Hillmoss

Cryhton's most valuable export

Cryhton is a country defined by its hills. The hills rise the moment the beach loses its sand and the Taz'mattan Sea. These hills are wild, untamed and rich with resources. Many monsters roam and disparate clans of goblins or evil humans who worship Zehir or others. The hills though are home to a special type of herb praised for its tenacity and subtle warmth that reaches into the whole body. The herb is called a moss as it grows on the rocks of the hills. Despite the dangers, many flock to the hills to scavenge this precious resource and it has become Cryhton's most important export. It sells for hundreds of gold in very foreign markets and some products can be worth as much as items and weapons of legendary status.

Properties

Material Characteristics

The moss is a deep-amber color with red specks. It doesn't have leaves or stems, but does tend to grow in bulbs. Rare moss has blue flecks instead of red ones.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The moss feels spongy and springy. It keeps it shape fairly well under resistance. It is flammable though not as efficient as other moss or branches.
They reproduce sporadically and without much intention. There are no normal reproduction methods and they don't release spores that can be seen. They simply just show up on rocks and wait to be harvested.

Compounds

The moss has been used in recipes for alleviating pain and even as a spell component. It mixes well with oil or grease to coat an object and keep its warming property. Many use it to keep warm during winter.

Geology & Geography

Peculiarly it is only found on the rocky hills of Cryhton. It cannot be grown elsewhere and cannot be domesticated despite a plethora of attempts.

History & Usage

Everyday use

It is used as a spice across the world, when available.

Cultural Significance and Usage

People of Cryhton take pride in this little mossy herb that only grows on their rocks. To Cryhtonite it is more precious than gold.

Manufacturing & Products

The creative people of Cryhton have made soaps, perfumes, mixed spices, balms, and oils of the moss. These are usually domestic sales as the process to manufacture each are long. Ones that are found outside of the country and surrounding region are highly valued into the thousands of gold if not rarer items traded.

Distribution

Storage

Must be stored in non-dry environment to keep potency and freshness. Cannot be frozen either. ideally, a mild humidity is the preferred environment.

Law & Regulation

Due to its high value the market on foraging and creating products from and selling hillmoss is heavily scrutinized and regulated. This has led to an underground blackmarket, but since the moss cannot grow outside of the country or regions for still unknown reasons, these attempts are unfruitful.

Type

Biomaterial

Value

In Cryhton: 10sp. Outside Cryhton: 100gp.

Rarity

common (in region)

Odor

It smells of rosemary though there's spicy kick.

Taste

A rich, full-bodied warmth when cooked and seasoned into meats or vegetables.

Color

It is a deep amber color with flecks of red.

Common State

Commonly found growing on the northern sides of large boulders, though in ravines or gullies it can also be found.