Amberwood Tree
Amberwood is the most valuable asset in all of Balios. This sturdy yet flexible wood is naturally resistant to fire and has a beautiful amber coloring when cut down. It was used for the reconstruction of the most important buildings in Balios and the Balian Trade Fleet after the catastrophic fires that consumed the capital, and has been favoured over any other wood ever since.
Basic Information
Growth Rate & Stages
The growth rate of an Amberwood tree is relatively fast, with a single sapling reaching full, harvesting maturity at around 50 years after its seed are sown. While young, these fledgling trees have beautiful golden leaves year-round, and are brittle and fragile, it is only around 20 years of growth that they start to take their final shape, with new greener foliage and sturdy trunk.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The fruits produced by the Trees doesn't particularly hold any culinary value, and they are protected by the Crown. Every other part of an Amberwood tree has been harvested and used in carpentry, by artisans and in the construction of the famous ships of the Amber Fleet.
Tables, sculptures, beds... Any piece of craftsmanship made with this wood is sure to be valuable, and therefore are usually crafted with much care and effort by only the best guildmasters. Younger artisans and apprentices are expected to practice with other, cheaper woods until they can prove themselves enough to work on Amberwood.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The ambewood groves are located on the end of the Balian Way, just across from the Bali river's delta and the city itself. These trees are native only to Balios, and are rarely found outside of these natural groves. It is theorized that growing so close to the magical waters of Lake Asmul could have granted the trees their special properties, but the official stance is that both must have been blessed by the Lady before the first balian settlers had arrived.
Lifespan
up to 500 years.
Conservation Status
It is forbidden to cut down an Amberwood tree without explicit authorization from the Royal Offices of Balios. There are 2 main large conservation gardens within the capital city where these trees are allowed to flourish between harvesting seasons, and every tree is accounted for by government officials.
Average Height
4-10 meters when fully grown.
Average Weight
2500 to 4000 kg depending on age.
Geographic Distribution
Comments