Printing press

From PathfinderWiki
Printing press
(Item)
Rare
Clockwork

Item Level
9
Source: Guns & Gears, pg(s). 89

A printing press is a technological device that can mass-produce printed works. Printing presses can range from labor-intensive, hand-cranked mechanical devices that press ink from reverse-carved plates onto paper,1 to rarer, costly, but vastly more efficient movable-type presses,2 and even magical contraptions capable of automated, rapid print production.3 The existence of printing presses help spread literacy, and help people organize and spread information.4

Broadsheets

Main article: Broadsheet

A broadsheet is a printed publication (generally on a single, large piece of paper) designed to inform the public about local, current events. They are published in most large metropolises that have access to government-backed printing presses.5

On Golarion

Printing presses are expensive, but not uncommon, on Golarion. In the Inner Sea region alone, movable-type presses capable of multi-color printing exist in wealthy nations such as Andoran, Cheliax, Galt, Nex,2 and Alkenstar.6 However, standard presses cannot produce magic items, such as scrolls or spellbooks.27

Andoran

Government-owned printing presses are used in Andoran to print government documents throughout the year. During elections, those running for office are allowed to access these very expensive presses for a small fee in order to print their own campaign literature. This is to ensure that even those without significant financial resources can get their voices heard.8

Tian Xia

The more complex writing systems of Tien languages stymie most efforts in Tian Xia to produce compatible printing presses, though there are rumors that the Southern Tiger Lodge of the Pathfinder Society is experimenting with clockwork devices derived from technology stolen from Pan Majang.9

Pezzack

Main article: Pezzack

Printing presses play a pivotal role in the rebellion of Pezzack against Cheliax. Despite imperial authorities seizing all presses in the city, rebels continue to produce inflammatory pamphlets and works that spread far beyond its walls despite an ongoing blockade.10 Many of these works are produced by a revolutionary known only as the Printsmith.3

Hellknights

A printing press arguably inspired the first Hellknight, Daidian Ruel, and the creation of the Order of the Rack. Ruel burned Misirnis Taranik—a philosopher, scholar, and cultist of Sifkesh—in 4577 AR after discovering that she spread the White Plague across Westcrown through her scriptora and binding houses. Ruel's discovery of her woodblock press in the ruins of Taranik House inspired and helped spread his doctrine of "low philosophy," which led to the Order of the Rack's creation11 and its continued interest in maintaining and publishing an "official" Chelish history.12

References

  1. ↑ Jonathan H. Keith, et al. (2010). Adventurer's Armory, p. 12. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-222-7
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 James Jacobs et al. (2011). "Life". The Inner Sea World Guide, p. 257. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-269-2
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Judy Bauer, Logan Bonner, Nicolas Logue, and Matt Vancil. (2013). Towns of the Inner Sea, p. 39. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-576-1
  4. ↑ F. Wesley Schneider et al. (2010). GameMastery Guide, p. 160. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-217-3
  5. ↑ David N. Ross. (2016). Inner Sea Intrigue, p. 50. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-60125-837-3
  6. ↑ Patrick Renie. (2013). Wardens of the Reborn Forge, p. 53. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-555-6
  7. ↑ Erik Mona et al. (2008). "The World". Campaign Setting, p. 237. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-112-1
  8. ↑ Hal Maclean, Colin Moulder-McComb, Jason Nelson, Jonathan Keith, and Hank Woon. (2010). Andoran, Spirit of Liberty, p. 10. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-205-0
  9. ↑ James Jacobs, Dave Gross, Rob McCreary. (2011). Dragon Empires Gazetteer, p. 55. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-379-8
  10. ↑ Judy Bauer, Logan Bonner, Nicolas Logue, and Matt Vancil. (2013). Towns of the Inner Sea, p. 35. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-576-1
  11. ↑ Steven Schend. (2009). Westcrown. The Bastards of Erebus, p. 58. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-190-9
  12. ↑ Jonathan H. Keith, Colin McComb, Steven E. Schend, Leandra Christine Schneider, and Amber E. Scott. (2009). Cheliax, Empire of Devils, p. 3. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-191-6

External links

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