Stonefall White

When it comes to adhesives, there is one that furniture makers in Polira's central region rely on to get them the results they want without marring the wood. It is a particular variety of pine resin pitch known as Stonefall White. Amber in color when heated, this pitch is vaunted for being able to bind materials firmly, without visible residue. Its remarkable color is not the result of some secret formula, but the product of particular pine trees that grow close to the Stonefall cascade and the Gennemart escarpment that it plummets from.

Varen pines, so named for the Varenelle River, are a rare variety of pine that produces a remarkably clear tree resin. Outsiders claim it is the waterfall's mist that causes this, while locals will tell you that the pines love the cliff face. Whatever the reason, these particular pines are indeed only found at the base of the escarpment, and generally only within hearing of the Stonefall.

The resin from these trees can only be collected by members of the Stonefall Pitchworkers’ Guild, who maintain a geographic monopoly on this resource. The sticky sap is collected in late spring both from natural occurrences and from shallow cuts made in the bark by the gatherers. The trees are carefully maintained and rotated, so that trees which are marked one year are then rested for the next harvest season. The honey-amber harvest is then taken to the processing workshop, where it is slowly heated, and cleared of debris and impurities. A small amount of beeswax is added for increased flexibility, before finally straining it through linen one last time, and pouring the mixture into molds.

The result is a disk-shaped cake of hardened resin, almost translucent ivory in appearance, and about a handspan across. Each cake is stamped with the guild seal to indicate authenticity and grade of quality. Carefully packed in bark and cloth, cushioned with hay, and sealed into crates, again, with the guild seal. This is necessary to keep the adhesive disks from touching, prevent wear to the edges, and thwart counterfeiters. Stonefall White is sensitive to temperature extremes, however, and cannot be shipped too far beyond the central region without serious degredation of quality.

Bits of these smooth, waxy circles can be shaved off the edges, warmed, and applied to the work surface. These pieces will grow more elastic when warm and will bond easily to wood and other surfaces. Excess resin can be removed cleanly with a knife after setting, without staining the wood below. This is particularly useful for delicate inlay work in furniture and cabinetry, and plays a role in the reputation that has developed around the central region for fine inlay and decoration. The discs themselves can keep for years if stored correctly, in a cool, dry place away from light, and may even work better after time spent curing.

Type

Organic

Value

3-6 silver

Rarity

Regionally restricted, guild-controlled

Odor

Pine and beeswax

Color

Ivory/amber

Related Locations

• Stonefall

Related Species

• Varen Pine

Counterfeiting White

Stonefall is hard enough to come by that there is a certain amount of counterfeiting that takes place, especially in large cities like Auberris, or in farther flung areas.

Counterfeit Stonefall White can be made from regular pitch in a number of ways. One method is to add a large amount of chalk to the resin to lighten it. Others use a quantity of beeswax to dilute it. The result is the same, an inferior product.

Customers should always look for the guild mark, a stylized pinecone next to a drop of resin, before buying, and ask for a shaving or two from the sample disk most merchants provide.