Woods

Woods

This page details the herbal and other uses of the many woods used in Dereth

Birch
Betula alba

Known also as Lady of the woods and also Birk, the Birch has varied uses. An infusion of Birch can be used to heal mouth sores and to help break up kidney stones. It also has sedative qualities which make it a valuable sleeping aid. Birch tea, made from the leaves, is to be recommended for rheumatism and gout. The leaves have diuretic and disinfectant qualities and are used in herbal infusions for urinary infections and kidney stones as Birch does not irritate the kidneys. Birch sap can also be made into wine.

Associated target: Other
War magic uses Birch to target others for single projectile attacks.

Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa

Blackthorn is also known as Sloe, or Slae, and has many negative connotations regarding its uses. The Aluvian custom is often to ignore these, however, and simply pick the berries to use in Sloe Gin, or as the main ingredient of Sloe wine. No significant herbal uses have been found, however.

Associated target: Other
Creature magic requires Blackthorn to target others in order to reduce their skills and attributes.

Cedar
Thuja plicata & occidentalis

This is one of many trees found in various parts of the world which have been called 'Cedar' because they bear fragrant foliage or have scented wood, like the Cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani.

The evergreen foliage of the Cedar is fern-like, with the small leaves clasping the twigs, hiding both twig and buds completely. The leaves are 'solid' to the touch, and you may feel the hidden buds below them; they tend to be yellowish green, and when they fall reveal rust-red twigs. When crushed, the foliage has a rather rank, strong odour.

Thuja - a tree related to the cedar, contains volatile oils that tones the bronchial passages and herbalists may prescribe it for bronchitis and catarrh (this explains the refreshing smell of the cedar forest). Externally Thuja is said to cure warts.

Associated target: Self
In Life magic, Cedar is used to target oneself for protection and vulnerability spells.

Ebony
Pithecellobium flexicaule

The information obtained regarding Ebony is sketchy at best, since it is a wood that was not native to Ispar. As such, it has been discovered growing in the more tropical climes of Dereth, and the recently discovered Marae Lassel - preferring regions such as Shoushi and Yanshi. Children often like to carve the hard wood into small dolls and figurines over a period of weeks. The wood gives a good sheen when polished, and has only recently begun to be used for decorative inlay on some of the more expensive Sho weaponry.

Associated target: Other
Life magic requires Ebony to target others for protections and vulnerabilities.

Elder
Sambucus nigra

Elder, known also by names such as Pipe tree and Bour tree, were frequently used by children, who would hollow out the young elder stems and use them as blowpipes. The Elder became known as the 'medicine chest of the country people'. Elderberries were made into a warming winter cordial for chesty colds, while the flowers promote sweating and are an ingredient of 'composition essence', a traditional herbal cold cure. Elderflower water is an old-fashioned skin tonic. When outdorrs, an infusion of bruised Elder leaves will help to deter flying insects.

Associated target: Other
In War, Elder is used to target others for area effect spells & walls (creepers).

Oak
Quercus robur

In folklore, touching and afflicted part of the body with a nail, and then driving the nail into an oak was considered a cure for illness. The leaves were once applied to cuts. Today however, herbalists use only the bark. Its powerful astringency is helpful for acute diarrhoea, while its antiseptic action is useful for treating throat infections. Edible acorns were commonly roasted and ground to make coffee.

Associated target: Other
War magic uses Oak to target others for multiple projectile attacks such as streaks and volleys.

Poplar
Populus alba

Ancient Gharu'n tribes sometimes used to bury their dead wearing head-dresses of White Poplar leaves to symbolise their resurrection. Other than this, Poplar has not been used in any herbal preparations since our departure from Ispar.

Associated target: Other
Creature magic uses Poplar to target others and increase their vital attributes and abilities.

Rowan
Pyrus aucuparia

The Rowan, how many names this tree has! Known also as Mountain ash, Quickbeam, Tree of Life, Lady of the Mountains, Druids Tree, Witchwand and Quicken. Rowan draws its name from the old North-Aluvian word runa meaning 'a charm'.
Rowan is associated with protection, particularly from witchcraft and lightning. Bewitched horses can only be controlled with a Rowan whip. The berries are marked at the base with the sign of a pentagram, the universal sign of protection.
An infusion of the berries makes an antiseptic gargle for sore thoats, inflamed tonsils and hoarseness. A decoction of bark or Rowan jelly is used for diarrhoea and vaginal irritations.

Associated target: Self
In Creature magic, Rowan is used to target oneself to increase and decrease ones own attributes and skills, and also for Portal recalling, lifestone recalling, and the other specialist recall spells.

Willow
Salix alba

Willow bark has often been used to reduce pain and inflammation. The three also has a reputation in folk medicine for reducing the temperature in fevers. Willow bark also contains astringent tannins and has been used medicinally for heartburn. According to folklore, witches use Willow to treat rheumatism and fever, and the old word for witches , "wicca", may be the origin of the term wicker, applied to baskets woven from Willow twigs. Wearing a sprig of Willow in your hat signified rejection by a loved one.

A decoction of the leaves or bark, simmered lightly, can be used to treat dandruff, whilst a poutice for ulcers can be made by simmering powdered bark in cream.

Associated target: Self
Life magic uses Willow to target oneself, so that one may cast heal, harm, conversions and affect ones regeneration, rejuvenation and renewal rates. Both positive and negative effects come from this.

Yew
Taxus baccata

The Yew is an evergreen and can live for thousands of years. This longevity is possible because the tree regenerates its trunk from branches which root in the ground. In this way the tree will continue to increase its girth as it outlives civilizations.

The seeds and leaves off the tree contain a deadly poison and it is said that on a whole summer's day the air around the tree is so thick with the trees essence that its induces a death-like sleep. Yew has another the deadly characteristic. It is the wood that to the longbow was made from.

Associated target: Other
Life magic uses Yew in a different manner from its lore, to target others as the recipient for healing spells, and spells that increase their regeneration, rejuvenation and renewal rates.


	Woods This page details the herbal and other uses of the many woods used in Dereth


	Alder Alnus glutinosa The Alder, known also by names such as Whistlewood and Aller, derived its name from the old Aluvian word ealdor meaning 'chief'. It was thought that to fell and Alder was to invite your house to burn down. As an amulet Alder supposedly has the power to suppress doubt. Use the pulverised bark in hot poultices for rheumatism. The fresh crushed leaves are soothing to chapped skin. A decotion of the bark (boil the shredded bark in water) makes an external lotion for bathing swellings. Associated target: Other In Life magic, Alder is used to target others for Infusion and Draining spells.


	Ash Fraxinus excelsior As a cure for ricketts, the afflicted child was passed through a cleft in an Ash tree, and afterwards a sympathetic bond between the child and the tree existed. Any subsequent damage to the tree was reflected in the health of the child and vice versa, therefore the ash tree could never be cut down as this would result in the disease returning. Ash leaves confer good fortune, especially those from an 'even Ash', i.e. a tree that has the same number of divisions each side. The Ash tree has the ability to cure wrts by taking them from the sufferer: 'Ashen tree, ashen tree, pray buy these warts off me'. A pin is then used to prick the wart and then is inserted into the tree. The warts then appear as knobs on the tree. Juice extracted from the Ash leaf had the reputation of being able to cure snake bites. Placing a leaf under the pillow produces prophetic dreams. Associated target: Item, Weapon or Armour - dependant on required effect In Item magic, Ash is used to target Weapons & armours to modify their capabilities, for both positive and negative effects.


	Birch Betula alba Known also as Lady of the woods and also Birk, the Birch has varied uses. An infusion of Birch can be used to heal mouth sores and to help break up kidney stones. It also has sedative qualities which make it a valuable sleeping aid. Birch tea, made from the leaves, is to be recommended for rheumatism and gout. The leaves have diuretic and disinfectant qualities and are used in herbal infusions for urinary infections and kidney stones as Birch does not irritate the kidneys. Birch sap can also be made into wine. Associated target: Other War magic uses Birch to target others for single projectile attacks.


	Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Blackthorn is also known as Sloe, or Slae, and has many negative connotations regarding its uses. The Aluvian custom is often to ignore these, however, and simply pick the berries to use in Sloe Gin, or as the main ingredient of Sloe wine. No significant herbal uses have been found, however. Associated target: Other Creature magic requires Blackthorn to target others in order to reduce their skills and attributes.


	Ebony Pithecellobium flexicaule The information obtained regarding Ebony is sketchy at best, since it is a wood that was not native to Ispar. As such, it has been discovered growing in the more tropical climes of Dereth, and the recently discovered Marae Lassel - preferring regions such as Shoushi and Yanshi. Children often like to carve the hard wood into small dolls and figurines over a period of weeks. The wood gives a good sheen when polished, and has only recently begun to be used for decorative inlay on some of the more expensive Sho weaponry. Associated target: Other Life magic requires Ebony to target others for protections and vulnerabilities.


	Elder Sambucus nigra Elder, known also by names such as Pipe tree and Bour tree, were frequently used by children, who would hollow out the young elder stems and use them as blowpipes. The Elder became known as the 'medicine chest of the country people'. Elderberries were made into a warming winter cordial for chesty colds, while the flowers promote sweating and are an ingredient of 'composition essence', a traditional herbal cold cure. Elderflower water is an old-fashioned skin tonic. When outdorrs, an infusion of bruised Elder leaves will help to deter flying insects. Associated target: Other In War, Elder is used to target others for area effect spells & walls (creepers).


	Hazel Corylus avellana Hazel twigs that form a Y shape are often used by diviners and dowsers for finding water, due to its supple nature. An old tradition says that three pieces of Hazel wood driven into the walls of a house will protect it from fire. Hazelnuts are used by some folk in magic for love divination. Each nut is named and they are placed together into the fire. If the nuts spit and jump apart then the love is not destined to be. If however, they burn peacefully and reduce to ash, then the relationship will flourish. Two Hazel twigs bound together into an equal armed cross with red thread or yarn is said to bring good fortune. Hazelnuts are a natural food source, rich in various necessary metals and proteins. they can be powdered and mixed with mead or honeyed water to help a chronic cough. Pepper can be added to the mixture to draw mucus from the sinus passages. Associated target: Portal Portal tie is the only spell requiring Hazel, it requires a portal as the target.


	Hemlock Tsuga sieboldii The Hemlock family of trees are evergreen conifers, and in particular the family that is most abundant in Dereth is the Tsuga sieboldii - which seems to be most prolific in the regions that the Sho currently inhabit. The forest between Nanto and Lin is one prime example of this. It should not be confused with the herb Hemlock (Conium maculatum) which is unrelated, yet completely poisonous. Associated target: Other Life magic uses Hemlock to cast spells that reduce the regeneration rates, and health, mana or stamina of the target.


	Oak Quercus robur In folklore, touching and afflicted part of the body with a nail, and then driving the nail into an oak was considered a cure for illness. The leaves were once applied to cuts. Today however, herbalists use only the bark. Its powerful astringency is helpful for acute diarrhoea, while its antiseptic action is useful for treating throat infections. Edible acorns were commonly roasted and ground to make coffee. Associated target: Other War magic uses Oak to target others for multiple projectile attacks such as streaks and volleys.


	Poplar Populus alba Ancient Gharu'n tribes sometimes used to bury their dead wearing head-dresses of White Poplar leaves to symbolise their resurrection. Other than this, Poplar has not been used in any herbal preparations since our departure from Ispar. Associated target: Other Creature magic uses Poplar to target others and increase their vital attributes and abilities.


	Rowan Pyrus aucuparia The Rowan, how many names this tree has! Known also as Mountain ash, Quickbeam, Tree of Life, Lady of the Mountains, Druids Tree, Witchwand and Quicken. Rowan draws its name from the old North-Aluvian word runa meaning 'a charm'. Rowan is associated with protection, particularly from witchcraft and lightning. Bewitched horses can only be controlled with a Rowan whip. The berries are marked at the base with the sign of a pentagram, the universal sign of protection. An infusion of the berries makes an antiseptic gargle for sore thoats, inflamed tonsils and hoarseness. A decoction of bark or Rowan jelly is used for diarrhoea and vaginal irritations. Associated target: Self In Creature magic, Rowan is used to target oneself to increase and decrease ones own attributes and skills, and also for Portal recalling, lifestone recalling, and the other specialist recall spells.


	Willow Salix alba Willow bark has often been used to reduce pain and inflammation. The three also has a reputation in folk medicine for reducing the temperature in fevers. Willow bark also contains astringent tannins and has been used medicinally for heartburn. According to folklore, witches use Willow to treat rheumatism and fever, and the old word for witches , "wicca", may be the origin of the term wicker, applied to baskets woven from Willow twigs. Wearing a sprig of Willow in your hat signified rejection by a loved one. A decoction of the leaves or bark, simmered lightly, can be used to treat dandruff, whilst a poutice for ulcers can be made by simmering powdered bark in cream. Associated target: Self Life magic uses Willow to target oneself, so that one may cast heal, harm, conversions and affect ones regeneration, rejuvenation and renewal rates. Both positive and negative effects come from this.


	Yew Taxus baccata The Yew is an evergreen and can live for thousands of years. This longevity is possible because the tree regenerates its trunk from branches which root in the ground. In this way the tree will continue to increase its girth as it outlives civilizations. The seeds and leaves off the tree contain a deadly poison and it is said that on a whole summer's day the air around the tree is so thick with the trees essence that its induces a death-like sleep. Yew has another the deadly characteristic. It is the wood that to the longbow was made from. Associated target: Other Life magic uses Yew in a different manner from its lore, to target others as the recipient for healing spells, and spells that increase their regeneration, rejuvenation and renewal rates.