Peat
Properties
Origin & Source
The majority of peat mires of Greymantle are formed by either reed grasses, sedges, or mosses (especially the "grey moss" that gives Greymantle Marsh its name). The northern stretches of Greymantle, especially in the Mooreshield region, and central Greymantle following the river, primarily contain the denser peat made of reeds and sedges, while both the east and west feature large peat bogs of grey and blue mosses.
History & Usage
History
The usage of peat has always been of vital importance to the peoples of Greymantle Marsh--both the inhabitants who have been here since ancient times, and the relative newcomers struggling for survival. While many more "comfortable" regions of the kingdom may have left peat behind as a resource in favor of more refined tools and technologies, peat continues to be a very needed resource to all of Greymantle. Even in the comparitively metropolitan Lockhinge City relies on an ample supply of quality peat.
Everyday use
The most widespread use of peat is as fuel, where firewood is not easily harvested and coal is not easily mined. Both commercial and residential fires rely on peat, and stacks of dry peat bricks for sale can be spotted in every marketplace and outfitter.
Peat also features heavily in Greymantle health and medicine, being found in everything from primitive poultices to expensive spa bath treatments. The absorbancy, acidity, and antibacterial properties of peat make for surprisingly effective bandages and wound-packing material. Peat is also the most commonly-used filtration material, especially in the management of runoff, toxic or polluted water, and sewage.
Less commonly, peat is also used for the preservation of food and a host of other organic materials, as pulp in paper-making, and as components in ritual and magic.
Hazards
Beyond the normal dangers inherent to working in the swamp, the mining of peat is known to bring with it a few specialized hazards. Undetected peat fires can be quite dangerous, especially when a sneaking fire has been burning beneath the surface, creating hollows. Falling into a burning hollow, opening up a smouldering to open air and starting a large blaze, and being poisoned or overtaken by peat smoke are all well-known ways to die while harvesting peat. Another hazard that is unique to digging peat int blue moss bogs is uncovering a layer where large blooms of poisonous moss had compressed together, creating a pocket of condensed and still-active toxins. While there is some danger of toxic moss peat to buyers, who may come into contact with the toxins and absorb in through the skin or breathe in the smoke, the primary danger is to peat miners who handle wet peat and stand in the poisonous water.
In addition, there are theories that smoke from peat fires is more unhealthy than the alternatives, though this has not been definitively proven--and even if it was, there is no feasible alternative that the peoples of Lockhinge could rely on instead.
Environmental Impact
The mining of peat is not always done with regulations and the health of the environment in mind, especially in the cases of cultures who have an antagonistic, combative relationship with the swamp, and there is fear of the possible repercussions especially as communities in Greymantle grow exponentially. Some take the rising frequency of bog fires as a sign of the damage already being done.
Type
Organic
Related Locations