Oilbark

"Back in my day we didn't have this fancy oilbark.  The street was always dark at night, because the lighters hadn't run around replacing the candles.  You youngsters don't know how lucky you have it now, being able to see where you're going in the night without having to carry your own candle.  And they were blinkin' heavy, they were, you'd have to lug it all the way to the pub and all the way back unless you wanted to buy one from the barman for his extortionate price."

Properties

Material Characteristics

Oilbark is found on the exterior of the oilbark tree, which grows in the swamps of Mythia.  It is quite a rough bark, with smooth patches typically resembling circles or ovals.  It's quite moist for bark, and feels greasy to the touch.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Oilbark is highly flammable and burns for a long time.  When it is placed in water it floats, and when removed comes out with very little additional moisture.

Geology & Geography

Oilbark is typically found in the centres of swamps, near the middle and bottom of oilbark trees.

History & Usage

History

Oilbark has been used frequently since the year 200 in all places around Mythia.  Although at first looked upon with skepticism due to many people of Mythia having the opinion that the swamp tribes were primitive, its full usefulness was very soon realised and it was adopted incredibly quickly.  Initially quite expensive, additional trade deals were quickly secured with the swamp tribes and a steady and relatively cheap supply of oilbark was ensured.

Discovery

Oilbark has been used by the people of the swamp tribes for centuries as a way to cook their food and as material to start a fire after a rain.  They also use it to light their streets by using it as wicks for torches.
Oilbark spread to the rest of Mythia around 200, when the swamp tribes and the other kingdoms began to have more contact.  Since then it has been used widely throughout the land.

Everyday use

Oilbark is used typically as candle wicks, as it burns longer and brighter than any other known material.  It is also occasionally used as fire starter, especially when the rest of the firewood is wet - the oilbark burns hotly enough to dry out and ignite the other wood.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Oilbark, when burnt, produces a residue that smells strongly of fish.  This can be used in cuisine to add a fish flavour, or can be distilled with alcohol to produce a strong spirit.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Oilbark is sold in most markets throughout Mythia.  It is particularly common in markets on the edges of swamp regions.

Type

Organic

Value

1 gold per 100 grams

Rarity

Uncommon

Odor

Akin to that of oil

Taste

Woody

Color

Brownish-black