text: Phantom ash is a fine black powder. It appears as a dark dust or film on trees and other surfaces and can be gathered by scraping it off. It contains bacteria which feeds on dead organisms, bark and skin cells. The substance attaches to any skin it touches, making it appear dark and becoming somewhat reflective and void-like and it is hard to remove
  
  This substance is necessary for protecting anyone who enters the region as it disguises them and allows them to blend in with the environment, making them less visible to potential predators. It also has certain unique properties that can enhance anyone using it, giving them enhanced senses including night vision and sensing vibrations in the ground. It can also be controlled by anyone using it, allowing them to manipulate it as a weapon although this takes extensive training