diff --git a/typeclasses/characters.py b/typeclasses/characters.py
index 53a202b..9457ec6 100644
--- a/typeclasses/characters.py
+++ b/typeclasses/characters.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ creation commands.
 """
 
 from evennia.objects.objects import DefaultCharacter
+from evennia.prototypes.spawner import spawn
 
 from utils.word_list import Token, routput
 from .objects import Object
@@ -23,6 +24,35 @@ class Character(Object, DefaultCharacter):
     properties and methods available on all Object child classes like this.
 
     """
+    def at_object_creation(self):
+        "called when a character is first created."
+        letter = spawn({
+            "typeclass": "typeclasses.readables.Letter",
+            "key": "letter",
+            "desc": "A letter of familiar penmanship stuffed in an envelope.",
+        })[0]
+        letter.db.inside = f"""You read a letter with an oddly familiar penmanship:
+
+  My dearest {self.name},
+
+  If you are reading this, you've found the world I was overly excited in relaying to you over drinks in Marsivan. Most excellent. Enjoy this halcyon world, unspoiled and idyllic.
+
+  I'm here, so join me in a cup of tea and we can reconnect and reminisce of glorious days gone by, and the utter curiosity that surrounds us.
+
+  Your friend,
+  Dabbler
+
+(Type 'help me start' for details on playing this game)
+        """
+        letter.location = self
+
+        self.msg("""
+As the surrounding mists dissipate, you find yourself in an ancient, halcyon forest dripping with moss.
+
+You see an envelope of parchment wedged under a scaly protrusion of bark...inside, a letter in familiar penmanship, personally addressed to you, which you pick up.
+
+(Type 'inventory' or 'inv' or just 'i' to see what you carry).""")
+
     def do_take(self, args):
         """
         A character has a _steal_command. What are the limitations?
diff --git a/typeclasses/readables.py b/typeclasses/readables.py
index 41a9283..2e5cced 100755
--- a/typeclasses/readables.py
+++ b/typeclasses/readables.py
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 #!/usr/bin/python
 
+from evennia import Command, CmdSet
+from evennia.utils import logger
+from evennia.prototypes.spawner import spawn
+
 from typeclasses.objects import Object
 from typeclasses.rooms import DabblersRoom
-from evennia import Command, CmdSet
-from evennia.prototypes.spawner import spawn
 from utils.word_list import routput, Token
 
 import random
@@ -99,8 +101,8 @@ class CmdBurnBook(Command):
     """
     Destroy the instance of the book
     """
-    key = "burn book"
-    aliases = "burn book"
+    key = "burn"
+    aliases = "throw"
 
     def func(self):
         self.obj.do_burn(self.caller)
@@ -109,8 +111,8 @@ class CmdDropBook(Command):
     """
     Drop the instance of the book
     """
-    key = "drop book"
-    aliases = "throw book"
+    priority = 3
+    key = "drop"
 
     def func(self):
         self.obj.do_burn(self.caller, drop=True)
@@ -133,16 +135,46 @@ class CmdSetShelf(CmdSet):
 
 # ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-class Book(Object):
+class Readable(Object):
+    """
+    Create with a command:
+
+    @create/drop sign : typeclasses.readables.Readable
+    @desc sign = A tall wooden post.
+    @set sign/inside = "What happens when you read it."
+    """
     def at_object_creation(self):
         """
         called at creation
         """
-        self.cmdset.add_default(CmdSetBook, persistent=True)
+        self.cmdset.add_default(CmdSetBook)
 
     def do_read(self, reader):
+        "called when 'read'."
         reader.msg(self.db.inside)
-        self.location.msg_contents(routput(f"{reader.name} reads a book. You notice the title, |b{0}|n.".format(self.db.title)), exclude=reader)
+
+
+class Letter(Readable):
+    """
+    Something that can be read, but is _personal_, so if it is
+    dropped, it is destroyed.
+    """
+    def at_pre_drop(self, dropper):
+        dropper.msg("Hrm ... you don't want to litter in such an idyllic location. But you can |bthrow|n it away.")
+        return False
+
+    def do_burn(self, thrower, drop=False):
+        if isinstance(thrower.location, DabblersRoom):
+            thrower.msg(f"You throw {self.name} into the fire to burn it.")
+        else:
+            thrower.msg(f"You throw {self.name} away.")
+        self.delete()
+
+
+class Book(Readable):
+    def do_read(self, reader):
+        super().do_read(reader)
+        reader.location.msg_contents(routput(f"{reader.name} reads a book. You notice the title, |b{0}|n.".format(self.db.title)), exclude=reader)
 
     def do_burn(self, reader, drop=False):
         if isinstance(reader.location, DabblersRoom):