Inkstick

Mechanics & Inner Workings

An inkstick is a slender metal tube, tapered with a small blade on one end. The ink, sealed within the tube in the shape of a smaller cylindrical rod, is housed within. This ink, derived from an alchemical mixture of squid ink, plant extracts, pigments and minerals can come in a variety of colours and effects, based on the precise mixture within.
As the stick is gripped, the ambient body heat of the user's hand melts a small amount of the inkrod, allowing it to drip to the point of the blade and leave marks on parchment, vellum and paper.
The inkrods cannot be swapped out, and many wealthier individuals carry a set with different colours or effects, such as disappearing ink for sensitive missives. The densey compacted inkrods and slow melting ensures longevity for the devices. Some inkrods include a refillable capsule at the top filled with similarly melting wax, that can be dribbled over an envelope to seal it. Some varieties exclusively contain a larger reservoir of this wax, acting as a portable signet set.
Some individuals, such as Sidhe of the Winter Court, are unable to heat the pen with body heat, and must heat the ink by holding the case above a small flame, like a candle.

Significance

The inkstick has largely replaced the standard quill in most academic and ministerial circuits, although quills are still commonly used throughout Alvez. Inksticks have gained a reputation of "modern chic" and it is considered fashionable amongst the nobility and wealthy merchants to possess a set of these, customized to one's ownership. A common feature is an embossed pattern on the casing that can be rolled over wax as a signet seal.

Item type

Tool

Rarity

Inksticks come in two general varieties, based on the quality of the device. Finely crafted inksticks can be difficult to obtain, but less refined versions of the technology are regularly available in academic, mercantile and religious circles.
Higher-grade inksticks, crafted with finer attention to detail, ornamentation and better quality ink are more difficult to obtain, and are usually specially commission from a skilled goldsmith or silversmith. Each of these custom pieces is unique and tailored to the requests of the original commissioner.
Lesser quality inksticks, while not mass produced, are typically created with inferior materials and craftsmanship, using tin and squid-ink rather than alchemical mixtures.

Weight

50 grams

Dimensions

177 mm x 15mm

Base Price

10 Derniers - 3 Sous

Raw materials & Components

Alchemically treated metal (Gold, Silver, or Tin) smithed into a small tube.
The Inkrod ingredients vary, but typically use squid-ink as a base, with more complex creations being used for higher grade inksticks.