Qalam

Qalams are cut reed pens that are typically used in Jinni influenced cultures, especially for Darijan calligraphy or sigil scripting.

Manufacturing process

A qalam is cut from between two nodes of the stem of a reed chosen for its straight fibers. the reed segment are soaked and sun-dried, and a nib, somewhat resembling that of a steel pen, then fashioned by slicing off the thicker end at an angle and cutting an ink-slot in the tip. Separate nibs are shaped for different calligraphic styles, their points varying in width, sharpness, angle or concavity, and position of the ink-slot.

Significance

Qalam were once the only form of writing implement used in the original golden age of Jinnistan though after the collapse of civilization, writing practically went with it as well. With the resurgence of jinn culture in the past three millennia, came the revival of Darijia calligraphy which practically necessitates the creation of qalam over modern pens for the style.

Item type

Communication

Rarity

Considering their long history, qalam have gone from being the only pens to being nearly lost to a resurgance of newer modern style ones. Thus while not the most common variety of pen, they can be found throughout the world will artisanal hand crafted qalam being incredibly valuable. Handmade artisan qalam are considered valuable with functional or artifice qalam from the old world before the calamity being the most coveted of them all.

Dimensions

8 or 10 inches (20 or 25 cm) long

Raw materials & Components

The stems of hollow reeds are cut at specific angles depending on intended script so that they can be used for calligraphy, and the type of reed used varies depending on the specific calligrapher's preferences. Originally and by bourgeois enthusiasts,  the ideal qalam was desired to be roughly twelve to sixteen inches long, and could not be too dry as they require a specific balance of not too sturdy and not too flexible for calligraphy.