General Information
Name: Drak Hide
Class: Vitalic
Type: Hide
Colour: Mottled grey-brown with a matte finish
Smell: Earthy, slightly acrid when freshly cured
Description: Drak Hide is a semi-flexible and weather-hardy leather. Its coarse, bumpy texture provides natural grip and durability, making it highly sought for boots, bags, harnesses, and lightweight outerwear. When left unpolished, it retains a unique, natural look.
Properties: Naturally resistant to tearing, water, and moderate heat. When properly tanned, the hide remains pliable without sacrificing strength. Offers mild insulation and is commonly layered with cloth for practical, mobile armor. Alchemically inert, yet valued as a safe container for volatile or reactive reagents due to its toughness.
Harvesting & Processing
Harvesting: Best collected from the flanks and back of the Drak where the hide is thick and less damaged. May be taken post-mortem from mature specimens, or in small patches from elder Draks under sedation. Skinners must take care not to score or pierce the hide, as clean removal improves yield and curing.
Processing: Can be cured through sun-drying, salt-packing, or immersion in natural tannins. Once dried and tanned, hides are oiled for long-term use and kept pliable. Polishing is optional, but many prefer to leave the surface raw for improved grip.
Storage: Store flat or rolled in a dry place. Occasional oiling prevents cracking and extends lifespan. Well-prepared Drak Hide can last for decades without rot or structural loss, making it a staple material among tanners and tradesfolk.