In The Magic of Recluce, Lerris describes his staff as having been soaked in “ironbath.” While both the term itself and the sturdiness of the staff imply that the process hardens wood, could you provide a bit more insight into the process?

Lerris’s father and his good Uncle Sardit are actually engaging in a bit of misdirection. Although the staff was certainly soaked in a solution that will help harden wood, it was also imbued with a certain amount of free order that is designed to eventually make the holder more aware of his or her connection to order and which accounts for much of the additional strength. Lerris, of course, is not aware of this when he receives the staff.