Hempruna
Though Nezzuu is littered with woodlands and forests, there was a need for an alternative fuel to heat homes during winter. Wood, though plentiful, often does not burn hot or long enough to sufficiently heat homes during winter. Hempruna was invented for just this reason.
Hempruna is a coal made from hemp that is forged in magic. Hemp is already known for it's durable strength and temperate properties; clothes made from hemp stay cool in the heat and hot in the cold. It was a natural choice for a magical fuel source as it can easily be manipulated to be hot when fire is applied.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Hempruna has a dark purple hue to it, making it easy to discern from regular coal that is pitch black. Overall, Hempruna is superior to said coal for a variety of reasons. Hempruna has a lower combustion point of 230° F, making it possible to light with even low powered fire spells. It also burns at a much higher point of 7,000° F (when properly made), which is a necessity during winter. It has no odor when burned which is ideal for home heating. It is also much lighter than normal coal, making it easier for transport. And the biggest feature of all, it is easily produced, renewable, and a byproduct for a material already in high supply.
The only downside of Hempruna is it's difficulty to make. Only very skilled tradesmen or magic masters can forge this material.
Origin & Source
Hempruna was invented (by the Emmil Magric School of Magic) in Eysa Thalore due to the heavy influence of Eshllenora and desire to avoid wooden recourses. It was thankfully invented in 794 AC, before the Kingdom of Khagdan shut their mines to the rest of Nezzuu. It was a revolutionary invention as it made winter more bearable and survivable. Death rates dropped steeply and considerably once it was fully integrated into the realm.
Life & Expiration
Much like it's cousin, coal, Hempruna does not expire or lose potency over time. As long as it is properly stored, it can last indefinitely.
History & Usage
Cultural Significance and Usage
Though used by all the realm, Eshllenora citizens are the most devote consumers of Hempruna. While most of Nezzuu switches to wood for other seasons, Eshllenroans use Hempruna all year round. They use it for home heating, forging, and even cooking. The Kingdom of Khagdan is also another big user of Hempruna due to it's colder weather in even spring and fall. Though they do not use it for cooking, it is used for all other heating and fuel sources.
Industrial Use
Hempruna reshaped the way Nezzuu forged metals. It became faster, easier, and more inexpensive to do. This was likely a large proponent to the Dwarves shutting off their mines from the rest of the realm in 1,001 AC, causing the Metal Famine. Right after the Metal Famine, Hempruna had a much lower demand as there was nothing to forge. But with the discovery of Transmetallicum (which requires a strong energy source to transmute) it regained popularity and reverence.
Refinement
Making Hempruna does require a lengthy ritual, but large amounts can be made at once. Unlike most other magic, it does also require little cost to produce. This would make it appear to be easy to make, but the knowledge and mastery of the innerworkings have a steep barrier of entry. Only those that have spent years learning or have formal education can make Hempruna. It is a standard course of any magic user and also an entire branch of industry tradespeople pursue.
Byproducts & Sideproducts
One of the best features of Hempruna is that it is a byproduct of hemp; though most hemp is now grown to produce Hempruna. This "dual use" plant is now grown in every climate possible due to it's innumerable uses. It's most notable other products include clothing, paper, ropes, oils, and insulation.
Hazards
One thing that must be taken into account when using Hempruna is it's low combustion point. At only 230° F, it can ignite if not properly stored during summer months.
Environmental Impact
Overall, Hempruna has changed Nezzuu for the better. It has saved countless lives, lowered impact to the environment, and above all, provided a fuel source when coal disappeared.
Interesting concept, but why "Wood, though plentiful, often does not burn hot or long enough to sufficiently heat homes during winter." What is special about Nezzuu winters that makes conventional fuels infeasible?