Morta - Bog Wood
Properties
Material Characteristics
Bog wood is typically found in the same state as the tree was after it fell into the bog, maintaining knots, branches and other features in perfect preservation. As a result, when harvested, it can have a unique shape, making it ideal for jewelry and exotic furniture. With great effort, it can be processed into lumber, but this is rarely done due to the resources required.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Morta is one of the most potent sources of Druidecht in the known world, retaining the full power of the great oaks (Dervenn) and yews (Ivinenn) and gaining thousands of years of the bog's powers. This deep well of power can be crafted into a potent talisman for drawing from and focusing cast magic.
Morta is hard, durable and exceptionally dense. Its dark colours make it highly sought after for decoration.
Origin & Source
Morta is created from fallen Cypress, Oak and Yew trees that have fallen into peat bogs, preserving them from decay.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Bog wood is prized for wood-carving. It is used for handles for axes, knives and swords. The dark colours and unique shapes of Mortas is prized for luxury items, such as furniture and jewelry. When used for pipewoods, it provides a neutral taste, while the strong core makes it useable as tonewood for stringed instruments, such as lutes.
However, its true power is the stored druidecht it contains. Mortas is used for staffs, wands and the handles of magical weaponry, as well as some tools, imparting an exceptionally potent focus and power well for a similherez to draw from.
In exceptional cases, large pieces can be used to create doorframes and windows, and is especially useful when imparting magical effects on this structures.
Cultural Significance and Usage
The Poulpiquet are often the ones who harvest morta from the peat bogs, selling the raw material to buyers who refine it further.
Refinement
Morta is extremely hard and strong. Despite being wood, it is as tough as some stone, and must be cut by masonry and rock-cutting tours, rather than axes and saws. Morta can retain its original shape, rather than being refined into lumber or veneer sheets.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Morta is a highly sought after material, fetching high prices on the market as a luxury item, even in small amounts.
Type
Organic
Taste
When used for a pipe, Morta provides an exceptionally neutral taste, allowing the smoked material to be experienced purely.
Color
Dark brown, bordering on black, stained by tannins.
Density
Morta is incredibly dense, far denser than most other woods, in the early process of fossilization.
Common State
Solid
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Related Species
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