Hemp

Similar to linen, hemp cloth is made from the fibres of the hemp plant. The fibres are also processed, spun and woven in a very similar manner as well. For poorer Leanorians, hemp is the more affordable alternative to linen, and it makes a good fabric for tougher work clothes and other textiles. It may not be particularly rare nor particularly expensive, but it is a very valuable ressource none the less.

Hemp cloth is also very often the base for sacks used to transport various products. The more tightly woven variety is used for things like grain and flour, while more losely woven and rough-spun fabric is common for bread, vegetables and other things. Hemp bags are also not uncommon. Often made from a canvas fabric and waxed or oiled for water-resistence, they can make a great, cheaper alternative for leather bags.

And hemp is not only used for fabric. Ropes, cords and tethers are almost exclusively made from hemp due to its long fibres and extraordinary strength. Hemp seeds can be a great addition to food and are also pressed into an oil that can be used both for food and to finish, for example, wood. Overall, hemp is a very versatile material that can be affordably produced and processed almost everywhere.

Though it is sometimes called poor man's linen by the rich, hemp arguably makes for the more versatile fabric, as it is used for everything from ropes to clothing.

The plant can grow nearly anywhere, so long as it has access to adequate soil, a moderate amount of water and ample sunlight. It is easy to plant, grow and harvest.

The processing is no more difficult than that of linen. Hemp fibres can't be spun quite as finely as linen, but the resulting rougher fabric more than makes up for it in durability.