Ghalem

The ghalem is a multi pronged tool used to write in Khat notation. Originally developed by Khat Dar in 710KA, along with its writing system, it is affixed with four bar like prongs that come together to form a square. Four more prong like attachments are arrange on the outside of the bars to illustrate a series of three dots, called a sekhat. fixed in the center is a single large circular prong that is used for later characters in the alphabet.
The ghalem's original shape was in several larger chisel like pieces as it was designed for etching stone and other hard surfaces. As writing surfaces advanced to clay and similar materials the tool became a series of smaller lockable prongs, no larger than a nail in diameter, affixed with a band. Believed to be modified by many scribe in various ways, this allowed for swift writing/imprinting of each character but would eventually be replace with cylinder seals for ease of transcribing data.
After the introduction of fiber based writing materials and surfaces the ghalem received a renewed appreciation an modification. Re-envisioned by historian and enthusiast Khosh Nevis in 1580KA, the new utensil was equipped with springy pressure pads located at each digit to actuate each function whether the bars, the sekhat, or the central dot. Each ghalem also now used natural inks and wells to stamp each letter onto the page. This modification made the ghalem sleeker and more easy to use allowing for an increase in production of documents. Again however, the hand tools swiftly fell to the way side as easier methods were pursued.
First a type of cylinder seal was introduced in the late 2900s but it was quickly replaced with a more versatile and larger stamping method with removable lettering. The stamping method became popularized as society moved away from solid currencies and into a bank note method for transactions, known as pents. The introduction of pents as a safer form of currency also popularized paper as the primary material for printers.
Despite the standardization of paper sizes and prevalence of printers, a few still use the ghalem. These people either use it as a means of writing missives for considerably less cost, otherwise, they use it as a nod in respect to the history of the writing system. Those seeking to send missives outside of a printer may find a few still practicing the handwritten forms and commission them. Though normally standardized in shape, some have modified or personalized ghalems to allow for a type of calligraphy.

Khat notation

A system by which all published works are made, to include bills of sale and deeds. It consists of straight lines in varying patterns within a square shape as well as lines of three dots to show a modified character. Later characters also contain a central dot to provide for more characters. The system was adopted to provide a transliteration device for the mixture of languages found within human cities and provide a form of common language.

Item type

Tool