Preamble
”Kingsblood”. What a daunting name for an herb. I’ve found others for it - namely one mentioned in writings from before the first war. Then, it went by Crownroyal, and had a reputation for being “Fools’ Royal” as it’s color and bush-shape would trick new wanderers searching for tasty Mageroyal into a short bout of paralysis if they were lucky, and a long, drawn out demise if they were not. Recently it’s been peddled by wandering merchants as a painkiller as a draught of leaves muddled in water - though this will surely numb the pain…it will also numb everything else in about an hours’ time.
Today, we delve into the uses of a plant seen around the world, with a most macabre name.
Location
This forbiddingly named plant enjoys wet soil with a high clay content, and primarily grows in Kalimdor, though it notably grows in areas of the Eastern Kingdoms associated with great tragedy, such as the Swamp of Sorrows, Hillsbrad, and Arathi. This may be why it’s name given by the common tongue is Kingsblood - it’s dull-purple blossoms and use in poisons bring recollections of the fall of King Llane Wrynn, whose death may have been made swift by a poison made from this very plant.
Identification
Kingsblood tends to grow in large thick bushes of long, wiry stems. The flowers grow in small spears, with stems sprouting out of the center, alternating petals/stems in five rows before terminating in a yellow-orange pistel. The petals themselves are a delicate purple, wide at the base but long and sharp at the tip. You’ll be able to tell when a flower has bloomed by how much the petals have curled - straight petals are a fresh flower, curled petals are an aged flower. Though the texture changes as well, becoming dry and brittle to the touch, the color stays brilliant.
The leaves are a dull green and long, with sharp points at the end. If rubbed between the fingers, they should have a sharp, sweet aroma, though take care not to breathe too much in.
Use
This plant is, like many on our list, an activator of sorts. There are many ingredients on Azeroth and beyond that require a bit of a nudge to do what you want them to; and Kingsblood is that nudge. I have to warn you - eaten alone, this herb is poisonous. Not in small quantities - a petal or two won’t do you harm. The stems, leaves, and roots however will cause temporary paralysis and, should by some misfortune you be exposed to more, can begin to slow the heart-rate and cause dizziness, confusion, and summarily death. It is not a plant to be taken lightly - or foraged out of desperation - but it does have its uses.
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The most wild I’ve heard is one I heard from an old orcish warrior. Ashamed as he was, he craved the strength of demon blood desperately - that burst of rage and anger, that relentless fury - it was an addiction he sought a remedy to. This was…his solution. Others have used it in fights - but considering it’s origin, I would be careful. Even the old orc gave me warning. Boil one part with a large fang from a vicious beast in river water, until the bone has broken down and you are left with a maroon-colored slurry. Thankfully I seem to be immune, but I must say it tastes…exactly as you would think.
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Another is much more useful, and I would highly recommend memorizing it. Mill one part with one part Liferoot until a thick paste, then let sit covered overnight in large pot of boiled water for a health potion - shake before drinking. You want the particulate at the bottom - that’s good for you! Kingsblood brings out the latent qualities of Liferoot, increasing bloodflow and clotting, slowing bleeding and giving you a sense of vigor. Please contact a healer if the wound is grievous, but one of these and some steady pressure can really save your life in a pinch.
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This one is always a best-seller: Mill one part with one part Earthroot, set into a vial and fill with wine (I would recommend a Stormwind Pinot Noir if coin is light, or a Dalaran Red if you’re really feeling frisky.). Let sit for five days for a Potion of Ogre’s Strength. The resulting draught will be slightly sweet, a little spicy, and will give you the confidence you need to take down the toughest foes!
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For the mages: Lightly crush BUT DO NOT MILL the flowers ONLY THE FLOWERS and mix with 2 parts fire oil. The more magically inclined in my circle have relayed that they feel more in tune with their flame-based spellcasting, and having tried it, I can see why! It has one hell of a kick!
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If milled with one part stranglekelp and boiled, similarly to Liferoot, our casters will find a slightly earthy, briny draught that will have them feeling rejuvenated and in tune with the arcane flows once again. I’ve had it, the effect is undeniable but the flavor is…not for me.
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Our last is for our brave adventurers journeying into Scourge territory - the potion of shadow protection. It requires one part grave moss and one part Kingsblood. You want to get the juicier parts of both plants - namely the moss and leaves - and place them in a pan with a big of sugar, water, and a splash of lemon juice. Bring to a boil and then simmer until thickened. Pour and cap. I won’t go into why until my article on grave moss - but it’s natural properties are heightened by the Kingsblood, granting your body and soul protection from the creeping hands of death.
If you’re a little more skilled than this humble cook, Kingsblood fibers make for some very comfy gloves when inlaid, and their potency seems to interact with pure arcane materials in a unique way, increasing one’s ability to notice harvestable parts of a plant easier and faster.
Once again I’m happy to be traveling around our wondrous world, getting to know it’s little stories and secrets. Happy adventuring!
Sincerely,
Herbalist Willowbloom
