#boralus

The Calligrapher's Delight

Yes, yes. Technically a scroll isn't a book. But these elaborately composed scrolls seem to be treasured and proudly displayed wherever they are found--including this one outside with but a tent for shelter from the elements.

The scroll materials are strong enough to hold together in defiance of gravity and the occasional tears, suggesting a sturdy parchment or vellum much like an illuminated manuscript. With a host of archivally-inclined scholars and scrollmaking artisans located just a stiff breeze away from here to the isle of the Stormsong Monastery, Boralus must be home to quite a few scrolls like this.

(from the Minneapolis Institute of Art 'How Illuminated Manscripts are made': https://new.artsmia.org/programs/teachers-and-students/teaching-the-arts/five-ideas/medieval-illuminated-manuscripts#03)

2. The Belted Brick of a Book

I can only hope it's the Complete and Unabridged Adventures of those zhevras up on the shelf.

3. The Diary

Someone does not want you to read this. Which means, of course, now I do want to read what's in it. There's formidable metal hardware on this cover, but also some finely crafted locking technology.

Curiously enough, some of the most diverse variety of books aren't to be found in Upton Borough, the Keep, or even the Monastery. No! Lost at Sea in Mariner's Row, of all places, has some of the most interesting collection for book props in the whole of Boralus. Certain books speak to the extent of trade networks that connected Boralus to the Eastern Kingdoms. (designed by Jordan Power: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ErxXe) 4. Dwarven Geo-Asymmetry

I suspect it's a dwarven book only because I have found this design around Dornogal as well. Special Mention: The 'Off-Duty' TTRPG group

That screen might be one of the fanciest books I've found to date.

Another look at one of their splatbooks-- is that an embossed cover?

One of the really remarkable environmental details about Boralus is just how many rooms, buildings, even benches have books stacked everywhere.

Battered covers and pages well worn

The one thing this tome shares with most books in the city is clear evidence of wear--dings, dents, scratches and even peeling cover materials. It does raise some interesting questions about the state of Kul Tiras economically prior to Jaina's arrival. Why would readers not be getting worn covers replaced, especially with the investment a book represents? Is there a second-hand book market that people in need of cash had sold their libraries to? How bad did things really get? 2. Book that goes KLONK

This design sports metal corners and hinges that look like they could take out a warship single-handedly. It tends to be found next to ledgers and other chonky tomes, which suggests a purpose as formal and austere as its appearance.

3. The Lightning Bolt

That is one cool central sigil, yet the book itself seems to be otherwise quite a simple design. Could this have been done with some sort of stamping press? Such technology doesn't seem so far fetched in a port city with established metalworking and engineering industries. Or could it be the work of a more artisanal approach, such as a brand or leather tooling? The answer might lie with whoever really calls this book their own. 4. Everyone's Favorite Anchor

Mighty metal hinges and a big shiny anchor for decorative hardware! What's not to like? Curiously, the material of the cover itself is either showing heavy wear, dark smudges, or some other discoloration almost suggestive of a patina. Is this book plated in something like copper? (Why are Kul Tiran buildings so dark)