Faroak trees are tall yet thin trees, wiith some even reaching the height of Prythwyn's redwood trees. Though these decidious trees have bark and leaves resembling oaks, they are not anywhere near as serene. Every part of a faroak, from its berries to its wood, are coated in a thick and highly dangerous grease. Animals often avoid them unless they have an immunity specifically evolved to counterract its chemical makeup.
Faroak sap is translucent and oily, and when ingested, death is certain. It goes through the esophagus unharmed, but as soon as it comes into contact with stomach acid, a chemical reaction causes the victim's organs to rupture and combust in a hellish storm of fire. This method of execution is much more efficient than simply poisoning a creature since they cannot be reanimated after being burnt.
Scholars believe that the sap is made of cesium, a metallic element that melts at room temperature and combusts when it comes in contact with hydrochloric acid. In smaller doses, combustion can be avoided but fatality is still guaranteed due to its toxicity. Some gummivores have the ability to drink the sap by simply absorbing the cesium before it reaches the stomach, which also causes creatures that consume them to combust or die of the toxicity.
Exploitation
Many explorers have used faroak berries to burn corpses, which has led pagans to assosciate these trees with death. People across Alterra place parts of faroak berries on top of pyres to help them pass on to Vulotl's court. There have also been several recorded cases of assassinations carried out by spiking the victim's food or drink with faroak sap.
Another recorded use of the tree's poison, albeit peculiar, is stress relief. With a small enough dosage and a pinch of garlic, alchemists have managed to temporary stress and fear blocker. Those who are terrified by an owlbear's roar or stressed out from work can take the elixir to feel normal again. With just a little too much faroak berry, however, death may occur. It is best to let trained professionals produce it.
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