[quote=@Laue]
[@JohnSolaris]What would you say if I used a sort of potionmaker/herbalist NPC of sorts in my next post, allowing John to gain some basic familiarity with the land. That could allow him to make some basic poisons and cures, etc.
[/quote]

I'll have John meet a herbalist in my next post, sure. But I'm afraid I can't let you make the NPC yourself, because you don't know enough about the culture of the setting yet. Maybe I'll let you guys make NPCs yourselves later.