Snarlwood
A relatively rare species of tree, snarlwood is only grown in the cold, dry climates of the far northern and southern poles. Along with having a particular climate that it'll grow in, the roots of the tree are incredibly fickle and require a lot of care and attention in order to maintain.
Properties
Physical & Chemical Properties
This particular wood appears to have some connection to the magic of the world. It may not be inherantly magical itself, but makes for an excellent conduit through which to channel, or even store magical energy, based on the competency of the caster.
While the changes are too subtle for any being who is unattuned to the magic of the world, most magic users can feel the impact that a living snarlwood tree has on the magic in an area.
A young or freshly sprouted tree will suck up as much magic as is possible, meaning that in a dense enough cluster the saplings can dispel magic altogether. However, a large tree is capable of spreading magic back into the world, enhancing the abilities of any creature relying on magic near it.
History & Usage
Discovery
Due to how difficult this tree is to grow, and the sheer volume of attention required to maintain it, this species of plant is largely unknown to the general population. The Firbolg's of the Aluit tribes discovered and began caring for these trees as early as the Second Age, and use them in their rituals.
Snarlwood is not native to the Regular Plane, which is why it is so difficult to grow. Originating from the Fey Wild, the tree requires fairly significant amounts of magic in an area to be properly nourished. The Firbolg, being inherantly magic themselves, are capable of tending to the tree, and as such they are only found in forests tended to by the Aluit people.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Snarlwood is used in the Coming of Age rituals of the Aluit people. The roots of the tree are burned and used to smoke the berries and fish consumed during their feasts at this celebration, and the branches are fashioned into staffs for the young who have completed this Rite of Passage. Every member of the tribe helps fashion these staffs together.
While the tree is difficult to grow, when properly cared for it will become quite large in only a few decades. As such, it is customary for a tribe of the Aluit to plant a tree each year for any children born into the tribe. When it comes time for them to be accepted as adults, the whole tribe will return to that tree and will use its roots and branches in their festivites.
The trees are also used in the burial of the Aluit people. Saplings are planted on top of the graves so that they will have a source of magic to feed from. It is the ultimate honour for a Firbolg to be burried under a Snarlwood tree. These trees are marked so that other tribes know not to disturb the body resting beneath the tree without paying the appropriate respects.
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