Description
The main grading room occupies most of the interior space, dominated by a series of specialized workstations arranged to maximize the available daylight. Each station features a smooth, white coral surface that provides the ideal background for examining pearls under various lighting conditions. Master graders sit on low stools, their tools arranged within easy reach: delicate balance scales calibrated to measure pearl weight in grains, graduated measuring rings carved from bone to assess size, and magnifying lenses ground from perfectly clear seaglass to inspect surface quality. The room maintains an atmosphere of focused concentration, with graders speaking in hushed tones as they examine each pearl's luster, shape, surface quality, and the subtle color variations that can dramatically affect value.
Along one wall, a series of shallow sorting trays hold pearls organized by quality grade. The classification system follows traditional Vaitafe standards refined by Duke Karthos and recognized throughout the trading network: first-quality pearls with flawless luster and perfect symmetry, second-quality with minor imperfections acceptable for fine jewelry, third-quality suitable for decorative purposes, and a special category for the rare sea-dream pearls that carry traces of magical essence. Each category is further divided by size and color, creating a complex but precise system that ensures fair pricing and maintains The Tidal Expanse's reputation for honest dealing. Graders mark each sorted pearl with a tiny dot of natural dye visible only under magnification, preventing confusion or fraudulent upgrades.
A secure vault occupies the rear of the building, its thick walls reinforced with layers of woven rope and hardened clay between wooden planks. Inside, individual compartments hold high-value pearls awaiting sale or transport. The vault door, crafted from solid ironwood and fitted with an elaborate shell-mechanism lock, requires two keys held by separate officials to open. Inventory records carved on wooden tablets track every pearl from initial grading through final sale, creating an unbroken chain of custody that protects against theft and ensures accurate taxation. The vault master conducts counts at the beginning and end of each work period, comparing tallies with the grading master's records.
The Pearl Grading House also serves an educational function, with senior graders training apprentices in the subtle art of pearl evaluation. Young crafters learn to distinguish between the blue overtones of pearls formed during Lumina's bright phase and the deeper purple hues of those created during Umbra's dark period, knowledge that takes years to master. Visiting merchants often request consultations, bringing their own pearl purchases for verification before finalizing deals. These services generate additional income while establishing the Pearl Grading House as the authoritative voice on pearl quality throughout the region. When particularly exceptional pearls are discovered, the grading master presents them to Duke Karthos himself, as such treasures often become diplomatic gifts or additions to the settlement's prestige collection rather than mere trade goods.
Benefits
The Pearl Grading House generates 200 gold per month from grading fees and pearl sales commissions. Professional grading increases the value of pearls harvested by pearl divers by 25%, representing fair market prices achieved through proper assessment. The facility provides +3 to all Diplomacy checks related to pearl trade negotiations..