Flame Touched Wood

A seemingly paradoxical material, flame touched wood is easily the least common combination between plants and the other elements. Because of its rarity it is highly prized and often used in religious rituals or by sovereigns to show their power. It is especially prized by worshipers of Kerali , Cerenis , and Vinayth especially in mystery cults centered around these figures. It sees widespread public use in Silara.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Flame touched wood resembled charred wood with the glow of fire coming out of the cracks between bark. Less commonly the wood will appear to be on fire but it never actually burns. Leaves will be nonexistent or heavily charred. Rarer specimens have leaves made of pure flames.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The wood emits both heat and light. Even though the open flames don't seem to effect the wood and need no other fuel source besides air, otherwise they have all the same properties of normal fire. Even specimens with no external flames are very hot to the touch and must be handled carefully.

Life & Expiration

Despite what many believe, flame touched wood does not last forever. Eventually the magic keeping the flame from consuming the wood weakens and fades and the wood burns into ash.

History & Usage

Cultural Significance and Usage

Oftentimes those with open flames are used to create alters and hearths that never stop burning. Flame touched wood of all varieties are used to create torches which provide lighting for temples and palaces and are used as symbols during religious rituals. A few weapons have been made of the wood but these are often ceremonial and not meant for battlefield use as they often burn those wielding the weapon as well as whoever is hit with it. A few favored followers and flamed touched have been rumored to wield such a weapon including the current ruler of Silara, Niryn.

Distribution

Law & Regulation

In most sovereignties flame touched wood is a protected resource available only to the government and religious organizations, and thus highly illegal to sell.

Value

very high

Rarity

very rare

Odor

charcoal

Color

varies; typically grays, blacks, and browns

Common State

solid