Wormskin

Wormskin is a fine, strong, translucent leather-like fabric made from the hide of virid tunnel-worms. It is particularly used in costly leather goods and clothing produced in Ororr and Munatan.

Wormskin is usually prepared from recently-shed skin, harvested from tunnels. This yields the thinnest and finest skin, though the quality is variable and relies on the skill of hunters to identify the time and place where worms are likely to shed. Harvested skin must be relatively fresh, as it quickly becomes brittle and dry.

Living tunnel-worms are occasionally harvested for their leather, which is extremely tough and strong, though hunters rarely kill tunnel-worms since they grow and reproduce very slowly.

Wormskin is used for a variety of applications, particularly fine leather gloves and other clothing. Mountain peoples used workskin as window coverings in homes.

The leather is prepared by soaking in water, then various preparations of silvertree bark which soften and strengthen it. This initial preparation is an important industry for mountain peoples, since preparation must be done close to where the leather is harvested.

Wormskin takes dyes well, and can be dyed a variety of bright colours. This and other finishing processes are more likely to be done in cities, closer to their final market.