The script used in most of the north has a tradition running back over 2000 years. The letters are unjoined, Words are separated by one dot, sentences by two.
Orthography is mostly a liberal art. The Cargans of the Old Empire compiled dictionaries in Cargan, and this language still sees more consistent spelling than other written languages. Certain Confederates have made attempts at issuing Frankish dictionaries, but this is generally seen as some sort of esoteric plot - even by most Confederates. This notion is reinforced by the acrimonious dispute over seemingly minor differences twixt the dictionary-makers.
Most writing is done on rag paper of varying grades of quality. More important writings are made on paper made from fresh linen or hemp, whereas the finest of all is parchment.
Books tend to increase in size with their importance.
The flowing, joined script of the Haramesh flows dances like wind and flame across the papyrus pages they favour.
Haramesh spelling is more consisten than that of the northern literati, but their calligraphy makes each letter a mutable shape.
Advanced scholars of magic, astrology and alchemy may learn to read this tongue to tap the fount of the knowledgable sages of the south.
2 derniers will buy a sheet of parchment, a dozen sheets of fine rag paper, or two dozen sheets of poor rag paper.
Blank ragpaper book: $40+
Blank parchment book $250+
Trash print book <$100
Printed book $200+
Parchment manuscript: $800+
Like everything else in Ymirea, written words have a life and spirit (numen) of their own. The strength of the spirit depends on the care taken in their creation. Hence, a illumniated, calligraphed parchment manuscript will endure through the millennia, whereas a printed book on rag paper will degenerate into total gibberish within a century.