Iron-bark Wood

Iron-bark is both a type of tree and highly valued resource for many nations across Kileses. It’s natural strength which is stronger than iron alloy is extremely valued, being lighter than steel Whilst having a natural resilience to heat, cold and poison makes Ironbark an ideal material for both weapons and armour.
Origin Ironbark’s first recorded use was back in the cimmerian twilight, used by a number of tribes to Make poorly fashioned but effective weapons. Being a highly adaptive and resilient tree, the ironbark tree can be found in any climate, it’s roots stretching deep in to the ground to reach the water table and securing it’s position. However, Ironbark trees cannot live in saltwater making them more common on biomes blessed with an abundance of freshwater, even places such as tundra Ironbark trees has been able to flourish, converting permafrost to freshwater, allowing for an ample supply of nutrients. This adaptability of Ironbark to flourish wherever it may be, has garnered it a spiritual status among many Druidic circles across Kileses, making it a valued material component for many Druidic rituals.
Usage The use of Ironbark as a material in weapon and armour creation is extremely rare in the modern day, mainly due to it’s extreme difficulty to harvest and shape, with it’s method of crafting more in the realm of woodcarvers than blacksmiths. This lack of expertise has made it’s use unfeasible for many soldiers and blacksmiths, meaning that only those who still maintain and pass on the craft through their lineage are capable of utilising the resource effectively.
Qualities  The adaptability of Ironbark means that weapons and armours utilising it are incredibly durable and resistant to certain elements and dangers. Resistant to heat, cold and position, ironbark can survive much without losing growth or strength. It’s strength is much stronger than iron, many woodsmen account that wood axes are reported to have shattered on impact when attempting to cut down a mature ironbark.  An ironbark’s strength is said to be related to it’s age, with older ironbark’s virtually indestructible to conventional weapons, while younger ones although strong can be felled with considerable effort.

Type

Wood