Ebony is an exceptionally dense dark hardwood harvested from the jungles of the New Republic of Bēti. Properly seasoned timber is heavy, close-grained and resistant to splintering. It can be polished to a deep black-brown sheen and, after suitable treatment, worked almost like stone.
Craftsmen use ebony for fine furniture, picture frames, sword hilts and occasionally complete wooden blades. Imperial jewellers favour its dark surface as a contrast to pale metals, ivory and bright gemstones, particularly in ornate chess sets. The slow growth of suitable trees and the difficulty of transporting dense logs out of Bēti make clear, straight pieces expensive long before carving begins.