Dryad Oil
“Something smells good. What is that?”
“It appears the mortals are performing an offering. A celebration, it appears. Look upon them, what do you see?”
“Um… a lot.”
“Focus, like I taught you. Where do you feel their faith?”
“...I see… a baby! It looks like… a royal family? They’re happy the baby’s okay and, and they’re putting some kind of… stuff on its head. How did you know that without looking?”
“They call that ‘stuff’ dryad oil, you will grow accustomed to it as you are called on for more blessings. Though they could stand to do with a little less, however, as some of the others prefer moderation.”
- Sweeter and floral scents often denote happiness or joy
- Acrid or smokey scents often denote anger or aggression
- Minty or electricity smells are warnings
- The smell of rain or water is associated with sadness
- Earthen smells like that of mud or stone are associated with boredom
- Rot or decay smells denote fear
Properties
Origin & Source
Several years after the Ruin, early settlers of Laulari attempted to barter with dryads of the island and received food coated in sap in return for curiosities of the Old World. Though the food was ultimately inedible, the settlers realized that the sap altered their moods and theorized that it could affect other creatures. Through experimentation and partnership, they were able to create the earliest form of dryad oil, and used it to manage spirit populations around their settlements and homesteads.
Dryad oil surged in popularity when mainland merchants traveled to the island searching for treasure. Along with other cultural touchstones and valuable goods, they took the secrets to creating dryad oil, and expanded on the process, learning that sap need not be provided voluntarily. This ultimately reduces the quality of oil, but greatly increases the speed at which it can be made.
Life & Expiration
Dryad oil is a naturally magical substance due to the core ingredient. The manufacturing process also cures the sap and seals much of the magic inside the oil - the lingering scent is the magic that slowly bleeds from it. This allows the scent to linger for long periods of time, sometimes days or weeks in normal conditions. In areas where the magic is allowed to bleed more quickly, such as in low or non-magical zones, the oil can expire much faster. Likewise, in an area of higher magical concentration, the ambient magic can suppress the bleed and not only reduce the potency of the smell but prevent or seal it entirely. Some tombs use dryad oil as traps to prevent looting or warn against dangers that lurk further in.
Warning: Dryad oil is not safe for consumption. Do not use it for cooking or in places where food is prepared.
Warning: Dryad oil is not machine safe. Do not use it in place of fuel or as a lubricant for moving parts.
Notice: Purer dryad oil can be very potent and can sometimes have an intoxicating or mind altering effect. For routine use, always have easy access to fresh air. Use responsibly.
Type
Organic
Odor
Fresh cut wood with various undertones
Taste
Slightly sweet, earthy, and spirited
Color
Translucent, dark amber
Density
significantly denser than water
Common State
Liquid
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