by GhostWolfe » Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:17 pm
It was pointed out to me that writing quills are not listed in the Equipment chapter of the book. Closer inspection reveals that paper isn't there either. However, at some point during the creation of the rulebook, there was an item called a "writing kit" (p.37, Prersonal Gear). Presumably this kit would contain the quills and paper that went along with the ink that does have a listed price.
Basic, functional quills are incredibly easy to make. All you really need to do is trim the end of a feather on the appropriate angle, and physics takes care of the rest. Maesters probably manage an unending supply of cheap quills from the rookery. For this reason, I'm deeming that a plain, functional, disposable quill is free. Even if your character doesn't/can't make them themselves, they can probably find someone who can give you one of theirs.
As for paper, that's a little more tricky. Rushes would grow along the banks of every river in Westeros, but these would primarily be used to make mats for the floors of Smallfolk and Nobles alike (this is what is meant when a place is described as having "rushes on the floor"). Papermaking would also be a niche skill; weaving rushes into mats is one thing, but the common people are not generally literate, and have no need to manufacture paper. Easy to obtain supplies drives the cost down, the rarity of the skill to make up drives the cost back up again.
I am thinking that a sheaf of 20 pages of shitty 'paper' made from rushes would cost around the same as a vial of ink (20cp). The finer paper (made from wood pulp) that is used to send messages via raven, that noblewomen write their letters to each other on, and is bound into books, would be more expensive. The cost of this paper for sending ravens, keeping financial records, and other off-screen House-related activities is assumed to be included in the cost of your primary Defense Holding. Assume that, to a reasonable extent, if you need to send a raven while at the Festival, Maester Hubert will provide everything you need. If you wish to have your own writing paper (made from, y'know, real paper), as a point of pride or a display of wealth, let's say those 20 sheets will cost you 1ss. Important documents are written on parchment, which is not really going to available for general purchase.
Summary
Writing Quills: free
20 sheets 'paper': 10cp
20 sheets paper: 1ss
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