Quathaquits Silk
Properties
Material Characteristics
Quathaquits silk is often found in the form of large sheets of cloth. It is iridescent in its natural form, shifting colours from lilac to pale blue to light green. When dyed, it retains its iridescence, though to a slightly lesser degree.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Quathaquit silk is soft and smooth to the touch, appearing quite delicate, however, it is an extremely durable fabric and can last hundreds of years.
Geology & Geography
This silk is only found in its natural form on the planet of Laethius, in the forests around Driseth territory, on the edges of Mozai territory and in the northern parts of Skoynea territory.
Origin & Source
Quathaquits, a strange 12-legged bug commonly found on the edge of Driseth territory, is the only known creature to produce this type of silk. They spin the silk in the tops of trees, creating soft nests for themselves.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Only priests of Orlas wear quathaquits silk every day, in the form of belts, the colour of the silk denoting their position within their order. For example, new initiates wear silk in its natural colour, while the High Priests wear silk that has been dyed a deep, dark purple. Quathaquits silk is also made into bedding for everyday use and is the most popular material for bed sheets, pillowcases and bed coverings in Orlas. Those of a particularly religious persuasion may also have curtains made from this silk.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Quathaquits silk is a symbol of faith in the gods for the people of Orlas. It is commonly used in their religious practices, typically in the form of clothing that is worn during celebrations of the Gods, when one is visiting a sermon given by priests, or by the priests themselves. When attending religious events, such as the Teachings of Ota, the people of Orlas wear silk scarves/neckties and silk bracelets, either in its natural colour or dyed the colour of the god they are worshipping.
Industrial Use
The silk is gathered from the forests in its natural form and weaved into sheets of cloth by Initiate Priests of various orders. Once it is weaved, the cloth can be dyed with fruit or extracts taken from flowers or minerals.
Environmental Impact
The current level of collecting silk from the forests is actually beneficial for the environment, as collecting too much would likely endanger the quathaquits, but collecting too little would allow the quathaquit nests to build up, blocking much of the sunlight from the plants it is spun on and preventing other creatures from feeding on the trees.
Reusability & Recycling
Silk textiles which gain holes are typically just repaired or made into another product. For example, a silk scarf with a large hole may be remade into a toy for children.
Distribution
Trade & Market
The religious leaders of Orlas give away scarves and neckties made from quathaquits silk at the start of many of their ceremonies. They also sell other silk products from their temples or in the markets for a modest trade.
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