Ashenwood Oak Trees

The Volshkan woods are dark, damp places. The gray-black ashenwoods do nothing to lighten them. These deciduous trees grow to heights of 60 meteres and can spread their canopies about as far. They have lifespans similar to other oaks, with villages celebrating trees over 500 years old and more. Godfather Oak in Brachau is said to have stood since the end of the Ursian Empire.

Beneath the Bark

The bark of the ashenwood curls from the tree in thick chunks. Ends of the bark tend to whiten while the exposed wood darkens in the exposed air, giving the trees an appearance of dark and light ashes. They have very dense canopies and several together can create a very dark area as their branches intertwine.
The bark is very easy to break off and makes excellent kindling, which is very convenient as the wood can otherwise be difficult to light. As with other oak trees, ashenwood is very dense. It burns for a long time once lit, but it also burns hot, making an excellent fuel. It is favoured for heating homes and the Ursian's used it in ther bath houses.

Politics and Control

Ashenwood is one of Volshka's major exports. Craftsmen seek it for its qualities. The wood darkens over time when exposed to air and this is a noted quality in furiture or other items manufactured from ashenwood trees. Vinters and Distillers advertise its use in their barrels at the Spirit Fest. Fortunately for the Volshkans it has proven difficult to grow in other places, even lands close to theirs, allowing them to maintain a monoply on its trade.
Since Volshka was absorbed into the Holy Ardian Empire, the Emperor has strictly controlled the export of Ashenwood. While the Volshkans still benefit from this, they whisper tales about life before the empire look to the Ashenwood antiques. Now the raw wood is exported to other places with few Volshkans having a chance to work it. In the interest of Empire, the best materials are sent to the best craftsmen. But the Volshkans wonder what other craftsmen have been working ashenwood for a thousand or more generations?

Odor

Sickly Sweet

Color

Dark Ash