Ironwood

While it is possible to artificially manufacture a material that looks and behaves similarly to Ironwood, there is nothing like the genuine article. True Ironwood is an ebony material with a golden grain. It is as strong as steel, and consequently cannot be cut by a common axe. The majority of the time, it must be sawed down, but those with access can have it cut with flame enchanted tools.
The main way to tell manufactured Ironwood from the real stuff is whether or not it has the golden grain. Those not trying to hide it - not uncommon if they are simply trying to make it more accessible to people - they won't add anything to mask this fact, thus creating a dark gray wood with a black grain. If they are trying to pass it off as real, they may employ a number of methods such as using gold leaf or putting gold inlay in the wood.
It is the export and sale of Ironwood that keeps Aberia afloat in many regards. While they have no real need for money on an internal level, any interaction with the markets of nations outside the lands that the Nomads wander requires money - something they mostly obtain via raw Ironwood or objects made from it.

History & Usage

Everyday use

In spite of its incredible strength, the main use for Ironwood is furniture or statues. The difficulty of obtaining it makes it an ideal substance for marketing it to the wealthy. Beyond that, the dark wood with the inlay-like gold of the woodgrain makes it incredibly pleasing to the eye. As the wood is considered to be a holy material by the Abian peoples, it is also used to make statues of the gods for important temples in the Dumylan and Lách Doire faiths.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Because it is a holy material, alongside Spruce wood, Ironwood is used for a great many sacred objects in the practices of the Dumylan and Lách Doire religions.

Type

Wood

Related Locations

• Aberia
• Baliklav