Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  37364
Title: a book called 'The Origin of Tartan and Plaid Cloth'

Sheep were domesticated in the depths of human antiquity, in the vicinity
of Ralnoth. They were bred from wild goat-like creatures found in the Ash
Mountains. These hardy beasts are valued for their meat, wool, hide and
milk. As humans spread out through the world, they brought sheep with them.

Sheep can graze in areas where cattle and horses cannot. They became
incredibly popular in the rugged terrain around Mount Zendular and Mount
Glas, as well as the rich pastures north of the Green River. These rustic
shepherds developed weaving and dyeing to a fine art. Among them was born
the techniques for producing tartan patterns.

Tartan, also known as plaid, are repeated patterns of blocks and lines
produced by using specially dyed woolen yarns. The dyes used are
plant-based, and thus colors depended on the availability of local flora.
Thus different regions produce different colors of dye and thus different
tartan patterns.

The traditional dress of the Northern shepherds consisted of a plaid woolen
blanket or cloak, worn wrapped around the waist, tucked into the belt and
wrapped over one shoulder, held in place with a pin. This was known as a
belted plaid. It was supplemented with woolen stockings, lightweight bog
shoes, a wool cap, a thick leather belt and a laced shirt. It later
developed into separate pieces, including the modern kilt, sash, flashes
and fly.

When the Rubicon Principality was founded, many of the outlying pasture
lands around Ralnoth fell under its sway. Sheep became the foundation of
the Rubicon's agricultural industry. The Rubicon royalty became enamored by
the culture of the Northern shepherds, to the point of developing and
adopting a tartan pattern of their own.

Even after Rubicon fell, Rubicon refugees found their way into Wallachia,
bringing their dress, culture and cuisine with them. Many settled in Vom to
work in the newly established iron and diamond mines. They established
wool-production and processing facilities there. Tityrons, a breed of
four-horned fairy sheep from the far east, were procured and a local herd
established, producing a higher quality of wool.

Today, tartan cloth has spread throughout the region. It can be bought in
the markets of Ralnoth. Green elf youths in Wallachia City can be seen
wearing kilts and sashes in the style of their shepherd neighbors. Bolts of
it have found been as far away as the Dunn Hurr and Bandera Azul on the
island of Sloe.