Achala's Pen

Achala's Pen is a unique fountain pen owned by The Oracle of Sajhdula. It is a pen which was once created by The Forgotten and is the only one of its kind in the present day. The pen is likely over 20.000 years old, thanks to its ageless condition.

Description

The Pen looks much like any other fancy fountain pen. Its nib, made from an unknown metal seen in various other Forgotten Artefacts, acts and looks like one would expect from a fountain pen nib. The barrel is beautifully decorated with what looks like pearl inlays. This same decoration can be found on the cap as well. The pen comes with a detachable nib, and a box with five more nibs of various shapes. The box also features a recess to store the pen when not in use. It is decorated with engravings depicting a Star Kite in flight and delicate floral designs. When the nib is detached, the pen can be filled by dipping a small hollow metal feed in water-based ink, which then fills up the reservoir inside the pen. It is important to clean the feed and nib with each use to keep the pen in good shape.

That pen is a piece of extraordinary craftsmanship. Because it survived all these thousands of years, the Forgotten were able to gift us with a unique opportunity to copy its design to the best of our abilities. Writing has changed forever.

— Master Historian Gharun Dolhaim

The birth of fountain pens

For a long time the pen was a secret kept in the Oracle's inner circle. How word got out exactly about the existence of this unique pen is unknown. But over time its design could be investigated by scribes and artisans. This resulted in various attempts at making a similar design. The earliest fountain pens, manufactured in Sajhdula, had reservoirs which had to be filled manually by use of a tool. This was often a messy and tedious task. It was not until newer technologies allowed for the crafting of a feed similar to that of Achala's Pen, that the pens became a success. Fountain pens are now crafted all over the world, but the real Sajhdulan fountain pens are still seen as the best pens one can buy.

Item type

Unique Artifact

Current Location

The Golden Light Tower

Current Holder

The Oracle of Sajhdula

Weight

20g without cap/ 30g with cap

Length (closed)
134mm
Length (posted)
155mm
Diameter
12.7mm

Literacy

Many nations in Ealdwyll have a high rate of literacy. According to historical sources this was not always the case. Before the Pulse the rate of literacy was much lower and many children were homeschooled, which often did not include learning to read or write. After the Pulse something changed. Nations like Ghynzua or the Walled Cities of West Eghea put a high importance on education. Many of them have a system of compulsory education to ensure every child at least has the chance to get a good education.