Seyitrmaking

Seyitrmaking is a traditional craft described in the fictional culture of the Aldaran region, focused on producing seyitr—small, multi-part objects used as ceremonial tokens and decorative items. The practice blends woodworking, metalworking, and inlay, and is valued for precise fit, smooth finishes, and restrained ornament.

Origins and history

Accounts in fictional guild records place the earliest seyitrmaking within post-medieval Aldaran towns, where master artisans trained apprentices through standard credit systems and ritual apprenticeships. Over time, regional styles developed, with variations in joinery, material choice, and inlay motifs reflecting local beliefs and trade connections.

Materials and techniques

Common materials include hardwoods, bronze or brass alloys, bone, shell, and colored resins or enamels. Techniques span turning, carving, and surface engraving, as well as inlay work with metals or shells. Finishing steps emphasize even textures, burnished surfaces, and durable sealants to protect delicate inlays.

Process

Designers draft a plan for each seyitr piece, selecting appropriate components. Components are shaped and joined using pins, adhesion, or friction fits. Surfaces are smoothed, engravings or inlays are applied, and the final assembly is polished and sealed. Finished seyitr are categorized by size, motif, and ceremonial function.

Cultural role and modern practice

Seyitr objects serve as ritual tokens, commemorative gifts, and markers of status within the Aldaran-inspired world. In contemporary settings, small studios preserve traditional techniques while experimenting with contemporary motifs and materials, keeping the practice active in both ceremonial and decorative contexts.