Sefiagraph
Sefiagraph is a novel tool, invented in the University of Erwy Technology Advancement Department. It allows for use of sefia-infused ink to write messages with unique characteristics.
Sefiagraph prototypes are unwieldy tools. They are thick metal cylinders, about 5 cm in diameter and 15 cm long, usually encased in a layer of material not conductive to heat (alternatively, use of thick gloves is allowed). On one end, the cylinder narrows to a point, and a small hole is visible, through which the ink escapes. On the other side is a 1 cm diameter opening, where an ink cylinder can be put in. This opening has a plug to be inserted after loading to secure the ink inside. Entire tool is then placed in a heating chamber, which allows the sefia ink to dissolve into liquid. Initial heating takes an hour and allows for 10-15 minutes of use. Subsequent reheating can be shorter, but at least 15 minutes is recommended to reduce viscosity as much as possible and avoid repeated cycles. Having a razor or another cutting utensil handy is also advised to cut the ink if too solid.
After discovering the ancient Extan texts, Erwy researchers became interested in the idea of adding sefia to dyes and pigments used to make ink. While the role of sefia in the Extan texts is not clear, the writing shows no sign of deterioration, contrary to the parchment used, and thus was presumably perfectly preserved after centuries. In an attempt to analyze the usefulness of similar technology, the researchers attempted to mix sefia crystals into known ink compositions. The effects were discouraging at first, as the material reacted with other crystalline substances in the mixture and solidified almost instantly. Heating up the mixture for an extended time temporarily allowed for its liquification and use as an ink. No special characteristics were observed until specific dyes were used, such as insect derived carmine or turmeric yellow. Attempts to use the ink with a simple heated inkwell were unsuccessful, due to the ink cooling off too fast on the tip of the quill.
The use of the sefiagraph is still very limited, as the cost of making ink cylinders is high and the technology needs to be perfected before public use is allowed. Several supernatural properties of the ink were observed. One ink composition lets the user write text with the imagery ingrained into it; for example, the sentence “Imagine a cat” can evoke exclusively an image of a white cat, while no color is specified. Other ink was found to attempt to autocomplete the current word, with the ink spreading slightly before the sefiagraph itself. Intention seems to be somehow read by the ink, as it re-forms when the tool is given to another person mid-word and the word changes. Third observed oddity was an ink which solidified much faster than others. It was discovered to react and prevent the user from intentionally writing a fictional statement or a lie. Especially releasing the last ink to the public may have unpredictable consequences.
Description
Sefiagraph prototypes are unwieldy tools. They are thick metal cylinders, about 5 cm in diameter and 15 cm long, usually encased in a layer of material not conductive to heat (alternatively, use of thick gloves is allowed). On one end, the cylinder narrows to a point, and a small hole is visible, through which the ink escapes. On the other side is a 1 cm diameter opening, where an ink cylinder can be put in. This opening has a plug to be inserted after loading to secure the ink inside. Entire tool is then placed in a heating chamber, which allows the sefia ink to dissolve into liquid. Initial heating takes an hour and allows for 10-15 minutes of use. Subsequent reheating can be shorter, but at least 15 minutes is recommended to reduce viscosity as much as possible and avoid repeated cycles. Having a razor or another cutting utensil handy is also advised to cut the ink if too solid.
Technology
After discovering the ancient Extan texts, Erwy researchers became interested in the idea of adding sefia to dyes and pigments used to make ink. While the role of sefia in the Extan texts is not clear, the writing shows no sign of deterioration, contrary to the parchment used, and thus was presumably perfectly preserved after centuries. In an attempt to analyze the usefulness of similar technology, the researchers attempted to mix sefia crystals into known ink compositions. The effects were discouraging at first, as the material reacted with other crystalline substances in the mixture and solidified almost instantly. Heating up the mixture for an extended time temporarily allowed for its liquification and use as an ink. No special characteristics were observed until specific dyes were used, such as insect derived carmine or turmeric yellow. Attempts to use the ink with a simple heated inkwell were unsuccessful, due to the ink cooling off too fast on the tip of the quill.
Use
The use of the sefiagraph is still very limited, as the cost of making ink cylinders is high and the technology needs to be perfected before public use is allowed. Several supernatural properties of the ink were observed. One ink composition lets the user write text with the imagery ingrained into it; for example, the sentence “Imagine a cat” can evoke exclusively an image of a white cat, while no color is specified. Other ink was found to attempt to autocomplete the current word, with the ink spreading slightly before the sefiagraph itself. Intention seems to be somehow read by the ink, as it re-forms when the tool is given to another person mid-word and the word changes. Third observed oddity was an ink which solidified much faster than others. It was discovered to react and prevent the user from intentionally writing a fictional statement or a lie. Especially releasing the last ink to the public may have unpredictable consequences.
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