Fountain Pen

Fountains pens are common writing instruments throughout Tamaris. They were first developed in the 4590s by the Astorian pen company Berger. They rapidly gained popularity for their ability to hold a reservoir of ink and could last for days before needing to be refilled. Though typewriters now dominate the secretarial and business worlds, many people still prefer the look and feel of a fountain pen. Since the 4970s, fountain pens have become a class symbol, and many brands strive to associate themselves with quality and the upper class.

Types of Pens

Among the lower classes, the typical fountain pen is made from cheap metal with a rounded steel nib and no embellishment. They're mass produced by Walthrow Stationary. They're widely regarded as beginner pens and sturdy enough for daily use. Luxury pens are handcrafted with little limitation on design and material. Wood pens are popular, and enameled pens are frequently marketed to aristocratic ladies. For the rich, gold nibs are available, and calligraphy nibs are used for writing invitations or adding flourishes to a page. The end of the nib is flat, and the tines are more pliable under pressure which facilitates thicker lines on the downstroke followed by thin lines on the upstroke. The most well known pen producers are Berger, Cygne, Dubrovshy, Riki, and Ålend. However, dozens of pen companies exist to suit people of all price ranges and styles.

Ink

Ink for fountain pens is a subject of great debate. The main varieties are pigment-based inks and dye-based inks. Typically, the upper class swear by dye-based inks. Colors are as varied as clothing dyes, and many of the textile dye companies also produce pen ink. In Petrek, the company Tverdyach developed an ink that doesn't freeze in cold temperatures. It only comes in brown and blue, but it's in high demand in northern parts of the continent. So far, no one else has been able to replicate the formula. In Verona, Saint Olmeren Pens created the first true waterproof ink. It is primarily distributed to the clergy and is rarely for sale to the general public. Gartesa, a rival ink company in Verona, created a water resistant ink which is widely sold and frequently mistaken for the rarer Saint Olmeren ink. In Astoria, Haywell & Sons invented a stainless ink. On paper, it behaves like normal dye-based ink, but when it comes in contact with oils in human skin, it dries into a thin crust which can be peeled off and doesn't leave ink stains on fingers and hands. It's fairly expensive but widely popular with rich women who spend hours writing letters and invitations.

Item type

Tool

Rarity

Common