The Paper Mill on the Lula River is a dominant force in Seregon, owned by Elrik Jonkeer, a Darakhul who, after being ostracized by his family, invested his fortune into this venture. Jonkeer's mill operates exclusively at night, staffed by Darakhul from the Old Knot District. This decision has made the mill a source of both necessity and suspicion within the city.

The mill produces paper for the Weekly News From Many Places broadsheet, a wide variety of books and pamphlets, and meets the paper needs of a growing government. With 12,500 students currently requiring textbooks—a number expected to double—Jonkeer's operation is crucial to the city’s educational infrastructure. The mill is powered by two windmills, as the Lula River's slow current is insufficient for traditional water wheels. The jungle's plentiful wood supply is utilized for paper production.

Although the mill itself might not seem exciting, its influence over the city is profound. Controlling the paper mill means controlling the flow of information, education, and governmental documentation in Seregon. Local residents, however, often blame Jonkeer and his workers for any misfortune that occurs on the east bank of the Lula, adding a layer of tension to his already precarious position.

Future

  • Steam Power and Expansion: Jonkeer is considering introducing steam power to increase production. This move could cement his control over the city's paper supply, but it might also attract unwanted attention from those who view his influence as a threat.
  • Darakhul Discrimination: The mill's Darakhul workers are facing increasing hostility from the local populace. A labor dispute or attack on the mill could lead to significant disruptions in Seregon's paper supply, affecting everything from education to communication.

Reasons to Visit

Top 2 Character Backgrounds Likely to Have Connections to the Paper Mill

  1. Sage

    • Reason: Sages, particularly those invested in knowledge or education, would be connected to the Paper Mill as its production is essential to Seregon’s textbooks, pamphlets, and records. A Sage might have ties to the mill through research or an interest in the dissemination of information.
  2. Criminal

    • Reason: The Paper Mill’s control over the city’s paper supply and its potential as a site for counterfeiting or illicit document production would naturally attract criminals. A character with this background might be involved in smuggling paper for forgery, infiltrating the mill for espionage, or exploiting tensions with the Darakhul workers.

Reasons Characters May Visit the Paper Mill

  1. Investigating Mysteries or Uncovering Foul Play
    The Paper Mill’s eerie nocturnal operations and connection to the Darakhul make it a prime setting for dark mysteries. Characters might be hired to investigate disappearances, uncover counterfeit operations, or resolve supernatural hauntings that disrupt its critical production.

  2. Securing Resources or Negotiating Deals
    Adventurers needing specialized paper or books may visit the mill to procure materials for spells, research, or record-keeping. Alternatively, they might negotiate with Elrik Jonkeer for contracts, smuggling operations, or access to sensitive documents.

  3. Protecting or Supporting the Darakhul Workers
    Characters sympathetic to the Darakhul’s plight may visit to address growing tensions or defend the workers from attacks by hostile locals. This could involve guarding the mill, mediating disputes, or uncovering conspiracies aimed at sabotaging the operation.