Silvertree Sap

In addition to my standard Summer Camp 2020 Author's note, I'd like to add that this particular article is very much a WIP. It might contain unfinished sections, missing names or temporary placeholders.

"Pure magic, essence of life"
Silvertree Sap as described by the Ithly[PLACEHOLDER]

Properties

Material Characteristics

Silvertree Sap is a viscous, thick liquid.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The sap won't stick to anything and has a high surface tension, meaning it will form self-contained pools and beads when on a surface (much like mercury, with which it shares its reflective, silver appearance). It feels cool to the touch, yet can quickly get warm when the liquid is agitated (e.g. by shaking it).

Geology & Geography

Silvertree Sap is found in Silver Trees, which are rare trees that only grow in a few glades in Ithlor (one of the Four Regions).

Life & Expiration

Silvertree Sap is very stable and in itself never goes bad. Yet its magical properties can only be preserved when it is stored properly. If not stored properly, it will lose any magical properties after about 12 hours.

History & Usage

Discovery

The effects of the Sap were discovered by the first Ithly[PLACEHOLDER] who settled in Ithlor. During a few nights of the year, when there is a full moon, the Silvertrees will 'weep' and Silvertree Sap will appear out of pores in the bark, slowly trickling down the entire trunk of the tree. This secretion catches the moonlight and reflects it, making it appear as if the trees are glowing in the night. The Ithly[PLACEHOLDER] who had settled in the glades where the trees grow noticed this, and out of curiosity collected and tasted the sap. Those who consumed it, started noticing their senses were heightened and that they could perceive strange aura's around organic beings (both human, animal and plant).

Everyday use

Silvertree Sap is what fuels the Ithly's[PLACEHOLDER] magical abilities. Their abilities in itself are inate to their race, but can only be unlocked and amplified by consuming Silvertree Sap. [TO BE EXPANDED]

Cultural Significance and Usage

Without Silvertree Sap, the Ithly[PLACEHOLDER] wouldn't be Ithly[PLACEHOLDER] anymore. Throughout their history, their way of life, their power has been so intertwined with the consumption of the sap, that losing it would mean their culture itself would fade out. [TO BE EXPANDED]

Distribution

Storage

The sap itself will never go bad; it will remain a nourishing substance for those who's metabolisms are accustomed to it. But to tap into its magical abilities, the sap needs to be properly stored within 12 hours. This can be done by catching it from the weeping Silvertree trunks and pouring it into silver vials, sealed with beeswax. [TO BE EXPANDED]

Type

Organic

Rarity

Silvertrees themselves are rare. They only produce the sap a few nights every year, making it a very rare and valuable substance.

Odor

Silvertree Sap is odorless.

Taste

No one has been able to describe the taste of Silvertree Sap. Or rather, many have described it, yet to everyone it tastes differently. There is no single unique taste that can be listed.

Color

A deep, reflective silver (like liquid mercury).