You're familiar with the concept of magical staves, right? [Not that he waits for Lin Jinghen to answer, before barreling on. The info dump mode... it has been unlocked.] Palismen are a witch's companion and part of their staves, traditionally carved from the branch of an ancient tree using special techniques that have been developed and refined over the course of centuries. I've read getting your own staff was once even considered a rite of passage for young witches! [He's exited to talk about the subject.

And then, all of a sudden, less excited.]

Though, uh, the... practice is rarer nowadays. Palistrom wood's been overharvested, so there's not a lot to go around for carving new palismen.