Woods & Cores

The Norway spruce is widespread in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe and grows to a height of 30–60 m with a trunk diameter of approximately 1–2 m. Its bark is thinly scaly and reddish-brown to grayish-brown, while the wood is creamy-white to pale yellowish or reddish. With a density of around 420–470 kg/m³, it combines low weight with good elasticity, straight grain, and excellent workability.

Spruce wood demands skill. It responds poorly to hesitancy but excellently to courage, decisiveness, and a firm, steady hand. This wood isn't truly difficult in the conventional sense—yet it immediately exposes and amplifies insecurity instead of concealing it. Those who lead imprecisely work against it, not with it. It often chooses magicians who don't shrink under pressure but act with greater clarity and resolve. This often manifests as a certain boldness, coupled with technical dexterity and a sense of timing. Spruce responds strongly to presence and active, conscious control of one's own magic. Its nature is particularly evident in high difficulty, pronounced sorcery, and a palpable, assertive power. Spells rarely succeed by chance with it. It demands participation but responds with remarkable clarity and intensity. Particularly finely crafted magic can develop an almost striking expressiveness with spruce. At the same time, it possesses a willful quality. Spruce doesn't blindly follow every instruction, but rather responds to the quality of the leadership. Unclear or half-hearted impulses quickly lead to imprecise or even problematic results. This characteristic makes it demanding, but also honest in its dealings. If a bond is established, another side emerges. Spruce develops a pronounced loyalty and works closely with its bearer. Its magic can then appear surprisingly vibrant and at times even dramatic – not from excess, but from precise, powerful execution. In the right hand, it becomes a magic wand that makes skill visible. Spruce doesn't merely amplify, it demands – and therein lies its true quality.