Iron-Soul Mandragora

Plant Type

Tree

Rarity

Rare

Description

Mandragora, more commonly referred to as Iron-Soul, is a rather rare tree, mostly due to the mass deforestation of its kind for its valuable wood and fruit. This tree has gained its name primarily through the tree's strength. Said to have survived hurricane-like winds, and major floods or storms that would have blown most trees away. Iron Soul's bark makes it appear much like a tropical evergreen, with large palms and many extending branches outward at its canopy top. Within its bark, is the shimmering metal-like wood known as Mandragora. Found almost anywhere in the realm beyond that areas of extreme heat, or cold, this tree is sought out for its unique properties that allow it to mimic the strength of iron. Much like most evergreens, this tree seems to lack scale-like bark and instead holds a skim, smooth surface over its wood, adapted to help keep in water and regulate temperature.

Location

This tree is adapted to survive in many different environments, making it capable of being found almost anywhere in the realm, beyond extreme cold or heat. This means it can be quite easily cultivated, and grown by those with enough skill in flora. This tree is very adaptable, but it still requires a heavy amount of sunlight and water to thrive. While it may survive in areas of drought, it will not bloom to its full capability unless it is well provided for.

Development

Like most trees, this one blooms in the spring, with different types of flowers varying in color from pink, to purple, to some shades of blue, and white. These trees however are not self-pollinators and require at least one more of its species nearby to successfully pollinate. Often times due to this fact, the Iron Soul will be found in large bundles or groups in order to reproduce, allowing them to spread every year should there be plenty of resources for their survival.

Material Properties

• The wood shines like metal, making it appear like iron from far away. While its durability is exactly that of iron, it still appears much like a slightly silvery wood.
• Iron-Soul Mandragora is a hardwood resistant to any change. Carving this wood is difficult, but achievable by an experienced and determined carver. However, any attempt to shape this wood (such as through steaming and bending) will result in failure.

Alchemical Properties

• Many Iron-Soul trees carry a green coconut-like fruit that hangs off its branches. When drank raw from its hardened exterior, a strange temporary transformation turns patches of the person's skin into a bark-like substance that carries the same strength as a regular hardwood. If refined with alchemicals, this can be transformative and allows temporary natural armor on a person without terrible side effects except in overdosing.

The Realm of Ephimoria • Beyond the Fracture