A generic term for those who provide various writing and accounting services for remuneration. Scribes are literate, although the degree of literacy often varies. Some are highly skilled, know various scripts, and have a degree of artistry in their work. In Ivinia, some scribes have a knowledge of foreign commercial law and are often retained by mercantylers. A few scribes are cartographers, although Ivinians rarely use maps. The accuracy of maps and charts purchased is dependent upon the skill, knowledge, and imagination of the cartographer. Many tend to fill in unknown areas with false coastlines and the like. Although some cartographers go to sea, most depend on the reports of sailors and traders for information.