Herbology Grounds description and rules

general area description x

[ INFORMATION ] — This thread contains the general description of the Herbology Area, as well as the rules for this forum. All areas and zones evoked below will be explained in more details in their respective threads (which will be gradually set up throughout the next months). If you have any questions, do not hesitate to owl me, and have fun!

THE GROUNDS

A few doors away from the Great Hall lies a corridor filled with greenery, vines intertwined with the ancient stones composing the towering walls, each step taken reverberated, breath rising like smoke to the ceiling. Flowers would bloom alongside you, and would follow your trail until you are finally faced with an imposing door, its viridescent hue glowing softly in the light. Upon pushing it, a hidden world would be revealed — The Herbology Greenhouses.

The Main Greenhouse is, in one word, breathtaking. Its height and width stretches beyond view, walls merging seamlessly with the grounds ; glass, earth and stone meeting in a graceful explosion of flora. Depending on the time of day, the sunrays would bathe the entire structure in different glows, each highlighting in its own way the beauty of it all. Plants would germinate everywhere they could, whether ground or walls, and even the paved pathway would occasionally be invaded by greenery or blooming flowers. One could feel how manmade and nature cohabitated harmoniously, a symbiosis found in the tiniest detail, mutual respect etched on every surface.

Upon pushing the large viridescent doors and walking in, one would be met with a paved courtyard, with in its center a fountain mounted by a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. In each corner vegetation would be found, various species of trees and flowers displayed behind a half wall. Facing the fountain are stone benches, lit by lanterns — perfect for conversation, or simply admiring the area while waiting for your next class.

Directly facing the door is the Office of Herbology, where the Professor of Herbology could likely be found. Warm, cluttered and welcoming, students would find the door open and a warm cup of tea waiting for them, should they seek their Professor out. On the right of this room is the Relaxing Corner, a common place where students could gather. It is an open area, only delimited by a flower-covered screen. Couches, armchairs and other sitting surfaces such as tree trunks would be scattered throughout the space ; a fireplace would be lit in winter, and a bonfire to roast marshmallows would be left for students to dispose of. Various teas and pastries would be distributed by Professor Omenuko should some students decide to spend some time there — a strategy to lure them to unwind.

Down a set of spiral stairs would be found the largest area of the Main Greenhouse, where the Herbology Greenhouses would be aligned. On the left would be Greenhouse One and Two, and on the right would be Greenhouse Three and Five. Greenhouse Four and Six would be found on the floor just under this area, and Greenhouse Seven on the floor just above it — though its access would be restricted. Upon following the pathway to the left, a door would lead to the Vegetable Patch, an parcel where students cultivate various fruits and vegetables, in the objective of furnishing the castle's kitchen, or selling them to Hogsmeade's market to raise funds for projects.

Massive, monumental, gigantic — the Greenhouse Tree towers the entire Greenhouse. Its branches stretches above heads up to the ceiling, and its roots goes as deep as the dungeons. On either side of the stone lined pond that surrounded it could be found two sets of stairs, one going down to Greenhouse Four and Six, the other going up to Greenhouse Seven. On its left and right would be found the Student's Corner, two large rectangular pots where students could grow their own plants. Hidden behind tall trees and vegetation, on a corner of the Main Greenhouse, is a well, where the largest portion of the water used to tend to the plants is pulled from.

Another door on the back wall of the Greenhouse would lead to the Grounds, with in its center an abandoned structure — the Outskirts Greenhouse. Broken by the hands of time, it is now deserted and its access barred, though Professor Omenuko appears to have certain plans in mind for it. The rest of the wildened Grounds would stretch until meeting with the castle and the Forbidden Forest, marking the end of the Herbology Area.

HERBOLOGY SPECIFIC RULES

☘︎ — You are welcome to roleplay in any of the above mentioned areas, EXCEPT the Student's Corner and the Outskirts Greenhouse. The reason for that is because I have specific plans in mind for each of them, and I would like to fully present them before opening those areas from the public. It will come, do not fret!
☘︎ — Greenhouse Seven IC is restricted from the public, so unless you are a Fifth Year and above, it is forbidden to students. Fifth Years and Sixth Year must be accompanied by the Professor, or have her explicit permission. Third year are exceptionally allowed but only for the Mandrake Lesson, and only with the Professor.
☘︎ — If you truly wish to roleplay with a dangerous plant, or a plant found in Greenhouse Seven, then your character can break into this Greenhouse. This would require the Alohomora Charm, and would result in your character being auto-caught by Professor Omenuko and given detention. My permission is needed to roleplay your character breaking in, so please owl me if you want to be up to no good!
☘︎ — All areas described above will progressively have their own thread describing them further.
☘︎ — If you're confused about the layout, refer to the map!
☘︎ — Any questions or suggestions can be addressed in my owls or dms.

GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATIONS

☘︎ — This is an in-character area, meaning your posts should be in-character.
☘︎ — 200 word minimum word count requirement per in character post.
☘︎ — Do not use AI to make your posts, we use copyleaks to check.
☘︎ — You are free to mention faceless NPC students and house elves. You will not see anyone from the site canon.
☘︎ — You must own any spells or potions that you use in roleplay.
☘︎ — Do not metagame or godmod other users. If you are uncertain what these terms mean, check the RPG rules.
☘︎ — Please familiarize yourself with the site rules if you have not already.
☘︎ — Getting started? Feeling a little lost? Consider obtaining a Mentor in our mentorship program that pairs new users up with experienced players to help you get started.
☘︎ — If you feel a post is breaking site rules, please use the report button in the upper right hand corner of every post (and private message). Click the ! to report the post to staff.