Silk

Silk was a common form of textile in the Realms.

Description
Silk was the processed fiber from silkworms. Silkworms were fed the leaves from mulberry trees, who then made cocoons of silk. Most desert locations could not harvest silk from silkworms, and had to aquire it through trade.

Usage
Silk could be fashioned in several different ways. Sheer silk was fine and translucent. Samite was a fabric of thick silk. Velvet was an expensive fabric made from silk with piles. Brocade was silk with contrasting colors and textures woven into it.

Clothing

 * Breeches
 * Caul, a hair net with silk draperies.
 * Gloves
 * Kirtle, an undergown made from silk.
 * Headscarf and occasionally used to adorn hoods
 * Robes.
 * Sashes and waistcoats
 * Shirts
 * Slippers
 * Stocking
 * Veils
 * Vest

Wizards from Neverwinter wore silks as they indicated their high status. The wizards of Hlondeth wore robes of silk, dyed in bright scarlet, emerald or deep azure. Sembian wizards were known for wearing many layers of silk.

Silk was a common fabric in elven clothing. Elven silks were highly prized by merchants. The elves and humans of Myth Drannor frequently wore loose garments of silk.

The Simbul's Children in Aglarond wore breeches and tunics of emerald green silk.

On the Sea of Fallen Stars, a ship captain who wished to brag about their wealth and status often had sails of silk. In the Sea of Fallen Stars, sea elves and the shalarin used silk to mark position or rank within their society.

In Zakhara, kalat were knee-length tunics that was sometimes made from silk Keffiyeh were also made from silk. An agal was a cord (or group of cords) used to secure a keffiyeh to one's head. Elegant agal was made from silk dusted with gold. Caftan, a long ankle-length garment, was usually made with cotton, but finer versions could be crafted from silk. In the Pearl Cities, men occasionally wore headclothes of silk. Rich women in Zakhara wore silk instead of cotton, except in the Cities of the Pantheon. The Al-Badia considered the wearing of silk shameful.

Noble djinni usually wore lightweight silks. Djinni tended to wear silks. Efreeti preferred caftans of silk. Most giants in Zakhara preferred to wear tunics and turbans made from silk.

In Kara-Tur, silk was very popular. Maitung, a subdued tunic made from silk that was popular with bureaucrats and scholars in Shou Lung. Cheosong was a narrow and tight dress commonly worn by the high-born women of Shou Lung. Obi was a sash of silk. while hakama were pants made of silk. A kosode was a silk robe. and samfu, while commonly made from cotton, the wealthy in northern Shou Lung wore samfu of silk. Kimono could also be made from silk. The inhabitants of Wang Kuo Province were known for their heavily embroidered silk coats. In Tu'Lung silk is a very important symbol of status. In Tabot, noblewomen usually wore gowns of silk. Clothing of high quality and bright silks were common in southern Shou Lung.

Most wang-liang favored light-weight clothing, such as silk, which was often dyed green or red. Krakentua wore massive robes of vibrant, luxuriant silk. Bisan wore robes of silk, usually blue or light green. In their human form, hu hsien appeared as a woman wearing long robes of silk. Wedon appeared as a human cloaked in a white sheet made from silk. The silken sheet covered their entire body. The clothing of p'oh was often made from the best silk, garishly decorated with gold and silver threads.

In the Kuong Kingdom, clothing made from light silk was popular. In Laothan, clothing made from brightly colored silk was popular. In Tu Pe, silk belts were popular. High-necked dresses of silk were common as well. The inhabitants of the villages in the Kesasar Valley wore samfu of brightly colored silk. In Wa, farmers were forbidden to wear clothing made from silk.

In, among the noble women of Waterdeep, it was a trend to wear gowns of silk, with their legs behind several layers of sheer silk, to social functions.

Silk was a popular textile for clothing in desert climates as it was light. In the desert, a filter mask, often made of silk, was common.

Religious

 * The main altar in a Maskarran temple often had mask of silk floating above it.
 * The avatar of Sune usually wore a thin, transparent gown of silk as her only item of clothing.
 * Part of a Waukeenar's clerics ritual outfit was undergarments made from silk.
 * Experienced goldeyes could create a palatial tent, comprising a sizeable silk pavilion covering some.
 * The avatar of Chauntea usually appeared in robes of white silk.
 * The avatar of Eldath appeared wearing garments of green silk that cling to her body.
 * Loviatar's avatar appeared in an outfit of revealing white silks.
 * Clerics of Loviatar wore robes of white or black lined with silk dyed deep red.
 * Mystra avatar wore robes of heavy silk.
 * Clerics of Akadi preferred silk as their ceremonial vestments and they valued silks dyed in patterns of blue or white.
 * Azuth's avatar is normally seen wearing robes of grey silk.
 * The priests of Azuth wore robes of shimmering grey silk.
 * Kiaransalee's avatar wore only jewelry and veils of black silk.
 * The vestments of the clergy of Vhaeraun included loose shirts made from silk.
 * The avatar of Garl Glittergold wore a large cloak of silk.
 * The avatar of Brandobaris wore blouses of silk.
 * Festbringers, clerics of Lliira, always wore brightly colored luxurious fabiurcs such as silk.
 * Priestesses of Lurue often wore white robes of silk.
 * Scions of Siamorphe wore deep purple robes made from the highest quality silk.
 * Jauhar wore pantaloons of silk
 * Ladies of Compassion carried silk cloth to bind wounds.

Magical

 * Silken cord was required to cast addition.
 * When in battle, pairs of vremyonni, male spellcasters of Rashemen, tied themselves to each other with short lengths of silken cord.
 * The silk created by the larva of insectoid gargantua was used throughout Kara-Tur in the making of magical robes.
 * Older versions of the battletide spells could use silk thread as a material component.
 * The spell deadly dance required a scrap of silk as a material component.
 * Mageweavers were wizards in Zakhara who imbued artistic creations, such as tapestries and silk scarves, with magical power.
 * Silk could be used as a material component in the wind shadow spell.
 * The spell whip required a small whip made of silk as the material component.
 * Silk could be used as a material component in the casting of the death's door spell.
 * While casting dream vision, the caster had to wear a robe of red or white.
 * A robe of white silk with handwritten sutras upon it was required to cast invisibility to enemies.
 * When a wu jen cast polymorph other, they required the wings of a moth wrapped in a piece of silk.
 * Special bushes made from magical silk allowed for transporting between the Prime Material plane and Qui.
 * Ash from a piece of silk that was consumed by a least flame spirit was used as a component in creating a charm of protection from fire
 * Dust of appearance was often stored in small packets of silk.

Other Uses
Silk has many other uses, including:
 * Silk could be used to make parasols.
 * Silk was used as a thread.
 * Silk could be used to make flags and pennants.
 * Silk could be woven to create tapestries.
 * Silk could be made into pouches that can hold currency.
 * Silk bedsheets
 * Silk hankerchiefs
 * Small boats could use sails made from silk.
 * Silk could be used as a cover for pillows.
 * Sheets of silk woven into a fine mesh were used as insect netting. It was effective against natural insects but useless against spells such as insect plague or creeping doom.
 * Silk could be made into drapes.
 * Tents.
 * Hammocks.
 * The skin of a doll could be silk.
 * Silk napkins
 * Silk could be used to protect food such as cheese
 * Silk could be used to line the interior of a container such as a coffer.
 * Kites.
 * Silk could be laminated and used as pages in a book.
 * Byobu, which were folding screens that used silk.
 * Ninjas often wrapped cords of strong silk around their scabbards to be used to climb.
 * Haramaki, a type of armor made from silk and chain mail.
 * Silk Swathes

Cost
Silk was an expensive textile, with prices growing the father one was from a silk producing region. Due to it's value, caravans transporting silk were always under heavy guard. Silk cost roughly 1 gp per pound and 1-3 gp per square yard


 * Faerûn:
 * In Waterdeep, of rope made from braided silk cord, used for ornamental purposes, cost 25 gp.
 * A bolt of the finest quality silk from Shou Lung costs up to 4,000 gp in Faerûn, while a silk tapestry from Shou Lung costs up to 8,500 gp.
 * A bolt of silk from Hillsfar costed 100 gp per bolt.
 * A large pillow made from Turami silk cost 25 gp.

In Zakhara, a bolt of silk cost about 60 gp. A bolt of black silk cost 200 gp in Zakhara. A bolt of red silk trimmed with gold thread was worth 2,000 gp.
 * Zakhara:

Below is a list of the normal cost of silk items at a bazaar or market in Zakhara:
 * Keffiyeh: 7 gp
 * jacket: 80 gp
 * parasol: 5gp
 * slippers: 10 gp
 * shirt: 8gp
 * stockings: 2gp
 * veil: 6gp
 * of rope: 10 gp

The standard price of a bolt of regular silk was usually about 3 ch'ien in Kara-Tur. A kosode cost about tael, a silk vest 1 tael and a length of rope cost 5 ch'ien. In Koryo, silk was rare and therefore expensive.
 * Kara-Tur:

Faerûn

 * Silk was an integral part of the economy of Thesk and Telflamm
 * In the Dalelands, Archendale, Deepingdale , Harrowdale imported silk. Harrowcoaster House in Harrowdale sold silk. The Sheathed Dagger in Arrowmark imported silk.
 * Jarwain's Imports was a shop in Ashabenford in the late 14 century DR that specialized in exotic imported goods from the nation of Cormyr. For steep prices, Mistran shoppers could purchase fine, spun cotton, lace, silk, or vibrant garments from the Forest Country. Riurmorn's Silks and Linens, a textile business in Tasseldale in 1368 DR that imported Sembian textiles and eastern silk. Aladiam's Imports in Tasseldale imported silk from Sembia.  Mirksha, Mirksha and Mirksha, a company of three brothers in Archendale that traded exotic goods from southern coast of the Sea of Fallen Stars.
 * Silk was an export of Sembia.
 * In Cormyr, Marsember shipped silk. In Suzail silk ccould be purchased at Fallas' Treasures of Thentia, while n Arabel, silk could be purchased at Jhamma's Silks and Furs and Saerdar's Silks and Flowers.
 * Storm Dragon House in Raven's Bluff sold silk at an unbelievable low price. Silk and silk products were available in several shops in Raven's Bluff, including * Crimyn's Imported Silks, Horace's Shirt Shop , Blue Star Trading Company and Madame Coth's Silk Shop.
 * Myratma in Tethyr was famous for its silk, which was highly sought after by the wealthy in Amn and Calimshan.
 * Waterdeep imported silk from Calimshan.
 * In Baldur's Gate, locals could purchase silke at one of the many shops in Little Calimshan. In the Upper City, silk was a common sight.
 * In the Moonshae Isles, silk was imported from Calimshan via the port of Caer Callidyrr.
 * Halruaa imported silk from Durpar.
 * Nobles in Ulgarth imported silk from Calimhsam.
 * Silk was one of the main exports and was the preffered textile for clothing Calimshan. In Calimport, silk was sold and safely stored in the various khanduqs throughout the city. Warriors in Calimshan usually wore vibrant and colorful silks under their cloak.
 * Grunwald traded fur and carvings of wood for silk.
 * Silk was available for sale in Daggerford at Farrel's Fine Jewelry and Apparel but at a high price.
 * In the market of Mantol-Derith in Menzoberranzan, silk from the surface could be purchased.
 * House of Silks was a fine clothing and jewelry shop located in Westgate in 1367 DR.
 * In Silverymoon, Flamebar Canvas sold sails made from silk, popular with the river barges in the area.
 * The Silver Branch in Eveningstar imported silk from Mulhorand.

Kara-Tur

 * Hungtse Province was the largest source of silk in both Shou Lung and Kara-Tur in general. The port city of Karatin was filled with ships arriving and leaving with silk. Keelung was famous for the quality of silk it exports.
 * Peqqir exported silk.
 * Nalamh was the largest producer of silk in Laothan.
 * Banda was a silk production center. Banda silk was known for being light and creating gauzy weaves. Kataburi was a port in which much of the Banda silk was traded.
 * Marabaya was a main port for exporting silk.
 * The fishermen of Eburishima smuggled silk to supplement their income.
 * Dojyu had a silk drying industry.
 * In Kozakura, Jitogawa was the main source of silk and as a result was one of the few ports open to trade with outsiders. Silk was one of the main sources of domestic trade within Kozakura.
 * In Wa, Rukimbaru was a main port for the exporting of silk. Brightly dyed silk was one of the main exports of Wa.

Zakhara

 * Silk was one of the main imports in the Corsair Domains.
 * he Caliph of Citadel of Ice and Steel instructed the djinni of the seraglio to weave silk into beautiful items of clothing.
 * In Tajar, abas of crimson silk were available to be purchased.
 * Silk was readily available in the Grand Bazaar of Huzuz.
 * Silk was a main export of Afyal.
 * Silk could be found in nests of roc.

History
The year was known as the "Year of Silken Sabers".

In After trail-blazing the Golden Way to Kara-Tur, the Impilturan merchant Windyn Balindre returns with silks and spices. Gaining a charter from the ruler of Lyrabar, Balindre founds the Royal Company of Shou Lung.

Notable Users

 * Janol Famisso frequently carried cords of silk for climbing.
 * Liriel Baenre often wore a silk shirt under her drow chainmail.
 * Beneath his trademark black cloak, Cyndre wore a robe of cotton woven with silk.
 * Orgauth often wore black shirts of the finest silk.
 * Victor Dhostar wore white gloves of silk.
 * Danilo Thann always carried several silk shirts.
 * Asilther Graelor always carried of silk rope. She also wore a cord of silk bemeath her belt which she used to bind targets, or as a garrot.
 * Dove Falconhand was known to wear silk shirts during her adventures.
 * Laeral Silverhand filled a stocking of silk with gems in Blackstaff Tower, which she used as currency when the need required it.
 * Fuigarm wore a silk shirt of protection +1.
 * Elvrin Crownsilver was always seen finely dressed in a silk shirt and breeches.

Notable Items

 * Belabrantan caparison of warmth
 * Mask of Lhestyn
 * White cloak of the spider
 * Tasmia's heart
 * Yellow Silk of Kuang
 * Storm's Garter
 * ''Vest of shadows:
 * ''Shield of shadows:
 * Hulasahr's slippers:
 * Najjar's cloak of weaponry:
 * Andrathath's mask:
 * gauntlets of Faerglamer
 * Sash of heat endurance
 * Sash of fire resistance
 * pennant of the vind rune
 * robe of serpents
 * Runes of Norzahk
 * Juia Lo'tanu
 * Edu'sascar
 * Rope of climbing

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