AN INTRODUCTION

The Mystery and Craft of Dyeing is one of the oldest professions, and holds an important position within Castle Marrach. Those in possession of this desireable skill are able to alter the basic color of many common objects, including most type of clothing and stationery. Theirs is an ancient and honorable trade, not to be abused for trivial or base reasons!

FORMULAE FOR DYES AND MORDANTS

Over sixty unique dye and mordant formulae are known to Dyers within the Castle. These have been perfected over many centuries of experimentation and work. This handbook explains how the ability to manipulate these formulae is related to craft proficiency.

MEASURES OF PROFICIENCY

Ten levels of proficiency are recognized for the Dyer's skill:

1. Novice
2. Junior Apprentice
3. Senior Apprentice
4. Fellowcraft
5. Journeyman
6. Artisan
7. Senior Artisan
8. Master
9. Master Adept
10. Grand Master

A Novice Dyer possesses very limited ability, and is able to attempt only a few rudimentary colors. As skill increases, however, many more possibilities become available. A seasoned Master may command dozens of color options. This hand-book describes the color formulae available to Dyers at each level of proficiency.

NOVICE

Novices are the least experienced class of Dyers. Their coloring options are admittedly somewhat drab and utilitarian. To them is given only the knowledge of the eight basic dyes: none, natural, brown, grey, ochre, olive, beige, tan.

JUNIOR APPRENTICE

Junior Apprentices are more learned than Novices, and produce many of the dyed articles used day-to-day by the Castle's lower inhabitants. They know the processes for an additional seven dyes: russet, ivory, white, auburn, red, mustard, sage.

SENIOR APPRENTICE

Senior Apprentices have attained sufficient skill to be entrusted with a handful of modest but attractive coloring options. Their learning encompasses an additional seven dyes: ebony, sable, saffron, green, sepia, ecru, pumpkin.

FELLOWCRAFT

Fellowcraft Dyers have spent many hours learning their trade, thereby earning the right to apply a personal mark of excellence onto items embellished by those hues peculiar to their rank. They can dye materials in the shades of: black, orange, pink, cream, blue, purple, burgundy.

JOURNEYMAN

Journeymen possess the confidence to work with color formulations of significant appeal. In addition to the hues known by all lower ranked dyers, they may employ: crimson, apricot, lemon, puce, lime, plum.

ARTISAN

Artisans have proven themselves capable of the fine control needed to produce some of the more challenging and beautiful hues. Their palette increases with the addition of: amber, canary, scarlet, cinnamon, lavender, rose.

SENIOR ARTISAN

Senior Artisans are sought by those desiring rare and exotic hues for their possessions. They often serve as assistants to Master Dyers. The Senior Artisan can now call upon, in addition: teal, cyan, mauve, violet, chartreuse, vermillion.

MASTER

Masters are the virtuosi of the Dyer's art. Their long career of study and craftsmanship has earned them the ability to work with subtle hues requiring great skill. They can also alter the color of items that have previously been altered. They command the use, in addition to the lesser shades, of: fuscia, lilac, orchid, indigo, magenta.

MASTER ADEPT

Master Adepts are the recognized fonts of all knowledge regarding dyes and mordants within the Castle. Their countless seasons of practice have brought them command of the entire spectrum of known color. The Master Adepts know the secret of dying with: cobalt, alabaster, azure, raven.

GRAND MASTER

The rank of Grand Master is rarely attained; many seasons may pass before one appears within the Castle. By order of Her Majesty, the shade of blue known as "cerulean" may only be applied by a Dyer of this exalted degree.

PROPRIETY AND GUIDELINES

Dyers are expected to conform to the Capitulary provided by the wisdom of Her Majesty, which forbids the public display of any item dyed with the shade of blue known as "cerulean" except by certain members of the Royal Court.

Violators of Chapter II, Title II, Paragraph 9 of the Capitulary may be subject to arrest and imprisonment.

UPDATES

New dye and mordant formulae are always being discovered by the Dyers of Castle Marrach. The text of this book will mysteriously update itself as new choices become available. More experienced Dyers will inform you if and when updates occur.

Please bring typographical errors or other textual problems found in this volume to the attention of the staff.

OOC: Here is the the wonderful Examples of Color page by Mintle's too-awesome-for-words player.

Back to main page.