Peat Log

The decomposing remains of grasses in fens or bogs. Sometimes fauna remains can be found therein. Excavated and used in areas of wet chill.

Properties

Material Characteristics

These cut, square logs keep the grass on top, which is the most important. The grass is thin and curly. The "meat" of the log is marbled with yellows and greens and hints of blue. The earth of the log is dense and spongy, but does break apart when crushed with a hand or tool.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Logs are damp and cool, but when warmed keep heat like coals. The grass on top is flammable and the earthen underside fuels the flame, storing the heat inside to burn for long periods of time.
Logs can be stored as long as the air is not too hot. If kept cool logs can last months before they start to rot, at which point they cannot burn.

Geology & Geography

Can be found in any cold, chilly bog. Typically found in the bogs of Gleymor, Lochish, and the chilly plains of Phashminum. though it can be too cold to extract effectively outside of the small window in their short summers.

History & Usage

History

It is believed that the Adrift discovered them and utilized them but only for their top grass. It wasn't until the Great Revelation that people began to cut them into long strips.
After some time, smart botanists discovered a way to maximize the potential by excavating only 4 inch wide by 6 inch deep logs. These botanists also a few decades later discovered the peaty earth held heat is the grass was properly lit. This was achieved by turning the log on its side to the grass warmed the side and leaked its warmth into the earth.
500 years ago the logs' length was standardized for easy and convenient usage.

Everyday use

Peat logs are most known as an effective fire source. Travelers familiar with peat logs keep a dozen for long rides. They can be cut top to bottom into smaller slivers. A 1 inch wide sliver can hold a flame for approximately 1 hour. It isn't very effective in lanterns or other lighted tools and instruments.
Other uses include building material (removing the grass, of course), using a thin layer of earth and grass to act as a filter, and added to whisky to give it an earthy taste.

Cultural Significance and Usage

The land of Gleymor, and especially the boglands and lochlands, use peat logs as their main source of fuel. Traders in Phashminum distribute them across their neighbors.

Industrial Use

Although proposed, it is feasibly impossible to implement peat logs on a large scale for factories or the like. It remains a homely fuel.

Hazards

Rare, but there are cases of the logs ripening with decayed fauna inside their acidic soil. This can cause noxious gasses to seep out, causing nausea and headaches. Nothing fatal has been linked to peat logs.

Environmental Impact

Botanists and naturalists insist on no wide-scale harvesting of these les the bogs lose their supply. Businesses agree. Some peat farms limit the amount to be excavated. A family living on 4 acres will have no issue self-sustaining without any impact whatsoever.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Markets in Phasminum and Lochish sell to traders to take them to neighboring lands. Those without trees or mining find it a godsend.

Storage

Keep in a cool place without much jostling or movement to keep the earth intact. Do not submerge.

Law & Regulation

Some laws exist regarding cutting and digging up logs. limiting it to prevent mass land areas being excavated.

Type

Biomaterial

Value

One log = 1 sp
12 logs = 1 gp

Rarity

Only outside of their distribution realms.

Odor

Only to the keen can the sweet, grass scent. Otherwise smells like damp earth.

Taste

Has an earthy taste. Hardly eaten, mostly used as fuel or filter.

Color

Usually dark brown with green coloration from grasses.

Common State

Always a solid.