Magical healing and potions with a touch of realism can maintain world building while making space for whump and more satisfying/meaningful injury recovery/resource use. So, some ideas for that:
Healing potions that speed up the natural healing process, but require the same energy expenditure from the person being healed (if not more energy) relative to healing naturally. This can look like pulling someone back from the brink of death, but at the cost of weeks of mental and physical exhaustion or extensive sleeping. Muscle weakness or pain that lingers even after the physical damage is repaired.
Healing with a high metabolic cost, making the person incredibly hungry and need way more food than normal. If they can't eat enough to compensate, they lose weight proportionally.
Healing that can mend tissues (broken skin or bones knit back together) but not restore blood volume or reverse other types of trauma (like head injuries).
Energy or stamina potions that have a similar metabolic cost, acting more like an adrenaline rush that blinds the body to pain temporarily but can easily result in overexertion. Maybe it borrows the energy from the future too, so that when the character crashes, it's twice or three times as hard as they would have crashed had they not taken the potion.
Magical healing that takes a toll on the caster, beyond just expending their magic. Referred pain taken on by the healer, bone deep aches that nothing but time can relieve, physical stress and strain, feeling too hot or too cold (symptoms similar to heat stress or other conditions resulting from extreme physical exhaustion), fever, needing to sleep or eat more, weight loss, tiring faster in other activities, elevated heart rate, headache, dizziness, etc.
Potions that have a level of toxicity to them. You get the desired effect, sure, but the plants needed to make it are very slightly toxic. There are strict dosing guidelines to avoid negative effects, but side effects can range from nausea and headache at low doses to full on poisoning (vomiting, passing out, tachycardia, and even death). Different potions have different toxicity levels and tolerated doses.
How long a potion's effects last, how intense it is, how effective, etc can all be influenced by a person's body size and metabolic rate (among other factors), just like modern medicine.
Potions can be diluted by adding water, or strengthened by steaming off some of the water already in it, to various effects. They can also spoil or be ruined by some conditions (heating or cooling past a specific temperature, expiry date, etc).
Different application methods--drinking a potion vs injecting into muscle or into the blood stream vs applying it on a cloth or mixing with gelatin/other ingredients to form a salve or lotion.
Potions that are healing on their own but become toxic if taken together.
Potions that function like modern pain medication--relieving the pain, but at the cost of numbness, fatigue/drowsiness, or altered consciousness.
Magic restoration potions that allow more magic use, but slow natural magic regeneration for a few hours, and may have side effects like a low grade stimulant (feeling jittery or wired, dizziness, nausea, etc). May feel unsatisfying and the magic restored may feel different (less potent? More artificial?) compared to the person's naturally present magic. Maybe it's enough to delay or lessen symptoms of magic depletion, but still leaves them feeling ill or "off" somehow.
thinking about the intimacy of healing again. about how perfectly situated you have to be, fingers curled around ribs and nerves and sinew. about how much they have to trust you, have to relax into your palm as you dig in deeper, have to let your hands sink between their ribs and lungs and heart. thinking about the glow of warmth that starts in the pit of your stomach and the light that dances around your fingertips as you pull more, harder, letting the magic take you where it will, knitting together bone and strength. thinking about the trust in their eyes as you stroke over the wound, tempting out the pain with strong fingers and a bloody hand.
Okay, I got another whump scenario from my dreams LMAO
Imagine, a Whumpee is stabbed and the tip of the sword/dagger/whatever breaks off and is logged inside of them. The problem is, besides the obvious, is that the weapon was cursed with black magic or something.
Now, the Whumpee is slowly wasting away, ravaged by the magic before the Caretaker can take the offending piece of weaponry out.
+Bonus points if the magic from the cursed weapon interferes with the magic healing attempts.
Villain pressed the knife deeper into Hero's side, the blade glowing with harmful magic.
"Pathetic little thing," Villain laughed, yanking the blade out.
Hero gasped, lurching forward. They crashed down in the alleyway.
"Lesser beings like you should learn to stay out of my way," Villain said, "maybe your corpse will serve as an example."
Villain cast a spell, causing little cuts to open all over Hero's body. Hero whimpered in pain. They looked up with blurry vision as Villain strode away. Was this really how it was going to end? Killed by a magic user? Hero didn't have the energy to worry about it; they started to drift off, their head light and their limbs heavy.
----
Hero stirred to the feeling of a gentle rocking sensation.
"Mm..." they mumbled.
"Shhh," a voice soothed.
The rocking sensation stopped suddenly as Hero was laid down on a soft surface. They forced their eyes to open. They tried to sit up, but a hand gently pushed them back down.
"Don't-" the voice said softly, "don't get up. You're hurt."
Hero stared up at their rescuer. Their vision cleared, and their face went pale. Hero scuttled back on the couch.
"S-Supervillain," Hero breathed.
Hero's breaths quickened, coming out in short little gasps. Their heart felt like it was going to beat out of their chest. Supervillain held their hands up in a placating gesture.
"I'm not gonna hurt you," they said, "I promise."
Supervillain took a step closer, and Hero flinched hard, screwing their eyes shut. Instead of a harsh strike or a dark spell, Hero felt the gentle pressure of a hand on their forehead. They cracked an eye open and looked at Supervillain.
"No fever, that's good," Supervillain said.
Soft green light emanated from Supervillain's hands. Hero's breathing became deep of its own accord. Hero blinked in confusion.
"Wh-what are you doing?" Hero asked.
"It's a calming spell," Supervillain explained, "I don't want you to panic."
Supervillain gestured to Hero's shirt.
"May I?" they asked.
Hero felt themselves nodding, a forced calm settling over them. Supervillain thanked them and lifted their shirt.
"It seems to be healing well," Supervillain said, "my magic made short work of your cuts, but this stab wound was pretty bad."
"Magic?"
"Yes, my healing magic. You're lucky to be alive, if I hadn't found you... well, it doesn't matter now."
Normally the mention of magic would have Hero hyperventilating, but the calming spell was weaving its way through their mind and body, keeping them pacified.
"Let me work on your wound some more, you don't deserve a scar."
Magenta light flowed from Supervillain's hands into Hero's healing wound. The area began to feel warm and fuzzy. Hero watched as the wound faded away completely, leaving nothing but smooth, undamaged skin.
"Can I get you anything?" Supervillain asked.
"I, um..."
"How about something to eat and drink?" Supervillain offered.
Hero quickly shook their head. What if they poisoned it? Then again, Supervillain probably wouldn't go through the trouble to save them just to poison them... on the other hand, though, this was Supervillain they were talking about, and-
A floating tray of food interrupted Hero's thoughts. On the tray was a bowl of chili and a cup of water. Supervillain ushered the tray over with a finger. It settled a few inches over Hero.
"It's, uh, it's waiting for you to sit up," Supervillain said.
Hero sat up cautiously. The tray, satisfied, landed gently on Hero's lap. The spoon flew into Hero's hand. Hero yelped in surprise.
"Yes, that particular spoon is rather forward," Supervillain said apologetically, "you'll get used to it."
Hero gulped. What would happen if they didn't eat? Would Supervillain kill them in a harsher way? The spoon, growing impatient, zipped out of Hero's hand, filled itself with a helping of chili, and forced its way into their mouth.
"Mm!"
Flavors danced on Hero's tongue; the chili was absolutely delicious. The spoon left Hero's mouth and grabbed another helping of chili. It waited for Hero to swallow.
"I wouldn't poison you, if that's what you're worried about," Supervillain said, "I went through a bit of trouble to save you."
Hero swallowed hesitantly. The spoon eagerly shoved the next bite of chili into their mouth. Hero grabbed the spoon and started to feed themselves. Supervillain smiled.
"Why... why did you save me?" Hero asked.
Supervillain's smile faltered, replaced with a concerned expression.
"I couldn't just leave you there," Supervillain said.
"Yes you could've! You're Supervillain! You're the most powerful mage in the city, and I'm..."
"Yes?" Supervillain prompted.
"I fight mages! I'm your enemy!" Hero blurted.
Supervillain sighed. They waved a hand and an armchair tottered forward. Supervillain sat down, snapping their fingers. A cup of tea materialized out of thin air. Supervillain took a sip of it, then set it on the saucer, which was still floating nearby.
"Why do you fight mages?" Supervillain asked, as though Hero had come in for a therapy session.
"Because they use magic! And magic is- well, it's evil isn't it?"
"Look around you," Supervillain gestured to the room, "I've been using magic nonstop since I brought you here. Have I been using it for evil?"
Hero didn't respond.
"I've done nothing but heal you and tend to you with my powers," Supervillain continued, "what I want is for magic users and non-magic users to get along and enjoy each other's gifts. Of course, not everyone shares my sentiment, such as the mage who attacked you."
Hero shook their head, trying to rationalize Supervillain's words. Supervillain sighed again and stood. The tray floated away with the empty chili bowl. The spoon followed it back to the kitchen.
"You should get some rest," Supervillain said, summoning a blanket, which draped itself over Hero, "let me know if you need anything."
Supervillain began to leave.
"Wait!" Hero said weakly.
Supervillain turned.
"Yes?"
"Thank you, Supervillain," Hero said quietly.
Supervillain cracked a small smile.
"You're welcome..."
"Hero," Hero said, "my name is Hero."
"You're welcome, Hero."
Supervillain flicked their wrist, and the lights went out. They left the room to let Hero sleep. Hero snuggled under the blanket and closed their eyes. They were still very confused about many things, but maybe magic wasn't as evil as they had thought.
Oh..... hey. Uhm... It's only been since 2023 that I posted a lil story. Anyways...enjoy!!
CW: magic healing, shared pain, brief mention of death, headaches (like if there's any i missed)
Ibin the Wizard
His head ached, the throbbing stabbing pain never seemed to ease. It was a pleasant distraction from the searing white hot pain radiating from his right arm. To be perfectly honest, the headaches were something he welcomed and almost craved.
Back to the matter at hand though, he finally looked down at the deep wound that was creating itself on his arm. His exhausted eyes drifted to the person across from him whose arm was mending a similar wound. He managed a small smile as he got gauze and a simple DIY'd sling to dress the deep wound.
“Thank you! Oh! Thank you!! Your magic is truly incredible!” The young man exclaimed.
“Of course… i'm glad I was able to help you… “ the wizard said as he put his arm in the sling.
“I will tell everyone of your fantastic magic! Thank you again!!” The man said as he stood and soon left, examining his healed arm on the way.
The wizard just nodded, giving a weak wave before slumping in his chair. He prayed to the gods that more didn't learn of his blessing curse. After taking a few minutes to recover his will, he managed to stand, then let out a pained hiss. He sighed to himself as a patch of red began to show on his shirt.
“Ugh…. What have you gotten yourself into…. You know that… well… it takes ages. You need to stop helping all these people with their ailments, Ibin. You'll end up killing yourself one day.” The wizard, Ibin, scolded himself.
He limped his way to his plush moss bed and flopped down, trying to avoid the multitude of bruises, sores, broken bones, and seeping wounds that covered his body. He pulled his knees in close to his chest. The pain overtook him in moments, forcing him
It started as a practicality; when the team had several injuries to deal with, the healers would help those in the group who couldn’t heal themselves, which was everyone except Alice. So Alice got used to doing things on her own; scurrying off to heal somewhere alone. It was easier that way. Healers weren’t distracted by her screams or moans. Those that were dying wouldn’t have to watch her recover when they could not.
It was easier that way but it wasn’t easy.
It still hurt. She felt the wounds just as deeply as anyone, and the healing often hurt worse than the injury.
Alice cried out in pain as she tried to reach the broken tree branch stuck in her back. They’d been trekking to an outpost and the old rope bridge had sent her tumbling down. She managed not to break anything but had landed right on the damn fallen tree.
The branch was a good five inches around where it protruded from her back and pencil thin where it was sticking out of the front of her chest, just to the right of her heart. She could barely touch where it was in her back and it hurt to even try to. Her hands were so slippery with blood she didn’t know if she could pull it out even if she could get a good grip on it.
“Fuck!” her hands slipped again. More blood poured from the wound and she felt dizzy and sick. If she didn’t get the branch out the wound would heal around it and she’d have to pull it out through healed flesh and she really didn’t want to do that.
But she might have to wait till it healed just to be able to get up to get help. There was no way in hell she was pulling the thing out from the front of her chest.
“Alice? Fuck…”
Alice jumped a little as Tansy came out of the forest right beside her.
“Easy, easy we’re on the same side now remember?”
“Right,” Alice said, she still wasn’t sure about Tansy, most of them weren’t but she didn’t have time to sort through those thoughts.
“Let me help you get that out,” Tansy said, kneeling beside her and putting her hand on the branch.
Alice screamed and her vision went dim for a few moments. She could taste blood at the back of her throat. Tansy was holding her steady and cursing under her breath.
“Get it over with,” Alice said. She could feel her body wanting to heal the wound and knew it would hurt worse the longer they waited.
“Here we go.”
The branch scraped out through torn and tender flesh and Alice couldn’t help but cry out and thought she might pass out.
“Easy, deep breaths,” Tansy said. Alice tried but the healing had started and it burned worse than the branch coming out. Alice made the mistake of moving her shoulder and Tansy caught her as she slumped over.
“I’ll be fine,” Alice muttered.
“I know, but you’re pretty fucked up right now.”
The burning continued and Alice breathed through the pain. She felt the muscles knitting back together and the blood returned. She hadn’t even realized her lung had collapsed until it inflated again sending a jolt of pain through her chest.
She coughed and spat up some blood. Tansy was there with a scrap to help wipe it off. Her broken ribs healed last, they always healed last.
Alice still felt shaky but things were coming back into focus. She hadn’t realized how Tansy was holding her or putting a hand over where the wound was. Alice pulled away from Tansy.
“I’m alright now,” she said, then tried to stand.
“Hold on, we’re in no hurry, no one else fell and we’re almost to the outpost.”
“You don’t have to stay,” Alice said. It had been a long time since anyone had.
“I don’t mind,” Tansy said.
They sat in silence a little bit longer before Tansy spoke again.
“I didn’t realize you could still feel everything, the way the others talk about it almost made it sound easy.”
“It’s not,” Alice said.
“Sorry I was a bit rough,” Tansy said.
“Had to be done,” Alice said. She wondered how Tansy had ever come to work for the enemy if she had it in her to be so kind or if she was trying to manipulate her somehow by being kind. She also tried not to think about the fact that no one in her team had come to look for her.
“You’re staring,” Tansy said.
“Sorry I just…can’t quite figure you out yet,” Alice said.
Tansy shrugged, “I get that a lot.”
“Thank you for helping. I think I’m ready to go,” Alice said. Tansy stood and offered her hand. Alice took it.
