Duskwood

Duskwood
Darkwood

(Alchemical item)

Type

Alchemical reagent

Source: Alchemy Manual, pg(s). IFC

Duskwood, also known as darkwood, is a species of rare magical hardwood which is exceptionally light, weighing generally half as much as woods of the same hardness.

Appearance

Duskwood resembles ebony wood with a purple tint.

Ecology

Duskwood thrives in old growth forests in south-central Avistan, especially the Darkmoon Vale region of northern Andoran. The Forest Elder in the center of Darkmoon Wood is generally considered to be the oldest specimen of the species in Andoran, and perhaps the oldest in the whole continent. The trees can also be found throughout the world from the wilds of the Screaming Jungle to the Druman city of Macridi.

Economy

The monopolistic Lumber Consortium has made a fortune off the increasingly rare duskwood harvests coming from the region, and they continue to work their employees to the bone in order to bring in ever more profits from the dwindling resource. The Consortium harvests approximately 350,000 board feet of duskwood annually (which constitutes about 5 percent of its total logging operation) from its cut-yards in Darkmoon Wood.

Uses

Duskwood harvested by the Lumber Consortium is used almost exclusively in the shipyards of Almas and Augustana, though it can be substituted for other hardwood in other applications as well, and is frequently used to make light weapons and shields. Duskwood leaves can be fermented into a potent alcoholic beverage and the Sitting Duck tavern in Falcon's Hollow has made a name for itself by serving this regional brew.

Alchemical reagent

The bark of the duskwood tree is useful in numerous alchemical applications as an alchemical reagent, especially those that require a light but strong foundation. As an alchemical power component it is associated with boosting the effectiveness of conjuration spells. A dose of darkwood costs 2 gold pieces.