Nanzing

Nanzing, called Steelwood, is a type of wood collected from the Mansu Swamp. The Nanzing tree has adapted to the incredibly acidic waters and soils of the swamp by developing an immensly durable wood. Anything made from Nanzing must be carved from a living tree. this is because as soon as it is seperated from the trunk, it loses access to the acids which keep the wood soft and it begins to harden until it is harder than steel. Skilled craftsmen can form intricate shapes and even razor sharp edges in the short working time they have before the material has hardened to the point where it cannot be worked. The finished item or tool will last for many decades without needing to be repaired or replaced, and there have been instances of individual works lasting through many lifetimes. The Nanzing tree is very rare and the level of skill needed to work the wood is as well, even so the warriors of Mansukal take pride in their great bows being made out Nanzing wood, making them nearly unbendable by most people as the strength needed to draw them can only be aquired by many years of constant training.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Usually encountered as a silvery white wood.

Geology & Geography

Found only in the Mansu Swamp.

Origin & Source

Nanzing comes from the Nanzing Tree and is cut and shaped from the living trunks.

Life & Expiration

It takes several decades for even uncared for Nanzing to rot, some examples of well cared for pieces have lasted centuries with no sign of decay.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Used to make tool handles and smaller pieces of wood as small pieces are easier to work in the limited work time craftsmen have. However, The peoples of the southern lands use them to create massive, and extremely powerful longbows.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Because of its rarity and its difficulty in obtaining, it has gained signifigance as a social symbol as a display of wealth and power not just in Mansukal, but across the world.

Value

Highly Valuable

Rarity

Extremely Rare

Odor

Earthy and woody

Color

Dark Brown or Black when fresh, it ages over time into a Silvery White.