Tailor

Perception

Purpose

Tailors offer a wide array of services; from patching and repair, to making new clothing as well as trend setting. Helping with choice of fabric or offering information on how to protect different types of cloth and how to clean them. Also very knowledgeable in the maintenance of said articles, a great number of them are also knowledgeable in accessories as well.

Social Status

Tailors are held in same regards as one would view any professional service. Higher than a common worker/laborer, but not as high as those considered true masters of the arts. A notable example would be The Forgemaster, You Khamere or Cloquet and Sons. Though, as with any industry there are certain individuals that reach the limits of the craft, and surpass them. These Tailors are held to a much higher degree, as their products tend to be of mythical quality.

Often addressed with respect, often given somewhat special treatment from other professionals. However, Tailors usually were born out of a need, not a want. Thus many of the shops and parlors owned by these individuals tend to have humble beginnings. As such, they treat the poor with an amount of graciousness not seen in many other industries. Some giving steep discounts, or outright working for free for those in need.

History

Traditionally, Tailors were called many things, Seamstresses, Weavers, haberdashers, Fitters and Tailors. They would have their skill sets subdivided into much more niche skills, tailors were for all intents and purposes used to using thread and needle to make their wares. However, this changed dramatically when the Artificer movement swept throughout the Continent improving upon a vast array of things.

For the Tailors specifically, a certain type of needle came into being. Typically needles were made of bone, wood, or tin. The Gnomes when they brought the practice to the mainland, brought with them their metals too. These needles were finely etched in runes of stamina, speed, endurance, durability, into a Gnomish Steel that held a few unique qualities. During the tempering process, Gnomish Steel can take on two different states, a dusty soft steel that slowly erodes with use, or a dense crystalline structure that is highly resistant to blunt damage.

The needles are made of this dusty variant. As the runes infuse the needle itself with this magic, the material transfers this same energy into the dust that coats the seams of each piece. Though, it is such a fine powder that it is difficult to see. That dust reinforces each stitch with a small fraction of the power given to these needles, thus giving the garment the same properties.

Many tailors also learn just enough Artificer Magic to learn how to make their own needles, leading to a diverse cosmos of attributes that can be given to any individual piece of clothing. Though, some of the more higher end tailors commission these out to have more potent enchantments, making their pieces more powerful in return. Though, higher quality, with stronger magics does come with a subsequent price tag.

Type

Artisan

Demand

Higher end Luxury, though is widely considered a necessity

Famous in the Field

• Mother Afjie
• Stjerkaler: Hjalti Evergrown

He walked into the shop, the ornately carved sign stood as a frame to the doorway. "The Chenille Lace". It was a little off the beaten path, just outside of the main market square where most of the other Artisanal vendors were. Though, based off the amount of polished stones beneath his feet, the place was a frequent spot.
Opening the door, a soft bell rang somewhere in the back, he was far more immersed in the scene unfolding before him, however. Rows and rows of machines, spidery fingers stitching together cloth that seems to move of it's own will. As if these vast bolts of cloth wished to become something else. He spotted workers behind paper screens, quietly chatting amongst themselves as the soft snip of sharp scissors filled the air.
The front desk had an attractive young woman tatting together a ribbon of silk, her hands covered in what seemed like the same lace she was making, it took him a long moment before he realized two things. The first was that she had set down her work, and with a pleasant smile asked how she could help him. The second was that her hands were covered in Alchemical Henna. The subtle magic allowing her to move faster, without tiring or injury. An expensive enchantment all things considered.
"I was hoping to see if the Master was around to discuss a commission I'd like." He asked, taking his hat off and bowing to the young woman.
"He's in back, in the studio. Follow me please." She said sweetly, guiding him to dimly lit room except for what seemed like a faulty lamp, flickering on and off. The scent of perfumed cloth, the heady smell of incense and dust. It took him some time just watching the flickering in the darkened room before it dawned on him that there wasn't any light at all in here. He was seeing the needle move in and out of the silk the Gnomish man was working on.
"Sir, you have a Patron wishing to discuss a piece with you." She said before walking back out the doorway.
A light flipped on, and the milky white eyes of the Gnomish man looked up to him. He was blind, yet nearly every inch of his skin was covered in that same lacework henna he saw on the woman out front. But, this wasn't henna that would wear away, it was tattooed into his skin. "What can I help you with, Son?"