Copperbounds

Especially in Omgaland, but to greater or lesser degrees throughout Emrath, one of the most popular entertainments is the reading and collecting of Copperbounds. These are novels and short stories about the great heroes of the past, and the exploits of current adventurist individuals and groups. While it is true that most of these stories take some pretty significant creative liberties with the events they describe, they are nevertheless a driving force in establishing the popularity of living and historical figures in Emrathian society.
The name comes from an old practice, mostly out of vogue these days, of binding official accounts of significant events with copper covers and seals, to protect the pages from aging. The practice goes back to before the Ice, as some very few of these have been recovered from ancient ruins, and although most recount stories that have no modern relevance, there is the occasional gem amongst the chaff.
Modern Copperbounds are not so lavishly protected, however. They are often written and copied onto poor quality paper, bound with cheap glue and course stitching, with thicker paper for covers. Collectors of greater means seek out not only older works from popular writers of old, but also the higher-quality writing, binding, and materials of some of the higher-end writers. But even the poorest are willing to shell out some of their hard-earned specie to purchase the occasional copy of Gavillars Travels, or Epic of Bakhan the Devastator , or Mercuriel's Greatest Grifts, or The Wyvern Wing's Exploration of Ancient Ruins, and Their Valiant Victories Over Monsters Most Malevolent.
Historical epics and tales of daring-do are not the only Copperbounds available for reading. Romance tales, ranging from tasteful to downright raunchy are also quite popular, and not just for women. Some of the best ones are illustrated, and a few illusorily animated (which go for a fortune, as permanent illusions are not cheap). Popular titles include The Taking of Her Grace's Maidenhead, Taming the Fiery Heart (especially sought after, as it is rumored to have been written by an Amaten Storysinger), and The Adventures of Felacio of Lickquick Tavern.
The final type of Copperbounds are the Tradebounds, which are essentially reviews and travel guides. The reviews cover purveyors of various crafts, from smiths to clothiers to Merchant Houses and services. Being reviewed by these writers, especially those enjoying a modicum of fame locally, can make or break a business venture, and many craftsmen and service providers go to great ends to accommodate whomever they might suspect as being Tradebounders in their efforts to remain commercially relevant. And then there are travel guides which seek to make recommendations to travellers for places to stay, amusements to pursue, and foods to try out while on the road, as well as deep dives into local cultures and customs.
The advent of Repeater Tableteers in Omgaland has devastated the collector market, while simultaneously making Copperbounds more accessible to the common folk, elevating the exposure of writers with the means to afford Tableteer services for their works, and inflating the value of original copies of the more sought after Copperbounds. Just last year, the Crown has decreed, and enthusiastically enforces, that all Copperbounds must display a date of release, and all Tableted Copperbounds a Version Marking, as well as the Tableteer's Guildmark alongside the tokenpress of the Lord of Publication on the inside cover to certify the copy's authenticity.