Script Extender

The script extender is one of the most important tools for an Archivist as it lets them write messages in Ioquan Shorthant without the need to rewrite every message into common later.

Appearance

Script extenders consists of a stylus and a portable writing desk. The stylus is easy to recognise as their appearance differs a lot from the basic quill most people in Kaigan are familiar with. It is a sleek cylinder, made from either clear or slightly coloured glass, that on the writing end tapers quickly to a dull point while on the holding end it tapers gradually to a rounded of end. The thickest point is about one to two centimetres from the writing end.
In order for the script extender to work it needs to be accompanied by a specially manufactured writing desk. This writing desk is made to be portable and is only slightly bigger than a standard grade sheet of archive paper. This writing desk is made with a simple wooden construction and has three layers. The bottom layer holds the sheet that will eventually have the fully transcribed message. The middle layer is made from a wooden frame that holds a sheet of special magically conducting material and with a hinge system it folds on top of the previous layer. On top of the middle layer a second sheet will be placed on which the Archivist will write their shorthand message. The top layer is made again from wood and made as a cover to protect the shorthand writing and the magical sheet. The top and bottom layer can be clasped together to keep all the paper inside for easy storage and portability.

Function

When an Archivist gets their script extender both the stylus and the magical sheet inside the writing desk are inscribed with runes, linking both together which allows the enchantment magic to transfer the shorthand to readable text. This makes that either writing with the stylus on a different surface or with a different writing tool on top of the magical sheet, does not work.

Item type

Tool

Customisable

Each Archivist can choose their own stylus and writing desk. Libraries often have a selection of colours available for the stylus and a selection of different wood options for writing desks. It is even possible for Archivists to get their stylus custom made by a glassblower, but this is often only done by older Archivists or High Archivists who have worked at the Archives for a long time and is seen among other Archivists as a symbol of experience and status.