Poudin Dung

Frequently mistaken for rocks by surface dwellers, Poudin dung is highly flammable and is used as an alternative to coal.

Properties

Material Characteristics

This dung resembles dark brown rocks, with slight variations in colour depending on the poudin's diet. As poudin are highly adept at conserving water, the rigidity of the dung adds to it's rock like appearance frequently leading those unfamiliar with it to think they have discovered a new mineral.
Most of the time the dung is found in lumps which are about 3-4 inches across. Depending on the surrounding temperature the dung may also smell slightly of the mushrooms which are a poudin's favourite food.

Physical & Chemical Properties

In moderately warm conditions the dung can be set alight with little more than a spark. It burns slowly, with a fairly constant orange flame, but doesn't produce the same level of heat as coal. As it burns the dung produces grey smoke which smells of mushroom and sulphur.

History & Usage

Everyday use

The dung is used by poorer residents of Khezdur, especially in the cavern of the unclaimed, to provide warmth and heat for cooking. The smell produced by burning this fuel is somewhat unpleasant, with hints of sulphur, and it tends to affect the taste of the food, but it does at least cost less than coal.
It is also used by travellers who make use of poudin as beasts of burden, as it reduces the need to carry other forms of fuel. However, many claim that the smell from burning it lingers in the mouth, affecting the taste of food for days after a journey comes to an end.

Distribution

Storage

The flammable nature of the dung makes it essential that it be cleared from poudin stables as quickly as possible. As it is being cleared it is ually stored in half-sized kegs which are sealed with a tight fitting lid. This helps prevent the dung from being ignited by a loose spark as well as keeping it in a sellable size of container.

Odor

Sharp, slightly sulphurous

Color

Dark brown with yellow specks

Related Locations

• Khezdur

Related Species

• Poudin

Flavouring

In the same way that humans use peat to flavour whiskey, the Stonehammers use Poudin dung to flavour their product. This can make it an acquired taste, but most drinkers in Khezdur consider the human flavours to be somewhat weak.