Gra Resin
The resin of the Gra pine is widely traded around Tarusia by caravan across the Sutran Rides and by ship around the Sea of Strange Lands and beyond.
Properties
Material Characteristics
In its pure form it exists as a clear yellowing brown solid. When harvested it usually forms brittle amorphous masses which will gradually break down to a sandy powder. For trade purposes it is usually processed into blocks so that it’s colour and clarity can serve as an indicator of purity (though one would be foolish to rely solely on this as adulteration with other resins is common). Although hard it is sticky to the touch and has a characteristic odour (characteristic of itself and not readily described).
Physical & Chemical Properties
The resin is widely used as an inducer of trances, as a killer of pain and occasionally in murder or assassination as a poison as it is widely considered to be undetectable if used carefully. The mode of action depends on how it is administered: for pain relief it is administered as the solid or as an alcoholic extract, for the trances it is burnt as incense and the smoke inhaled and for poison it is administered in excess by either route.
Geology & Geography
The resin is only produced from the pines of Gra Tul in the Sutran lands. Though similar pines are found elsewhere there is something about the soil and climate of Gra Tul that gives Gra Resin its properties.
Life & Expiration
When kept in cool dry conditions (which can be a challenge in the southern parts of Tasrusia) it can be kept near indefinitely. Keeping it in large blocks, well sealed aids its preservation; when ground fine it should be used immediately.
History & Usage
History
The uses of the resin were well known to the Taru long before the arrival of the Morivian or the Sutrans to Tarusia although the use of the alcoholic extract was of Sutran origin on their arrival to the area. This technique was common for them in handling of drugs so no specific name or details have been recorded for its first use with Gra Resin.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Manufacturing & Products
The resin is gathered from the trees by “wounding” the tree, usually by breaking small branches off the trunk. The resin is exuded by the tree and as it ages it develops its valued properties. The best grades are harvested five years or more after the wounding and the lowest traded grades after a year.
Once harvested it is moulded into blocks for trade and storeage.
Hazards
Though not in itself addictive the relief it brings from chronic pain makes it most definitely habit forming with serious weight loss issues for purses and money bags,
Such a relief from pain it brought that I could lie quietly and heal while others less injured than I writhed in pain and worsened their injuries.
Type
Biomaterial
Odor
As noted above the odour is difficult to describe; this is believed to be because of its trance inducing effects, which take effect even at such low levels of exposure.
Taste
The purest resin has no discernible taste though less pure examples have a slightly salty flavour or the taste of any adulterants used.
Color
Reddish orange
Melting / Freezing Point
When heated to hand hot it becomes soft and mouldable with the consistency of putty. At higher temperatures it becomes more fluid but has no clear cut melting point.
Density
Slightly higher than water - in pure water it will sink, and in brine it will float.
Common State
In the bulk trade it is normally encounted as blocks or balls about the size of an egg. At harvest it is normally amorphous masses.
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