Shadowtop

The soaring giants of Faerunian forests, shadowtops

can grow 2 feet a year and top out at 90 feet. A full-grown shadowtop

flares out to a diameter of 10 feet or more at its base, its trunk

surrounded by many pleat-like ridges. Shadowtops are named for the

dense clusters of feathery leaves at the tops of their trunks. Shadowtop

leaves are irregular in shape and have copper undersides and

deep green upper surfaces.

Shadow-wood is fibrous and tough, but unsuitable for carving or

structural work because under stress it splits down its length into

splayed fibers. These fibers are valued in rope-making (a few added to

the twist improves the strength and durability of a completed coil)

and burns slowly but cleanly, generating a very hot fire, with little

smoke. This makes it ideal for cooking.