RASKOVNIK

Chapter 33

Raskovnik (Felicita omeritus) Raskovnik is also native to Slavic countries, but can be found almost anywhere in the world. If you can find it, that is. Raskovnik is notorious for being difficult to find, and not just because it grows best in remote locations. It is herb that is green while alive, a member of the grass family, grows only up to several inches tall, and assumes a shape similar to a four leaf clover. Raskovnik grows in meadows, sandy to loamy soil, and will grow in partial to full sun. This herb tends not to be fussy; however, the more light and water it receives the quicker and more comfortably it will grow. Sometimes, Herbologists will classify Raskovnik as a water plant, because it can grow in watery conditions, though it is not necessary. Thankfully, Raskovnik also grows well in a pot, which many Herbologists take advantage of if they are lucky enough to find a sampling of this plant to propagate into their greenhouses. Herbologists keep the water level of the soil in these pots so that the water can nearly collect on top of the soil. You may now be wondering, why, if it is a common plant which grows almost everywhere in the world, is raskovnik so hard to find? Well, it’s like this. Very few people are capable of truly recognizing the herb; indeed, animals which live within the earth (chthonic animals) are the only creatures which appear to be infallible in their recognition of raskovnik. Plus, as a small plant, it is easy to miss or confuse raskovnik for something else (especially a four leaf clover). Some Herbologists theorize that raskovnik is capable of disguising itself so that we cannot find it unless we already know where the herb is located. Raskovnik is known for its extra special magical property; the herb is capable of unlocking any door, gate, padlock, chest and the like. Basically, Raskovnik is capable of opening anything closed or locked that crosses its path. This plant is a treasure to any who find it, especially, as one might note, to a thief. Wizards have put this plant to use by storing it inside knives, which come to be known as thieves' knives. A thief's knife is capable of picking the lock of any door, which is due to it containing the herb Raskovnik. Raskovnik is also capable of uncovering lost treasures. There are several reports of Raskovnik creating a fault line in the earth, and splitting open the ground to reveal treasure in the earth. The Earna people, a half human tribe of African wizards which lived beneath the ground in ancient times, would appear above ground in chains demanding Raskovnik. Once the herb was obtained, the wizard would disappear back beneath the earth and leave a cauldron of gold coins in his place. Raskovnik is a suggested ingredient if the philosopher's stone, as some wizards have reputedly managed to turn iron into gold using the herb. One potion I can confirm the presence of Raskovnik in, is what you will probably know as Liquid Luck (Felix Felicis). Raskovnik is known to help its finder fulfill his or her desires, and thus is an imperative ingredient in the very advanced potion. Other potions utilize the leaves of Raskovnik because they are diuretic, and febrifuge (capable of bringing down a high fever). Raskovnik is safe for small infants, making it a mother's dream when caring for a fevered baby. Other properties of raskovnik include that it is an anti-inflammatory, depurative (purifying agent), refrigerant (capable of keeping things cool), as well as a revenant (capable of waking one from a deep sleep, such as one induced by the draught of living death). Raskovnik may be used to bring someone back from the brink of death, no matter what poison or illness ails them. (There is no such perfect cure for aging though). Snakes, tortoises, and hedgehogs are most commonly used in mythology to show the use of an animal to obtain Raskovnik. One such myth describes how humans would net off the nesting site of a tortoise, so that the mother would fetch Raskovnik in order to get back to the babies. Similarly, another tale describes putting baby snakes and baby hedgehogs into boxes, sending the mothers to get Raskovnik in order to get their children out of captivity. A more civil way of going about it, is putting your own leg into leg chains (leg irons) and wandering about a field. If the chains fall off, there you will find raskovnik. Now, if you ever hear the expression "you've found the Raskovnik" you'll understand where the metaphor comes from. Congratulations if anyone ever says that to you; it takes great effort and creativity to find solutions to complex and difficult problems.