath recoil from you in horror.  Your guild brothers and
sisters can help ease the shock, but few do, especially if you
meant to cause harm.  I have never heard of any empath who
actually killed a living being, but we are taught that any who
do will lose their healing power for life.


===The Infirmary===

Our Crossing and Shard guildhouses have infirmaries, rooms
where patients come to be helped.  In Haven the empaths gather
in front of their guild - don't ask me why, they just do.  In
any case, the infirmaries and the infirmary-like places are
where most of us begin as empaths.  Young and old, adventurers
crowd these rooms, some just slightly scuffed and some near
death, some quietly awaiting their turn and some screaming for
attention.  This may be highly disorienting, and many an empath
gets disheartened by the infirmary scene to the point of
running out in tears and never coming back.
  
Among all the chaos, what do you do, how do you find a way to
help the hurt to the best of your skill?  The one who yells, "I
am dying!" might only have some abrasions and low vitality that
will repair itself, yet someone who just quietly states "I am
poisoned," might be a corpse within seconds.  Elders of the
Guild tried long and hard to resolve the issue of whom to heal
first, but they've given up on it.  When you are new, it
does not really matter, as you should seek cooperation with an
older empath and help them with the wounds you can take.  But
later on, the attention should be first given to those in dire
need, and then it is up to you to decide how to proceed.  If
you want to aid the most polite ones first, go ahead.  If you
want to follow the order they came in, go ahead.  Always ask if
they need help, always ask if someone else is already helping
them, and you will do fine.  Sometimes people might get upset
at you, but that is life...
  
In the infirmary people come and go, some never come back,
while some will see you again.  Friends are made, and romances
are kindled.  You might feel overworked, but taking a moment
for a word or two will do good both to you and to your
patients.  Most of the time you will be thanked for healing
with words, hugs, and gifts.  I will talk of the gifts later,
but if you really dislike being hugged by strangers, consider
that you've seen them inside and out...

The infirmary is a fine place to start, but a bad place to
die, so always, always check your health.  If you can't handle
a patient, ask for help from your guild brothers and sisters,
since there is no shame in this but goodness.  You might come
to love the life of the infirmary empath, but if you become
restless...


===Wandering Empaths===
 
I am afraid that is one kind of an empath that is dying out.
In the times before the Gorbesh War the realms were blessed
with wonderful inventions, kyanite and jadeite gwethdesuans.
These devices allowed people to converse at a distance by
thought, and were a great aid to empath, clerics, and people in
need.  There are pale copies nowadays that are not so widely
used, but you might want to acquire a listening gwethdesuan to
be of help outside of the infirmary (just ask, many warriors
will share with you).
  
To lead a life of a wandering empath one must not get too
attached to one place.  From Shard to Theren, always on the
road, always looking for ailing Elanthians, these empaths enjoy
seeing new sites and places while serving their guild.  They
are always on call, listening to the gwethdesuans or checking
places where wounded are brought.  Some, though, just dislike
the infirmary and look for another spot with high life energy
to set up their own hospital.  This is all up to you, as long
as you remember the thing I nagged about quite a lot already.
That's right, don't overheal.


===Field Empaths===

Those of us who can't sit still choose a dangerous path of
field empaths.  We cover ourselves with armor, wield our
shields, and sometimes brandish a sword to parry with.  To
parry, and never, ever, not under the threat of dying, to hit
anything alive with that weapon.  If you practice dodging the
creatures, beginning with mere rats (I know, disgusting) in the
Crossing shipyards or goblins in the western fields, and
working your way up, you may learn to defend yourself quite
well.  A lot of us pride ourselves in being able to survive in
a battlefield without a guard, and attempt to acquire the title
of Battle Empath (which does not mean you can attack anything).

An excellent way to see if this way is for you would be to
join a hunting group.  Most adventurers welcome an empath in
their ranks, and will offer you protection while in battle and
a share of the profit afterwards.  Many empaths provide extra
help for their hunting companions by carrying the coin and
treasure, and skinning the kills.  Many refuse to skin the
creatures, for it is against their beliefs.  I refuse to skin
them just because it is disgusting -- in short, it is up to
you.


===The Morgue===

No, it isn't on your map.  No one built morgues in major towns
because they were not needed, but there are make-shift morgues
where Elanthians bring their dead, seeking the attentiongs of
clerics and empaths.  Ask around in any city, and you will
learn of such places.  Before our kind clerics can restore
life to the body, the body itself has to be restored enough to
support the spirit.  That means that the corpse should not
bleed anywhere or have any dangerous scars, though abrasions
are not important.  You can't make dead into living, but in
most cases the clerics can't do that without you either.

While working at resurrection sites, it is important to
cooperate with the clerics involved.  There may not be enough
life energy on the spot for you, but don't drag the body away
without talking to the cleric first. Don't act heroic either,
and try to fix everything right there and fast, for the last
thing the cleric wants is your corpse.  Always, always check
your health and be careful not to overheal.


===Money===

Years ago, joining the guild, I assumed that I will always be
poor since I would not be able to hunt for treasure.  I was
wrong in that being an empath does not make you a pauper, for
the adventurers treasure their health and pay for it.  Yet I
was right, because I never felt comfortable accepting payment
for healing.
  
Every empath in the realms has their own policy about tips -
to take or not to take, from whom, when, how much...  There is
no definite answer, and you will have to decide for yourself.
It is considered rude to demand money in advance, and you
won't get many patients that way.  Many hunters, however,
consider it rude on your part if you refuse their gift of
thanks, and will chase you down to bestow it on you.  Good
hiding skill helps, as does a good explanation of why you've
chosen not to accept payment.

If you do take tips, it is good to remember that not everyone
can spare the same.  In Crossing you will find plenty of
novices who consider a bronze kronar to be a fortune.  If you
heal south of Shard, the warriors will be willing to shower you
with rich treasure chests.  That would be a place to go if you
are looking for wealth, but empaths rarely are guided by such
motives.  Whatever you choose, be gracious about it, and -- you
guessed it, do not overheal.


===Empathic Etiquette===

Would it not be nice, if all empaths had the same ideas of
what is right and wrong, and good for the patients, and good
for the guild?  But we don't, though in any sitting room of
any guild, and whenever empaths gather, you can stumble upon a
discussion of such matters.  Among these is one of behavior
towards your fellow empaths, and that is pretty much clear
nowadays.

When we join the guild, we bring into it different expectations
and goals.  Some want to become the best, fastest healer in the
realms, some want to become popular, some can't watch others
suffer, some were driven by their parents...  Whatever is your
goal, to reach it you do what empaths do - heal.  Amazing as it
may sound, you can't just heal everyone.

Be it the infirmary or the morgue, if there is more then one
empath it is best to cooperate with your guild brothers and
sisters.  If someone is working on a patient, they would not
appreciate you jumping in unasked.  There are many reasons to
abide with this, such as their professional pride, the
patient's confusion, and, to be honest, their experience in
healing.  On the other hand, some severe cases require more
then one empath, and it is better to ask for help then die
trying on your own.  Just use your common sense, but remember
that conflicts may occur anyway, especially if the place is
very busy.

Some rare Elanthians dislike being touched by a strange
empath.  Once, after healing my friend, I empathically touched
her companion, only to have that last burst up in anger.  I
never learned if she has grown attached to particular wounds,
or just was wary of strangers.  Whatever the case, I learned
that it is best to look at people first, then ask if they
desire healing, and only then touch.  Of course, if you see
someone get hit in battle, forget the asking.

Not only you can't heal everyone, but you also can't heal
everything.  I've met a barbarian who refused to have his eye
replaced since it reminded him of something.  Some adventurers
endure bleeding wounds, either to prove or to test themselves.
When in doubt, ask.  As many others, I take a great pride in
leaving my patients as healthy as when they were born, but I
also respect their wishes.

Just as the hunters have the right not to let you heal them,
you have the right to refuse healing someone.  This may sound
shocking, but you don't have to heal your son's murderer or a
thief who steals at resurrection sites.  Though many of us do
not refuse our healing touch to anyone, you are certainly free
to choose.  It is unacceptable to many empaths when others of
our guild refuse healing on a whim, but that also happens.  As
an example only, I heal anyone living, but I do not touch
certain people (very few) if they are dead.  I also do not
help those who maim each other for fun; they can go to a
hospital.  However, empaths whom I respect greatly heal such
people, and that is their choice.  There are still those
innocent souls who give aid to anyone, good or evil, dead or
alive.  My prayers are with them, so they, unlike myself, may
persevere in this noble pursuit.

There are no clear cut rules of empathic etiquette.  As
always, the choice is your own.  You will probably act
differently with friends and strangers, elders and novices
of our guild and others, in a critical situation and in a
peaceful one.  No matter what path you choose, it is still
going to be a part of a larger road, and to that road I,
Battle Empath Alyenah Teplo of the Clan of Gryphon, welcome
you.  Safe travels, my friend, and may Hodierna guide you.

My sincere thanks to Acynarian Doomseer and Amethystle
Opalstorme for their help in preparing this manuscript.
{{Cat|Book,New and returning player help}}