Photaas is nestled in the northeastern tip of Kassander. Positioned strategically at a geographical highpoint it keeps a watchful eye upon ships entering the Great River. A fortress of sophistication and art, Photaas trades primarily in paints, canvas, materials for writing, and book binding. It has been said that not a book nor a scroll in all the land came about without the resources provided by the fortress.
Making Paints
Photaas makes paint using natural resources collected from the surrounding areas. However, sometimes merchants must travel as far as the Forsaken Lands. This can prove life-threatening but various kinds of paint can only be made with the earthen soil gathered there. Due to its high iron oxide-richness, merchants can produce ochres (yellow, red), umbers (brown), and siennas (red-brown).
To make high in demand ultramarine blues, travel to the Ice Lands is required. It is here where the Lapis lazuli–a deep blue metamorphic rock prized for its vivid color–can be sourced. Other blues and red come from various kinds of insects and plants. These are easily obtained by a 3-5 day southwest journey to Ugennis.
Making Canvas
To produce only the best quality of canvas for painting or writing, Photaas uses linen made from the fibers of the flax plant. This plant is grown in the southern part of the region due to the temperature and soil drain. First, the fabric is woven into a tight, consistent, plain weave which provides a smooth surface suitable for painting.
Once the fabric is woven properly, it is stretched tightly over a wooden frame, known as a stretcher. This frame is made of various types of wood, such as pine and oak. Stretching the fabric ensures it is taut and smooth. When the perfect size is fixed, the canvas is primed with a layer of gesso, a mixture of white pigment and a binder. This provides a smooth, white surface for the paint and helps to further seal the canvas. Photaas exports an endless assortment of canvas.
Book Binding
The last and most common export produced in Photaas is bookbinding. First, parchment from animal skins are prepared by scrapping and stretching the skin. After the priming process, multiple layers are collected together and folded into a gathering (group of pages). These are then sewn together along the spine. To ensure the durability and longevity of the book a thin wood board is affixed to the front and back to act as a cover.
Visiting
Upon entrance through the gate there is an ambient array of sights and sounds that please the senses. It is difficult to visit Photaas without wondering through the near endless channels of cobblestone paths to visit all the merchants. From weavers, painters, and book workshops to aquatic delicacies and fresh imports from Ugennis there is much to see. More importantly, there is much to try. When you stop in, be sure to purchase varicolored paints for personal projects, delight yourself in the edible assortment of tantalizing treats, or have a portrait painted of you or your loves ones.
