Brick Burned Shells
Red is the colour of Ravero, but few know that the correct red is made from a small sea shell found only by the coast.— Everam, Teller of Nimenra
Brick Burned Shells can be found all along the western coast of Ravero. These shells have their name from the brunt-red colour that it has and the sharp formations they have displayed. No bigger than one to three centimetres, they are a valued commodity for its use as a dye. The rich red colour created from the shells is called Renvaren Royal Red and the nobility have the colour in their heraldry.
Physical Characteristics
The Brick Burned Shells have a distinct pattern to them. They have sharp lines that create bricks of various designs with angles that seem constructed. Every shell has its own pattern and can contain many small or large patterns. The red-burned colour, a darkened red is most common but there are a few cases of black and softer reds that have been found.
Properties and produce
The shells in their found state are not used beyond perhaps decoration. More valued is the dye that is created by crushing them. Several thousand shells are needed to colour textiles. When done the textile is made into garments or other wares for use. Some people of the patient kind have been able to "milk" the needed mixture from the shells by keeping them as pets. These have a renewable source of dye. However, this process takes months compared to the crushing of shells which take only days.
History & Usage
Cultural Significance and Usage
The colour red has always been known as the "Renvaren" colour. The common reason why is the legend about Resmyn, who was a Renvaren man that donned the colour red to hide from Umberem after having tricked the God of Dreams and the Night into allowing him to escape the need to sleep. Resmyn's red cloak prevented God from finding him until Resmyn decided to reveal himself to God out of respect. Umberem, tricked but not one to lose to anger or ignore a good character, proclaimed that Resmyn's descendants would wear red to hide their wounds and allow them to show bravery against any threat. Red thus became the colour of bravery and God's respect. Ravero's kings have clamed to be decendant from Resmyn, or Redwun as he also is known as.
The Renvaren tribe of Herrnmeids is said to have used the colour red as a colour of nobility by their tribe chief and leaders. According to myth, Herrnmeids' peasants and food collectors were dressed in less colourful variants due to their job while the leaders carried the brighter colour of red as a sign of being protectors and, of course, leaders.
Value
A weeks salery for a craftsman (about 20 silver)
Rarity
Uncommon
Color
Rusted-red
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