Sedge Paper

After their escape to the Valley, the refugees were completely cut off from their source of imported paper. For the majority of those that now inhabited the valley, this posed no problem. Aside from records of births, deaths, and important economic deals signed in the presence of the Emperor's Proximus they had rarely, if ever, used the material themselves.
However, for Lord Fenton Caius and those who were in charge of exploring and documenting their new home, paper was a much needed material. There were workarounds, such as the inner bark carefully stripped from young trees and carvings on stone. In fact, it was during this time that the column of laws began to be carved. However, none of these methods proved to be as useful as paper. The Caius' old Steward, finding himself unsuited to this new world of building and exploration, set himself the task of creating a solid paper substitute.
He found the material he needed in a species of thick grass found deep in the Marshes, and after several years of experimentation, he revealed to the rest of the valley his creation: Sedge Paper.
Since its discovery, Sedge Paper has been a crucial export of The Marshes. Those that live in the Marshes jealously guard the Steward's family as they create the paper, knowing that without its exclusivity, they would be a forgotten backwater to Oss and Vedan.

History & Usage

Refinement

Bunches of Cyperus Buma are harvested and immediately cored. The interior pith is cut into strips as thin as possible and put into water to soak for several days.
Once the soaking is complete, the strips are laid across each other and pressed together, usually with two flat boards and a large rock.
After the pressure is released, the paper is carefully smoothed and stored until the next shipment is sent out.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Sedge Paper is used across the valley, but as the secret to its creation is a heavily guarded secret, each ream is coveted. Almost all the Sedge Paper in the valley was created by a single family, and shipments leave their lodgings deep in the Marsh quarterly.
Several inferior knockoffs exist, but it is easy to tell the difference by comparing texture and strength. It is the mark of a well-off merchant to always have a ream of Sedge Original handy to take down notes.

Type

Organic

Rarity

Rare

Color

A washed out yellow, with hints of white and black as a result of impurities

Related Locations

• The Marshes