Scribes
Scribes have the rare skill of being able to read and write. Most people don't have the time or resources to learn how to do so and thus even most sovereigns are unable to do this. Instead people must rely on trained scribes to transcribe, copy, preserve, and read documents ranging from tax information, diplomatic correspondance, trade deals, religious texts, and more or else rely on memory.
Career
Qualifications
Throughout any sovereignties there are several schools that teach reading and writing but its a time consuming process and quite expensive so few can Most sovereignties run several schools purely so that they always have a steady stream of scribes at their disposal. Being able to read and write multiple different languages makes a scribe especially valuable and thus especially well paid.
Perception
Social Status
As befitting such an important and rare profession, scribes are greatly respected. Even those of higher rank like nobles and high priest generally treat them with great courtesy. Scribes can generally afford many comforts like a large house, good quality clothes, and plenty of food. Some can even earn or save enough that they are on par with nobles in terms of wealth.
Demographics
Scribes typically come from middle to upper middle class families. Usually one or both of their parents are or were scribes but some artisans and merchants send one of the children to scribe school as a way to improve their standing or because they show a great apttitude for it.
Operations
Tools
A scribe tools include papyrus, skins, wax tablets, paper, or some other surface to write on, pens typically made of reed or wood, and ink. Most scribes only regularly use black ink but for particularly important documents other colours may be used.
Provided Services
Scribes keep written records for governments, merchants, and temples so a large amount of information can be remembered and recorded for prosperity. Treaties and agreements are often written down so that the terms can be remembered and all parties involved can be sure that the others are sticking to the agreement. They will also read back written works to those who cannot read.
Demand
high
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