Empire - User contributions [en]

The Marches look and feel

2012-09-02T16:39:05Z

Markwilkin:

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHenry.jpg|title=Film: Henry V|width=300|align=left}}
[[The Marches]] draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the
War of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour.

The costume of the Marches has a 'solidity' to it, a worn, lived in look that contrasts
with its neighbour [[Dawn]]'s high romance, gleaming plate and vivid hues.
The Marches is Kenneth Brannagh’s Henry V rather than Laurence Olivier’s.

''Also see [[Marches costumes]] and [[Marches icons and artistry]].''

==Breakdown==
===Feel===
Gritty, solid, practical, traditional, mud, blood, green fields, rural, iron.
===Influences===
Wars of the Roses England, Rangers of Ithilien (Beaters), Cadfael (Monks and Landskeepers).
===Materials===
Wool, calico, linen, leather.
===Colours===
Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached
cloth. The palette is autumnal suggesting natural dull blues, greys, browns/
rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of
the social scale. Wealthier Marchers may use deeper, brighter shades.

==Clothing==
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHats.jpg|width=300|align=right}}
Marchers favour plain clothes, simple hoods, hose and shirts.
Wealthier characters might wear finer robes, cotehardies or a simple doublet
but it will be still be a plain wool or heavy linen. Headwear is common, either a
simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or plain chaperon.

Instead of shirts and hose women may choose to wear a woollen or heavy linen overdress
such as a kirtle or cotehardie over a shift. The look is long, lean and smooth and laced to fit.
Back lacing shows higher status and gives a better line. Side lacing is more usual.
Tudor style kirtles with a gathered skirt are not suitable for the Marches.

Hose, either joined or split, are acceptable worn with braies and a long shirt.
Shirts are an extremely simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

Doublets are common but should be short and simple, not the fancy
slashed doublets of the Tudor period and later. Cotes are generally
woollen (or linen in summer) and come down to somewhere between
mid-thigh and the knee. Livery coats in the household colours
are often worn over armour.

Marchers have no pockets so a pouch is invaluable – bollock or kidney pouches
or leather bags are perfect. Belts are often very long, wrapped round,
looped at the front and left to dangle.

Both male and female monks wear traditional plain monk's habit either
in dark colours, or white with a dark scapular.

===Armour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesJoan.jpg|title=Film: TheMessenger|width=250|align=right}}
Padded gambesons or leather jacks are common for the poor, with a harness of plate
for richer individuals. Households often wear matching livery cotes,
although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation.

===Shields===
Shields are uncommon in the Marches; the most common are small metal bucklers when they are used at all.

===Weapons===
Bows are common. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and other pole-arms. Two handed swords are common for richer charactersin heavier armour, as well as warhammers, maces or poleaxes. Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are good: poleaxes, bills and other polearms are iconic; warhammers, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, and improvised weapons based on farm equipment are all welcome.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms3.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher household===
A prosperous Marcher household will wear often wear matching livery coats, although
simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation. Padded jacks are common for the
poor with a plain harness of plate for wealthier individuals.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=March20.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Yeomen===
Poor Yeomen may wear just a plain coloured jack or padded gambeson as their only armour.
Wealthier Yeomen have livery coats in their Household colours and mail or plate over the
top if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen3.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span9>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen4.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=671}}</span9>
</row-fluid>

===Stewards and wardens===
The head of a household, a steward, may wear richer colours, but wool not silk. Wealthy Marcher
characters wear a full harness of plate in battle if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards1.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards3.jpg|title=Film: Snow White and the Huntsman|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Beaters===
Beaters are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by
the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn
by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher costume===
Marcher costume is in natural autumnal colours using plain fabrics like wool, calico and linen.

Woollen gowns may be worn – either with a neck opening or opening all the way down the front in coat style.
They are usually long, anywhere between knee length and full length and can be worn over a doublet or dress.

Belts are often very long, wrapped round, looped at the front and left to dangle.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

Hose, either joined or split, are worn with braies and a long shirt. Shirts are an extremely
simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

For women an overdress like a kirtle or cotehardie gives a lean, smooth look.
Headwear is common, either a simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or chaperon.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume5.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume6.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume7.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Doublets are common in the Marches, a snug-fitting buttoned jacket that is shaped and fitted to the body. It can be worn over the shirt or under another layer of clothing such as a gown. Marcher doublets should be appropriate for the period and feel of the Nation. They are in simple autumnal colours. The fancy doublets that appear later in history, particularly anything with slashed sleeves or similar should be avoided for the Marches.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume8.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Monks and friars===
Monks and friars wear similar robes. A simple brown cassock is acceptable but it can also be black or
grey. A more complex arrangement with dark scapular over white undergarments is also excellent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks1.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks2.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Landskeepers===
Some landskeepers wear robes, similar to the monk, but a jerkin, shirt and hose, with rolled-up sleeves is just as good an alternative.

===Marcher children===

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild2.png|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild3.jpg|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild4.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Marches look and feel

2012-09-02T15:45:31Z

Markwilkin:

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHenry.jpg|title=Film: Henry V|width=300|align=left}}
[[The Marches]] draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the
War of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour.

The costume of the Marches has a 'solidity' to it, a worn, lived in look that contrasts
with its neighbour [[Dawn]]'s high romance, gleaming plate and vivid hues.
The Marches is Kenneth Brannagh’s Henry V rather than Laurence Olivier’s.

''Also see [[Marches costumes]] and [[Marches icons and artistry]].''

==Breakdown==
===Feel===
Gritty, solid, practical, traditional, mud, blood, green fields, rural, iron.
===Influences===
Wars of the Roses England, Rangers of Ithilien (Beaters), Cadfael (Monks and Landskeepers).
===Materials===
Wool, calico, linen, leather.
===Colours===
Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached
cloth. The palette is autumnal suggesting natural dull blues, greys, browns/
rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of
the social scale. Wealthier Marchers may use deeper, brighter shades.

===Clothing===
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHats.jpg|width=300|align=right}}
Marchers favour plain clothes, simple hoods, hose and shirts.
Wealthier characters might wear finer robes, cotehardies or a simple doublet
but it will be still be a plain wool or heavy linen. Headwear is common, either a
simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or plain chaperon.

Instead of shirts and hose women may choose to wear a woollen or heavy linen overdress
such as a kirtle or cotehardie over a shift. The look is long, lean and smooth and laced to fit.
Back lacing shows higher status and gives a better line. Side lacing is more usual.
Tudor style kirtles with a gathered skirt are not suitable for the Marches.

Hose, either joined or split, are acceptable worn with braies and a long shirt.
Shirts are an extremely simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

Doublets are common but should be short and simple, not the fancy
slashed doublets of the Tudor period and later. Cotes are generally
woollen (or linen in summer) and come down to somewhere between
mid-thigh and the knee. Livery coats in the household colours
are often worn over armour.

Marchers have no pockets so a pouch is invaluable – bollock or kidney pouches
or leather bags are perfect. Belts are often very long, wrapped round,
looped at the front and left to dangle.

Both male and female monks wear traditional plain monk's habit either
in dark colours, or white with a dark scapular.

===Armour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesJoan.jpg|title=Film: TheMessenger|width=250|align=right}}
Padded gambesons or leather jacks are common for the poor, with a harness of plate
for richer individuals. Households often wear matching livery cotes,
although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation.

===Shields===
Not common. Small metal bucklers are sometimes used.

===Weapons===
Bows are common. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and
other pole-arms. Two handed swords are common for richer characters
in heavier armour, as well as warhammers, maces or poleaxes.

==Images==
===Marcher household===
A prosperous Marcher household will wear often wear matching livery coats, although
simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation. Padded jacks are common for the
poor with a plain harness of plate for wealthier individuals.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=March20.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Yeomen===
Poor Yeomen may wear just a plain coloured jack or padded gambeson as their only armour.
Wealthier Yeomen have livery coats in their Household colours and mail or plate over the
top if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen3.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span9>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen4.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=671}}</span9>
</row-fluid>

===Stewards and wardens===
The head of a household, a steward, may wear richer colours, but wool not silk. Wealthy Marcher
characters wear a full harness of plate in battle if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards1.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards3.jpg|title=Film: Snow White and the Huntsman|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Beaters===
Beaters are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by
the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn
by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher costume===
Marcher costume is in natural autumnal colours using plain fabrics like wool, calico and linen.

Woollen gowns may be worn – either with a neck opening or opening all the way down the front in coat style.
They are usually long, anywhere between knee length and full length and can be worn over a doublet or dress.

Belts are often very long, wrapped round, looped at the front and left to dangle.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

Hose, either joined or split, are worn with braies and a long shirt. Shirts are an extremely
simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

For women an overdress like a kirtle or cotehardie gives a lean, smooth look.
Headwear is common, either a simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or chaperon.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume5.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume6.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume7.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Doublets are common in the Marches, a snug-fitting buttoned jacket that is shaped and fitted to the body. It can be worn over the shirt or under another layer of clothing such as a gown. Marcher doublets should be appropriate for the period and feel of the Nation. They are in simple autumnal colours. The fancy doublets that appear later in history, particularly anything with slashed sleeves or similar should be avoided for the Marches.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume8.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Monks and friars===
Monks and friars wear similar robes. A simple brown cassock is acceptable but it can also be black or
grey. A more complex arrangement with dark scapular over white undergarments is also excellent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks1.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks2.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Landskeepers===
Some landskeepers wear robes, similar to the monk, but a jerkin, shirt and hose, with rolled-up sleeves is just as good an alternative.

===Marcher children===

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild2.png|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild3.jpg|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild4.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher weapons and armour===
Shields are uncommon in the Marches; the most common are small metal bucklers when they are used at all. Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are good: poleaxes, bills and other polearms are iconic; warhammers, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, and improvised weapons based on farm equipment are all welcome.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms3.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Marches look and feel

2012-09-02T15:40:09Z

Markwilkin:

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHenry.jpg|title=Film: Henry V|width=300|align=left}}
[[The Marches]] draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the
War of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour.

The costume of the Marches has a 'solidity' to it, a worn, lived in look that contrasts
with its neighbour [[Dawn]]'s high romance, gleaming plate and vivid hues.
The Marches is Kenneth Brannagh’s Henry V rather than Laurence Olivier’s.

''Also see [[Marches costumes]] and [[Marches icons and artistry]].''

==Breakdown==
===Feel===
Gritty, solid, practical, traditional, mud, blood, green fields, rural, iron.
===Influences===
Wars of the Roses England, Rangers of Ithilien (Beaters), Cadfael (Monks and Landskeepers).
===Materials===
Wool, calico, linen, leather.
===Colours===
Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached
cloth. The palette is autumnal suggesting natural dull blues, greys, browns/
rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of
the social scale. Wealthier Marchers may use deeper, brighter shades.

===Clothing===
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHats.jpg|width=300|align=right}}
Marchers favour plain clothes, simple hoods, hose and shirts.
Wealthier characters might wear finer robes, cotehardies or a simple doublet
but it will be still be a plain wool or heavy linen. Headwear is common, either a
simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or plain chaperon.

Instead of shirts and hose women may choose to wear a woollen or heavy linen overdress
such as a kirtle or cotehardie over a shift. The look is long, lean and smooth and laced to fit.
Back lacing shows higher status and gives a better line. Side lacing is more usual.
Tudor style kirtles with a gathered skirt are not suitable for the Marches.

Hose, either joined or split, are acceptable worn with braies and a long shirt.
Shirts are an extremely simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

Doublets are common but should be short and simple, not the fancy
slashed doublets of the Tudor period and later. Cotes are generally
woollen (or linen in summer) and come down to somewhere between
mid-thigh and the knee. Livery coats in the household colours
are often worn over armour.

Marchers have no pockets so a pouch is invaluable – bollock or kidney pouches
or leather bags are perfect. Belts are often very long, wrapped round,
looped at the front and left to dangle.

Both male and female monks wear traditional plain monk's habit either
in dark colours, or white with a dark scapular.

===Armour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesJoan.jpg|title=Film: TheMessenger|width=250|align=right}}
Padded gambesons or leather jacks are common for the poor, with a harness of plate
for richer individuals. Households often wear matching livery cotes,
although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation.

===Shields===
Not common. Small metal bucklers are sometimes used.

===Weapons===
Bows are common. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and
other pole-arms. Two handed swords are common for richer characters
in heavier armour, as well as warhammers, maces or poleaxes.

==Images==
===Marcher household===
A prosperous Marcher household will wear often wear matching livery coats, although
simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation. Padded jacks are common for the
poor with a plain harness of plate for wealthier individuals.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=March20.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Yeomen===
Poor Yeomen may wear just a plain coloured jack or padded gambeson as their only armour.
Wealthier Yeomen have livery coats in their Household colours and mail or plate over the
top if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen3.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span9>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen4.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=671}}</span9>
</row-fluid>

===Stewards and wardens===
The head of a household, a steward, may wear richer colours, but wool not silk. Wealthy Marcher
characters wear a full harness of plate in battle if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards1.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards3.jpg|title=Film: Snow White and the Huntsman|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Beaters===
Beaters are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by
the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn
by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher costume===
Marcher costume is in natural autumnal colours using plain fabrics like wool, calico and linen.

Woollen gowns may be worn – either with a neck opening or opening all the way down the front in coat style.
They are usually long, anywhere between knee length and full length and can be worn over a doublet or dress.

Belts are often very long, wrapped round, looped at the front and left to dangle.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

Hose, either joined or split, are worn with braies and a long shirt. Shirts are an extremely
simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

For women an overdress like a kirtle or cotehardie gives a lean, smooth look.
Headwear is common, either a simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or chaperon.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume5.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume6.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume7.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Doublets are common in the Marches, a snug-fitting buttoned jacket that is shaped and fitted to the body. It can be worn over the shirt or under another layer of clothing such as a gown. Marcher doublets should be appropriate for the period and feel of the Nation. They are in simple autumnal colours. The fancy doublets that appear later in history, particularly anything with slashed sleeves or similar should be avoided for the Marches.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume8.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Monks and friars===
Monks and friars wear similar robes. A simple brown cassock is acceptable but it can also be black or
grey. A more complex arrangement with dark scapular over white undergarments is also excellent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks1.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks2.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Landskeepers===
Some landskeepers wear robes, similar to the monk, but a jerkin, shirt and hose, with rolled-up sleeves is just as good an alternative.

===Marcher children===

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild2.png|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild3.jpg|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild4.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher weapons and armour===
Shields are uncommon in the Marches; the most common are small metal bucklers when they are used at all. Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are good: poleaxes, bills and other polearms are iconic; warhammers, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, and improvised weapons based on farm equipment are all welcome.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms3.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Marches look and feel

2012-09-02T15:39:46Z

Markwilkin:

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHenry.jpg|title=Film: Henry V|width=300|align=left}}
[[The Marches]] draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the
War of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour.

The costume of the Marches has a 'solidity' to it, a worn, lived in look that contrasts
with its neighbour [[Dawn]]'s high romance, gleaming plate and vivid hues.
The Marches is Kenneth Brannagh’s Henry V rather than Laurence Olivier’s.

''Also see [[Marches costumes]] and [[Marches icons and artistry]].''

==Breakdown==
==Feel==
Gritty, solid, practical, traditional, mud, blood, green fields, rural, iron.
===Influences===
Wars of the Roses England, Rangers of Ithilien (Beaters), Cadfael (Monks and Landskeepers).
===Materials===
Wool, calico, linen, leather.
===Colours===
Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached
cloth. The palette is autumnal suggesting natural dull blues, greys, browns/
rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of
the social scale. Wealthier Marchers may use deeper, brighter shades.

===Clothing===
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHats.jpg|width=300|align=right}}
Marchers favour plain clothes, simple hoods, hose and shirts.
Wealthier characters might wear finer robes, cotehardies or a simple doublet
but it will be still be a plain wool or heavy linen. Headwear is common, either a
simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or plain chaperon.

Instead of shirts and hose women may choose to wear a woollen or heavy linen overdress
such as a kirtle or cotehardie over a shift. The look is long, lean and smooth and laced to fit.
Back lacing shows higher status and gives a better line. Side lacing is more usual.
Tudor style kirtles with a gathered skirt are not suitable for the Marches.

Hose, either joined or split, are acceptable worn with braies and a long shirt.
Shirts are an extremely simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

Doublets are common but should be short and simple, not the fancy
slashed doublets of the Tudor period and later. Cotes are generally
woollen (or linen in summer) and come down to somewhere between
mid-thigh and the knee. Livery coats in the household colours
are often worn over armour.

Marchers have no pockets so a pouch is invaluable – bollock or kidney pouches
or leather bags are perfect. Belts are often very long, wrapped round,
looped at the front and left to dangle.

Both male and female monks wear traditional plain monk's habit either
in dark colours, or white with a dark scapular.

===Armour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesJoan.jpg|title=Film: TheMessenger|width=250|align=right}}
Padded gambesons or leather jacks are common for the poor, with a harness of plate
for richer individuals. Households often wear matching livery cotes,
although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation.

===Shields===
Not common. Small metal bucklers are sometimes used.

===Weapons===
Bows are common. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and
other pole-arms. Two handed swords are common for richer characters
in heavier armour, as well as warhammers, maces or poleaxes.

==Images==
===Marcher household===
A prosperous Marcher household will wear often wear matching livery coats, although
simple sashes or badges are also used to denote afiliation. Padded jacks are common for the
poor with a plain harness of plate for wealthier individuals.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=March20.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHousehold3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Yeomen===
Poor Yeomen may wear just a plain coloured jack or padded gambeson as their only armour.
Wealthier Yeomen have livery coats in their Household colours and mail or plate over the
top if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen3.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span9>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen4.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=671}}</span9>
</row-fluid>

===Stewards and wardens===
The head of a household, a steward, may wear richer colours, but wool not silk. Wealthy Marcher
characters wear a full harness of plate in battle if they have it.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards1.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards3.jpg|title=Film: Snow White and the Huntsman|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Beaters===
Beaters are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by
the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn
by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesBeaters2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher costume===
Marcher costume is in natural autumnal colours using plain fabrics like wool, calico and linen.

Woollen gowns may be worn – either with a neck opening or opening all the way down the front in coat style.
They are usually long, anywhere between knee length and full length and can be worn over a doublet or dress.

Belts are often very long, wrapped round, looped at the front and left to dangle.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

Hose, either joined or split, are worn with braies and a long shirt. Shirts are an extremely
simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

For women an overdress like a kirtle or cotehardie gives a lean, smooth look.
Headwear is common, either a simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or chaperon.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume5.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume6.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume7.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Doublets are common in the Marches, a snug-fitting buttoned jacket that is shaped and fitted to the body. It can be worn over the shirt or under another layer of clothing such as a gown. Marcher doublets should be appropriate for the period and feel of the Nation. They are in simple autumnal colours. The fancy doublets that appear later in history, particularly anything with slashed sleeves or similar should be avoided for the Marches.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume8.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Monks and friars===
Monks and friars wear similar robes. A simple brown cassock is acceptable but it can also be black or
grey. A more complex arrangement with dark scapular over white undergarments is also excellent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks1.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks2.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Landskeepers===
Some landskeepers wear robes, similar to the monk, but a jerkin, shirt and hose, with rolled-up sleeves is just as good an alternative.

===Marcher children===

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild2.png|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild3.jpg|title=TV Series: Game of Thrones|width=348}}</span5>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild4.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Marcher weapons and armour===
Shields are uncommon in the Marches; the most common are small metal bucklers when they are used at all. Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are good: poleaxes, bills and other polearms are iconic; warhammers, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, and improvised weapons based on farm equipment are all welcome.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms3.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Navarr look and feel

2012-08-31T00:08:33Z

Markwilkin:

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrTattoo.jpg|align=left|title=Film: Doomsday|width=300}}
The Navarr look draws heavily on the forests for its inspiration. The colours are
primarily greens and browns with occasional splashes of dark autumnal red or yellow.
Materials are practical, primarily those that come from hunting - leather and fur.
Facepaint, tattoos and brands are common, especially on the face and around the eyes.
Navarr mark oaths and other important commitments with brands, tattoos or scars.
Most warriors only apply war paint before they go into battle, but some Navarr choose
to wear it every day, a symbol of their constant readiness.

Rather than rich materials or unusual colours the Navarr personalize their appearance
by adorning their costume with beads, feathers, fetishes, and other accessories. It is
common to weave such items into the hair.

''Also see [[Navarr Costumes]] and [[Navarr Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Wild, unsettling, otherworldly, alert, pragmatic, tattooed, fierce, primal, blood

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
Wood elves, The Rangers from Lord of the Rings.

===Materials===
Primarily leather and fur. Materials like linen, wool, velvet or silk are less common.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrBloom.jpg|align=right|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|width=250}}

===Colours===
The palette is the colours of spring: soft greens and browns, gentle misty greys, and perhaps the dark blood red of birthing.

===Clothing===
Navarr clothing is layered, serviceable and well-worn. Even for civilians, it often features pieces of leather armour, though this is to protect against the environment as much as enemy weapons. Clothes are suitable for people who live their lives in the wild forests. Not just a robust construction but practical designs, for instance hooded cloaks that give protection against the weather, but can also serve as bedding. Belts and straps feature quite heavily – both to secure clothing so it doesn’t snag, and to hold a variety of gear securely while moving through woodland. Boots are long and close-fitting to protect the lower legs while walking.

=== Jewelry ===
Navarr favour jewelry that represents the twisting journeys of the Great Dance. Knotted metalwork in either base or precious metals; rings, bracelets, armbands, torcs and brooches are the most common types found.

===Armour===
Thick hardened leather is the most common form of armour for the Navarr, occasionally supplemented with light chain or scale. Navarr armour often features an asymmetric pattern, with lines and closures that run diagonally across the body rather than vertically but a single breastplate is just as common.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrArmour1.jpg|Film: Snow White and the Huntsman|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrArmour2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrArmour3.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Shields===
Shields are narrow and fluted, barely wider than the wielder. They are often heavily decorated with the thorn motif.

===Weapons===
The iconic Navarr weapon is a spear, often with a barbed shaft and decorated with thorn motifs. This echoes the spear of their legendary hero, Navarr. Otherwise weapons are, light, practical and good for skirmishing rather than heavy combat.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrSpear1.jpg|Film: Centurion|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrSpear2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrSpear3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrSpear4.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

Bows are another favoured Navarr weapon. Like the spear they are an effective tool for hunting as well as a weapon of war.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrBow1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrBow2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrBow3.jpg|title=Film: The Brothers Grimm|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

==Costume==
Navarr style of dress varies, depending on how much contact the striding or steading has with the other nations. More isolated Navarr may adopt a rougher, more practical or primitive look; more integrated Navarr have access to a greater range of materials. However, most Navarr will fall somewhere in between these two extremes.

===Isolated Navarr===
More isolated Navarr adopt a look primarily comprised of leather, furs and natural materials, suitable for hunting people who are used to sleeping rough.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrAlex.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrKeira.jpg|title=Film: King Arthur|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrDruid.jpg|Film: King Arthur|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrIsolated.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Integrated Navarr===
Those Navarr who trade with their neighbours are more likely to have access to wool and similar materials so their costume reflects their closer contact with fellow members of the Empire.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrIntegrated1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrIntegrated2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrIntegrated3.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Tattoos===
The Navarr mark sworn oaths with tattoos, brands and scars, as a visible sign of the commitment they have made. Thorn motifs are the most common design. They use less permanent warpaint on their face or hair when preparing for conflict. Donning the paint helps them prepare themselves and commits them to their course. Many Navarr warriors wear warpaint
every day as a sign of their readiness to fight.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrTattoo2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrTattoo3.jpg|title=Film: Centurion|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrTattoo4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrTattoo5.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Hair===
Braids and dreadlocks are common, as are beads and other decorations woven into the hair.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrHair1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrHair2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
Navarr children are taught the value of being prepared and ready at all times. They are encouraged to learn to fight with sword, spear and bow from an early age.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrChild1.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrChild2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:Navarr]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Navarr look and feel

2012-08-31T00:01:47Z

Markwilkin: Visual re-jig

The League look and feel

2012-08-30T21:47:01Z

Markwilkin: Visual formatting fixes

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}} [[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities. This is a nation ruled by powerful guilds, and while there are poor people the cities are well maintained and are very different to the shambolic chaos of a Port Blacksand or even a Lankhmar.

The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich silks in the south and fur trim for the northern cities of Temeswar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

''Also see [[League Costumes]] and [[League Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

===Colours===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueAverland.jpg|width=250|align=right}} The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

==Clothing==
In the south, short doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves are either tight with the undershirt puffing from beneath or occasionally full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers cut to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.

In the north the climate is colder, and clothing reflects that. More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.

Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-trousers wear elaborate high-waisted gowns. The neckline may be lower than in other nations, cut almost to the waistband. An undergown, chemise or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown, sleeved and high-waisted. To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like a doublet’s. Ribbons are often used as decoration.

===Armour===
Armour is usually worn to allow the brightly covered clothing beneath to show through. A full harness is rarely worn, and heavy armour is usually concentrated over the vital areas, particularly the chest and head.

Those Free Companies that can afford it purchase matching armour. Those that must make use of what they can salvage combine it with matching costume to ensure that their group is identifiable as a single unit.

A starting Free Company may equip its members with a bright uniform in two contrasting colours and a quilted jack. Wealthier companies may have matching arming doublets, armour and helmets.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBattle.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGrey.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePurple.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat.
Professional soldiers tend to prefer crossbows, long spears or halberds. Street fighters usually favour a light sword with a main gauche or stiletto for the off-hand. Shields are not common in either case.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCrossbows.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePikes.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Bravos===
[[Bravos]] are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[Free Companies|Free Company]].
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Free Companies===
The riotously bright uniforms of the [[Free Companies]] mostly comprise two colours, with sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through. A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.

Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs and blanket rolls.
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree1.jpg|width=250|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree2.jpg|width=250|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Banners===
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner1.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3></span3>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
The Empire outlaws children taking the battlefield until they have passed their Citizenship tests, but some Free Companies include children of all ages. When employed as messengers, it is a matter of pride to dress them as well as the soldiers of the unit they represent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChild1.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Costume===
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

Gentlemen wear doublets with similarly complex decoration; sleeves are often laced on to the body of the doublet. The look is generally rather top heavy with slim fitting trousers or breeches and high legged boots.
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCouple.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=right}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueWoman.jpg|align=left}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueMan1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=right}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Theatre and Masks===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGroup.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=400|align=right}}
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent of the magic of a performance. Facemasks are also a common element of fashionable attire for individuals from all walks of life.

This custom sprang partly from the popular ''Facio'' style of masked theatre, where actors and even audience members swap characters as they swap masks, and partly descends from the traditions of cowls and veils in Highguard society. Masks allow an individual to cultivate anonymity and the air of mystery. Some groups – military units and criminals especially – may go so far as to all wear matching masks even in dangerous situations.

===Churches===
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are all used to communicate their importance.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3></span3>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The League look and feel

2012-08-30T21:37:29Z

Markwilkin: Formatting

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}} [[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities. This is a nation ruled by powerful guilds, and while there are poor people the cities are well maintained and are very different to the shambolic chaos of a Port Blacksand or even a Lankhmar.

The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich silks in the south and fur trim for the northern cities of Temeswar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

''Also see [[League Costumes]] and [[League Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

===Colours===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueAverland.jpg|width=250|align=right}} The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

==Clothing==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCouple.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=left}}
In the south, short doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves are either tight with the undershirt puffing from beneath or occasionally full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers cut to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.

In the north the climate is colder, and clothing reflects that. More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.

Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-trousers wear elaborate high-waisted gowns. The neckline may be lower than in other nations, cut almost to the waistband. An undergown, chemise or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown, sleeved and high-waisted. To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like a doublet’s. Ribbons are often used as decoration.

===Armour===
Armour is usually worn to allow the brightly covered clothing beneath to show through. A full harness is rarely worn, and heavy armour is usually concentrated over the vital areas, particularly the chest and head.

Those Free Companies that can afford it purchase matching armour. Those that must make use of what they can salvage combine it with matching costume to ensure that their group is identifiable as a single unit.

A starting Free Company may equip its members with a bright uniform in two contrasting colours and a quilted jack. Wealthier companies may have matching arming doublets, armour and helmets.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBattle.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGrey.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePurple.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat.
Professional soldiers tend to prefer crossbows, long spears or halberds. Street fighters usually favour a light sword with a main gauche or stiletto for the off-hand. Shields are not common in either case.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCrossbows.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePikes.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Bravos===
[[Bravos]] are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[Free Companies|Free Company]].
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Free Companies===
The riotously bright uniforms of the [[Free Companies]] mostly comprise two colours, with sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through. A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.

Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs and blanket rolls.
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree1.jpg|width=250|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree2.jpg|width=250|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Banners===
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner1.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3></span3>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
The Empire outlaws children taking the battlefield until they have passed their Citizenship tests, but some Free Companies include children of all ages. When employed as messengers, it is a matter of pride to dress them as well as the soldiers of the unit they represent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChild1.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Costume===
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

Gentlemen wear doublets with similarly complex decoration; sleeves are often laced on to the body of the doublet. The look is generally rather top heavy with slim fitting trousers or breeches and high legged boots.
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueWoman.jpg|align=left}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueMan1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=right}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Theatre and Masks===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGroup.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=400|align=right}}
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent of the magic of a performance. Facemasks are also a common element of fashionable attire for individuals from all walks of life.

This custom sprang partly from the popular ''Facio'' style of masked theatre, where actors and even audience members swap characters as they swap masks, and partly descends from the traditions of cowls and veils in Highguard society. Masks allow an individual to cultivate anonymity and the air of mystery. Some groups – military units and criminals especially – may go so far as to all wear matching masks even in dangerous situations.

===Churches===
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are all used to communicate their importance.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3></span3>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The League look and feel

2012-08-30T21:35:40Z

Markwilkin: /* Churches */

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}} [[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities. This is a nation ruled by powerful guilds, and while there are poor people the cities are well maintained and are very different to the shambolic chaos of a Port Blacksand or even a Lankhmar.

The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich silks in the south and fur trim for the northern cities of Temeswar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

''Also see [[League Costumes]] and [[League Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

===Colours===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueAverland.jpg|width=250|align=right}} The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

==Clothing==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCouple.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=left}}
In the south, short doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves are either tight with the undershirt puffing from beneath or occasionally full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers cut to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.

In the north the climate is colder, and clothing reflects that. More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.

Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-trousers wear elaborate high-waisted gowns. The neckline may be lower than in other nations, cut almost to the waistband. An undergown, chemise or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown, sleeved and high-waisted. To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like a doublet’s. Ribbons are often used as decoration.

===Armour===
Armour is usually worn to allow the brightly covered clothing beneath to show through. A full harness is rarely worn, and heavy armour is usually concentrated over the vital areas, particularly the chest and head.

Those Free Companies that can afford it purchase matching armour. Those that must make use of what they can salvage combine it with matching costume to ensure that their group is identifiable as a single unit.

A starting Free Company may equip its members with a bright uniform in two contrasting colours and a quilted jack. Wealthier companies may have matching arming doublets, armour and helmets.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBattle.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGrey.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePurple.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat.
Professional soldiers tend to prefer crossbows, long spears or halberds. Street fighters usually favour a light sword with a main gauche or stiletto for the off-hand. Shields are not common in either case.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCrossbows.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePikes.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Bravos===
[[Bravos]] are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[Free Companies|Free Company]].
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Free Companies===
The riotously bright uniforms of the [[Free Companies]] mostly comprise two colours, with sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through. A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.

Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs and blanket rolls.
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree1.jpg|width=250|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree2.jpg|width=250|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Banners===
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner1.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3></span3>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
The Empire outlaws children taking the battlefield until they have passed their Citizenship tests, but some Free Companies include children of all ages. When employed as messengers, it is a matter of pride to dress them as well as the soldiers of the unit they represent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChild1.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Costume===
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

Gentlemen wear doublets with similarly complex decoration; sleeves are often laced on to the body of the doublet. The look is generally rather top heavy with slim fitting trousers or breeches and high legged boots.
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueWoman.jpg|align=left}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueMan1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=right}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGroup.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=400|align=left}}
===Theatre and Masks===
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent of the magic of a performance. Facemasks are also a common element of fashionable attire for individuals from all walks of life.

This custom sprang partly from the popular ''Facio'' style of masked theatre, where actors and even audience members swap characters as they swap masks, and partly descends from the traditions of cowls and veils in Highguard society. Masks allow an individual to cultivate anonymity and the air of mystery. Some groups – military units and criminals especially – may go so far as to all wear matching masks even in dangerous situations.

===Churches===
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are all used to communicate their importance.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3></span3>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Naga

2012-08-30T20:09:58Z

Markwilkin:

==Overview==
The naga are touched by the realm of [[Night]], a realm of shape-changing wyrms and winged serpents. They are subtle, secretive and intuitive individuals whose passion and fervour for life drives them to seek new challenges and new experiences.

Naga are comfortable in roles where secrets and sensation are important. They excel in the [[Bourse]] where their motivation for wealth and passion for secrets gives them an edge, but they are also found in the [[Synod]] where their fervour and oratory make them successful. There have been a number of notable naga in the [[Senate]] and the [[Conclave]], over the years, but their lack of discipline and mercurial spirit means they have rarely embraced a life in the military.

The naga lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to be subtle and manipulative, as well as those who want to be a little mysterious. The naga suits a number of concepts: fanatical priests, mysterious wizards, fighters who enjoy fighting, artists and performers of all types. The concept plays with images of the snake as wise and subtle, but subverts the idea that snakes are “cold-blooded”.

Inspirations for the naga might include any number of famous artists and socialites such as Oscar Wilde and Van Gough. Spymasters like Francis Walsingham from the film ''Elizabeth'' and the fictional spies Varys and Milady de Winter all fit the idea of subtle, secretive, passionate agents. Wizards and mysterious magicians of all stripes can provide inspiration including various versions of Thoth, Mister Miyagi, Merlin, Morgan leFey and even Doctor Strange. Naga are often articulate characters that enjoy their own cleverness, like Vizzini and Tyrion Lannister. Other characters that fit the naga stereotype are the indulgent jewel-thief Catwoman, sinister sociopaths like The Talented Mr Ripley, manipulators like the Marquis de Carabas from ''Neverwhere'', and most of the cast of Josh Whedon's ''Firefly'' series (but especially Shepard Derriel Book and Inara Serra).

==Sobriquets==
Skinks, Snakes, Lamia, the Scaled

==What they are not==
* '''Sex pests.''' Naga are sensates, they're not bizarre scaly perverts.

==Iconic Trappings==
* '''Scaled brow or eye sockets.''' Almost all naga have scales around the eyes or across the brow. A quick and effective scale effect can be produced using make-up and applied with a stencil. You can also use a latex prosthetic to build up the scales across the forehead and highlight the eyes.

==Other Trappings==
* '''Fangs.''' Some naga have a pair of fangs where their upper canines would normally be. They do not have additional fangs or pointed teeth, no matter how strong their lineage is. This look is best achieved with teeth prosthetics.
* '''Reptilian eyes.''' Naga often have eyes with thin vertical pupils like those of a cat or a reptile. Cosmetic contact lenses can be used to achieve this. The pupil and iris should be the tall and thin, and the iris may be of any colour.
* '''Scaled skin.''' High lineage naga have scales covering more of their skin. This may be on the sides of the face and neck, the back of the hands and the arms or it may even cover large areas of visible skin. Naga are not restricted to any one colour scheme for their scales and exotic shades are entirely appropriate for this lineage, provided that the scale motif is clearly visible. There is no need to cover every inch of your skin but if you do this, then avoid leaving your neck visible and unpainted, as it undermines the appearance. It may be better to use the scales in highlighted areas like the cheek bones, face and the sides of the neck. You can also use latex prosthetics to enhance the scale effect by raising their profile.
* '''Feathers.''' If you are playing a high lineage naga with scales that cover significant areas of your face then you might also have brightly coloured feathers on the back of your head. You can tie long feathers into your hair or else use a wig or skull cap so that the hair is completely covered by a mane of feathers. The goal is to look like a feathered serpent, not a scaled bird.
* '''Flat nose.''' High lineage naga sometimes have a flatter or less defined nose. The nostrils may look more like pits and the skin on either side rises to meet the bridge of the nose. This effect might be achieved with various kinds of latex prosthetic that cover the nose and centre of the face.
* '''Sibilant voices.''' hissing is not out of character for the Naga.

==Roleplaying Naga==

Naga blood influences the character of the one who possesses it. Not every Naga expresses these effects to the same degree, but characters who strongly express these roleplaying effects often possess stronger blood than those who do not.

* '''Naga are subtle.''' Observers rarely know what a Naga is thinking or planning, whereas the Naga themselves will be very clear of their ultimate goal and how they might achieve it. There is a subversive pride to be taken in pursuing one’s goal without anyone else knowing until you have succeeded. This might be used in long term political plotting, manipulating a social function in order to get close to a particular individual, or controlling a conversation in order to shorten it for their own end (without the other person knowing of course that they were the last thing on one’s mind)
* '''Naga are intuitive.''' They love to watch and to try and work out the motives of others, presuming there is some goal beyond the obvious and perhaps linking unrelated occurrences into this perceived ‘plan’. Having made such a conclusion it may colour their actions and interactions, even in the face of contrary evidence they may feel they know more about what is really going on. If it is someone they feel strongly about, they may seek to help or hinder such perceived goals.
* '''Naga are passionate.''' Naga could never be thought cold, even at their most calculating and devious. There is a keen fire in the eyes and tension at the thrill of the chase (literal or otherwise). They feel all emotions strongly and love to engage with the moment, and if they enjoy an experience may seek to prolong it, or seek it out again. They are not childish, nor erratic, just every sensation is more real to them and they cannot help feeling it, nor would they want to. Each Naga has their own passions and preferences which makes them very varied but linked by a common thread.
* '''Naga may degenerate into madness.''' Some naga become increasingly self-obsessed and selfish to the point of sociopathy. The passionate pursuit of a goal can become so strong that it excludes other concerns, perhaps to the detriment and ultimate injury of others. The tragic tales of those who followed their heart’s desire only to find everything else they loved had been destroyed in the wake of their pursuit; those whose study removed them so far that they became hated for their indifference; those who with near-mad fervour struck down one of their dearest who tried to stand in their way.

==Advantage - discerning senses==

All the senses seem a little stronger, a little more complex: a common sweet might be a riot of intermingled flavours; a plain cloth is seen to be woven from subtly varied threads; a simple melody accompanied by all the implied harmonies and driven by the emotion of the musical flow. This does not make it easier to pick out poisons, or other potential advantages, in fact the sensations can be distracting leading to revulsion or rapture, evoking the passions in some way.

==The Blood==
Despite their appearance, Naga are as warm blooded and mammalian as any human, they just have some snakes-like characteristics in their appearance. They mate and breed just like humans do, they have hair, and they give birth to live offspring. The Naga bloodlines require regular influxes of human blood. Without them the bloodline reaches a strength where the Naga becomes incapable of successfully mating with another Naga. As a consequence Naga often take human lovers, even if they are in a relationship with another Naga. As well as Naga who have a Naga parent, some Naga claim one of their parents was a disguised Eternal of the Realm of Night.

==Lines of the Naga==
* The passion of Naga troubadors is famous in [[Dawn_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Dawn]]

* The [[The League lineage and species attitudes|Reckoner guilds]] of the [[The League|League]] are dominated by those of [[merrow]] and naga blood..

* Most famously, the [[Wintermark_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Kallavesi Marshsnakes]] who dwell in the swamps of Wintermark have Naga lineage.

[[Category:Lineages]]
[[Category:The World]]

{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga7.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga4.jpg|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga5.png|align=right|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga6.png|align=left|width=200}}

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga3.png|width=267}}</span4>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga1.png|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Naga8.png|align=right|width=200}}

The League look and feel

2012-08-29T23:49:32Z

Markwilkin: Suggested visual reformat, could someone check this on some different monitor resolutions?

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}} [[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities. This is a nation ruled by powerful guilds, and while there are poor people the cities are well maintained and are very different to the shambolic chaos of a Port Blacksand or even a Lankhmar.

The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich silks in the south and fur trim for the northern cities of Temeswar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

''Also see [[League Costumes]] and [[League Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

===Colours===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueAverland.jpg|width=250|align=right}} The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

==Clothing==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCouple.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=left}}
In the south, short doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves are either tight with the undershirt puffing from beneath or occasionally full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers cut to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.

In the north the climate is colder, and clothing reflects that. More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.

Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-trousers wear elaborate high-waisted gowns. The neckline may be lower than in other nations, cut almost to the waistband. An undergown, chemise or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown, sleeved and high-waisted. To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like a doublet’s. Ribbons are often used as decoration.

===Armour===
Armour is usually worn to allow the brightly covered clothing beneath to show through. A full harness is rarely worn, and heavy armour is usually concentrated over the vital areas, particularly the chest and head.

Those Free Companies that can afford it purchase matching armour. Those that must make use of what they can salvage combine it with matching costume to ensure that their group is identifiable as a single unit.

A starting Free Company may equip its members with a bright uniform in two contrasting colours and a quilted jack. Wealthier companies may have matching arming doublets, armour and helmets.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBattle.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGrey.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePurple.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat.
Professional soldiers tend to prefer crossbows, long spears or halberds. Street fighters usually favour a light sword with a main gauche or stiletto for the off-hand. Shields are not common in either case.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCrossbows.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePikes.jpg|width=300}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Bravos===
[[Bravos]] are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[Free Companies|Free Company]].
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Free Companies===
The riotously bright uniforms of the [[Free Companies]] mostly comprise two colours, with sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through. A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.

Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs and blanket rolls.
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree1.jpg|width=250|align=left}}</span5>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree2.jpg|width=250|align=right}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Banners===
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner1.jpg|width=300}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span3></span3>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
The Empire outlaws children taking the battlefield until they have passed their Citizenship tests, but some Free Companies include children of all ages. When employed as messengers, it is a matter of pride to dress them as well as the soldiers of the unit they represent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChild1.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Costume===
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

Gentlemen wear doublets with similarly complex decoration; sleeves are often laced on to the body of the doublet. The look is generally rather top heavy with slim fitting trousers or breeches and high legged boots.
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueWoman.jpg|align=left}}</span3><span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueMan1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250|align=right}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGroup.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=400|align=left}}
===Theatre and Masks===
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent of the magic of a performance. Facemasks are also a common element of fashionable attire for individuals from all walks of life.

This custom sprang partly from the popular ''Facio'' style of masked theatre, where actors and even audience members swap characters as they swap masks, and partly descends from the traditions of cowls and veils in Highguard society. Masks allow an individual to cultivate anonymity and the air of mystery. Some groups – military units and criminals especially – may go so far as to all wear matching masks even in dangerous situations.

===Churches===
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are all used to communicate their importance.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span3><span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The League look and feel

2012-08-26T23:23:39Z

Markwilkin: Reducing image sizes before editing layout

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}} [[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities. This is a nation ruled by powerful guilds, and while there are poor people the cities are well maintained and are very different to the shambolic chaos of a Port Blacksand or even a Lankhmar.

The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich silks in the south and fur trim for the northern cities of Temeswar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

''Also see [[League Costumes]] and [[League Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

===Colours===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueAverland.jpg|width=250|align=right}} The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

==Clothing==
In the south, short doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves are either tight with the undershirt puffing from beneath or occasionally full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers cut to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.

In the north the climate is colder, and clothing reflects that. More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.

Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-trousers wear elaborate high-waisted gowns. The neckline may be lower than in other nations, cut almost to the waistband. An undergown, chemise or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown, sleeved and high-waisted. To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like a doublet’s. Ribbons are often used as decoration.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBattle.jpg|align=left|width=300}}

===Armour===
Armour is usually worn to allow the brightly covered clothing beneath to show through. A full harness is rarely worn, and heavy armour is usually concentrated over the vital areas, particularly the chest and head.

Those Free Companies that can afford it purchase matching armour. Those that must make use of what they can salvage combine it with matching costume to ensure that their group is identifiable as a single unit.

===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat.
Professional soldiers tend to prefer crossbows, long spears or halberds. Street fighters usually favour a light sword with a main gauche or stiletto for the off-hand. Shields are not common in either case.

==Images==
===Bravos===
[[Bravos]] are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with
a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[Free Companies|Free Company]].

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Free Companies===
The riotously bright uniforms of the [[Free Companies]] mostly comprise two colours, with sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through. A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree1.jpg|width=250}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs and blanket rolls.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree2.jpg|width=250}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Banners===
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner1.jpg|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Armour===
A starting Free Company may equip its members with a bright uniform in two contrasting colours and a quilted jack. Wealthier companies may have matching arming doublets, armour and helmets.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGrey.jpg|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePurple.jpg|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
The Empire outlaws children taking the battlefield until they have passed their Citizenship tests, but some Free Companies include children of all ages. When employed as messengers, it is a matter of pride to dress them as well as the soldiers of the unit they represent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChild1.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
The crossbow is extremely popular with the Free Companies, as well as halberds and pikes.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCrossbows.jpg|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePikes.jpg|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Costume===
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueWoman.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Gentlemen wear doublets with similarly complex decoration; sleeves are often laced on to the body of the doublet. The look is generally rather top heavy with slim fitting trousers or breeches and high legged boots.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueMan1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCouple.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=250}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGroup.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=400}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Theatre and Masks===
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent of the magic of a performance.

Facemasks are a common element of fashionable attire for individuals from all walks of life. This custom sprang partly from the popular ''Facio'' style of masked theatre, where actors and even audience members swap characters as they swap masks, and partly descends from the traditions of cowls and veils in Highguard society. Masks allow an individual to cultivate anonymity and the air of mystery. Some groups – military units and criminals especially – may go so far as to all wear matching masks even in dangerous situations.

===Churches===
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are all used to communicate their importance.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=300}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The League look and feel

2012-08-26T23:00:58Z

Markwilkin: Undo revision 8106 by Markwilkin (talk)

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}} [[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities. This is a nation ruled by powerful guilds, and while there are poor people the cities are well maintained and are very different to the shambolic chaos of a Port Blacksand or even a Lankhmar.

The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich silks in the south and fur trim for the northern cities of Temeswar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

''Also see [[League Costumes]] and [[League Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

===Colours===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueAverland.jpg|width=250|align=right}} The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

==Clothing==
In the south, short doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves are either tight with the undershirt puffing from beneath or occasionally full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers cut to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.

In the north the climate is colder, and clothing reflects that. More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.

Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-trousers wear elaborate high-waisted gowns. The neckline may be lower than in other nations, cut almost to the waistband. An undergown, chemise or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown, sleeved and high-waisted. To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like a doublet’s. Ribbons are often used as decoration.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBattle.jpg|align=left|width=300}}

===Armour===
Armour is usually worn to allow the brightly covered clothing beneath to show through. A full harness is rarely worn, and heavy armour is usually concentrated over the vital areas, particularly the chest and head.

Those Free Companies that can afford it purchase matching armour. Those that must make use of what they can salvage combine it with matching costume to ensure that their group is identifiable as a single unit.

===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat.
Professional soldiers tend to prefer crossbows, long spears or halberds. Street fighters usually favour a light sword with a main gauche or stiletto for the off-hand. Shields are not common in either case.

==Images==
===Bravos===
[[Bravos]] are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with
a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[Free Companies|Free Company]].

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Free Companies===
The riotously bright uniforms of the [[Free Companies]] mostly comprise two colours, with sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through. A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree1.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs and blanket rolls.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree2.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Banners===
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner1.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Armour===
A starting Free Company may equip its members with a bright uniform in two contrasting colours and a quilted jack. Wealthier companies may have matching arming doublets, armour and helmets.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGrey.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePurple.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
The Empire outlaws children taking the battlefield until they have passed their Citizenship tests, but some Free Companies include children of all ages. When employed as messengers, it is a matter of pride to dress them as well as the soldiers of the unit they represent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChild1.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
The crossbow is extremely popular with the Free Companies, as well as halberds and pikes.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCrossbows.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePikes.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Costume===
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueWoman.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Gentlemen wear doublets with similarly complex decoration; sleeves are often laced on to the body of the doublet. The look is generally rather top heavy with slim fitting trousers or breeches and high legged boots.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueMan1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCouple.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGroup.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Theatre and Masks===
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent of the magic of a performance.

Facemasks are a common element of fashionable attire for individuals from all walks of life. This custom sprang partly from the popular ''Facio'' style of masked theatre, where actors and even audience members swap characters as they swap masks, and partly descends from the traditions of cowls and veils in Highguard society. Masks allow an individual to cultivate anonymity and the air of mystery. Some groups – military units and criminals especially – may go so far as to all wear matching masks even in dangerous situations.

===Churches===
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are all used to communicate their importance.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The League look and feel

2012-08-26T23:00:21Z

Markwilkin: /* Bravos */

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}} [[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities. This is a nation ruled by powerful guilds, and while there are poor people the cities are well maintained and are very different to the shambolic chaos of a Port Blacksand or even a Lankhmar.

The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich silks in the south and fur trim for the northern cities of Temeswar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

''Also see [[League Costumes]] and [[League Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

===Colours===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueAverland.jpg|width=250|align=right}} The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

==Clothing==
In the south, short doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves are either tight with the undershirt puffing from beneath or occasionally full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers cut to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.

In the north the climate is colder, and clothing reflects that. More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.

Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-trousers wear elaborate high-waisted gowns. The neckline may be lower than in other nations, cut almost to the waistband. An undergown, chemise or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown, sleeved and high-waisted. To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like a doublet’s. Ribbons are often used as decoration.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBattle.jpg|align=left|width=300}}

===Armour===
Armour is usually worn to allow the brightly covered clothing beneath to show through. A full harness is rarely worn, and heavy armour is usually concentrated over the vital areas, particularly the chest and head.

Those Free Companies that can afford it purchase matching armour. Those that must make use of what they can salvage combine it with matching costume to ensure that their group is identifiable as a single unit.

===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat.
Professional soldiers tend to prefer crossbows, long spears or halberds. Street fighters usually favour a light sword with a main gauche or stiletto for the off-hand. Shields are not common in either case.

==Images==
===Bravos===
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|align=left|width=300}}
[[Bravos]] are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with
a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[Free Companies|Free Company]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBravos2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|align=right|width=300}}

===Free Companies===
The riotously bright uniforms of the [[Free Companies]] mostly comprise two colours, with sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through. A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree1.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs and blanket rolls.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueFree2.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Banners===
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner1.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueBanner2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Armour===
A starting Free Company may equip its members with a bright uniform in two contrasting colours and a quilted jack. Wealthier companies may have matching arming doublets, armour and helmets.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGrey.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePurple.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
The Empire outlaws children taking the battlefield until they have passed their Citizenship tests, but some Free Companies include children of all ages. When employed as messengers, it is a matter of pride to dress them as well as the soldiers of the unit they represent.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChild1.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
The crossbow is extremely popular with the Free Companies, as well as halberds and pikes.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCrossbows.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePikes.jpg|width=429}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Costume===
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueWoman.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Gentlemen wear doublets with similarly complex decoration; sleeves are often laced on to the body of the doublet. The look is generally rather top heavy with slim fitting trousers or breeches and high legged boots.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueMan1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueCouple.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueGroup.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Theatre and Masks===
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent of the magic of a performance.

Facemasks are a common element of fashionable attire for individuals from all walks of life. This custom sprang partly from the popular ''Facio'' style of masked theatre, where actors and even audience members swap characters as they swap masks, and partly descends from the traditions of cowls and veils in Highguard society. Masks allow an individual to cultivate anonymity and the air of mystery. Some groups – military units and criminals especially – may go so far as to all wear matching masks even in dangerous situations.

===Churches===
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are all used to communicate their importance.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches1.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueChurches2.jpg|title=TV Series: The Borgias|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Brass Coast look and feel

2012-08-26T20:25:26Z

Markwilkin: Move Jewellery a few lines down to make pictures under fit better.

{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume3.jpg|align=left|width=225}}
==Overview==
The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] look is one of bright colours, silks, jewels, and sumptuousness. They admire ornate or bejewelled items. To the Freeborn, a brilliant craftsman is one who can make something elegant as well as sturdy. Their weapons and armour are often engraved or adorned, but they are not fatuous, and do not compromise utility for the sake of appearance. Jewellery is very common with the best pieces, like necklaces, crowns or tiaras, designed to frame the wearer's hands or face.

The image of the flame is central to the Freeborn culture; they believe it represents their spirit: wild, powerful and unchained.

''Also see [[Brass Coast Costumes]] and [[Brass Coast Icons and Artistry]].''

==Breakdown==

===Influences===
The traditional looks of Moorish Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia.

===Feel===
Free, flowing, headstrong, sumptuous, practical, exuberant, hedonistic, colourful, rich, joyful.

===Materials===
Lightweight fabrics such as voiles and chiffons, either silk or synthetic. Also silks, brocades and other rich fabrics. Leather is considered unappealing for clothing, it’s a heavy material they reserve for boots and armour. Gold is prized over silver where available.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume1.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Colours===
Bright, vibrant colours, especially the colours of flames: strong bright yellows, brilliant oranges and every conceivable shade of red as well as gold and silver. Expensive clothing is made in brightly coloured layers to convey the impression of the fire within.

Avoid Black or White. Black is considered severe and used for shrouds to wrap the dead. White is the colour of the poor, of those too impoverished to afford exotic dyes.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassDress.jpg|align=left|width=225}}
===Clothing===
Veils, scarves, head-wraps, pantaloons, loose shirts and kaftans, sashes rather than belts. Clothing is usually worn loose with layers of draped material.

Veils are worn by men and women to make them appear more mysterious and alluring. The ideal style is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagelmust tagelmust] (preferably in bright red, orange or yellow rather than blue).

Clothing and headdresses will often be decorated with shiny metal jewellery, bells, coins and other jingly bits. Jewelry should frame the hands and face.

Ideally scabbards or pouches should hang at the waist by a silk cord that goes over the shoulder. Any tattoos should be highly intricate, henna-style.

===Jewellery and Veils===
Jewellery should frame the face or hands to draw attention to them. Veils are fashionable for men and women who wish to appear mysterious and
alluring.
<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassVeil2.jpg|align=left|width=325}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassJewels.jpg|align=left|width=325}}</span5>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassVeil1.jpg|align=left|width=350}}</span5>
</row-fluid>

===Armour===
Scale is the ideal armour, ideally in a bright golden colour, worn like mail or else secured with leather. Mail in the “jannissary” style, particularly the chain helmets, is also great. Small pieces of plate or breastplates are good especially if ornate and inlaid.
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour.jpg|title=Film: Kingdom of Heaven|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour5.jpg|title=Film: Kingdom of Heaven|align=left|width=250}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour6.jpg|align=left|width=350}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour7.jpg|align=left|width=350}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour2.jpg|align=left|width=350}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
Armour, whether metal or leather, should have embellished edges and rich decoration, with calligraphy and ornate designs.

===Shields===
The Freeborn favour round (ideally domed) metal shields, highly decorated if possible. Gold inlay and engraving are both particularly popular.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms5.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms6.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
Scimitars are less common than straight swords and axes with are the preferred weapons. The Bhuj, a large heavy single-bladed spear, is the ideal pole-arm. The best quality weapons are intricately etched and engraved with complex designs.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Corsairs===
[[Corsairs]] epitomize Freeborn daring and adventure. Javelins and bows are common but the Catazarri crossbow is also used. Many are lightly armoured, but the most bold show off their success with ornately gilded plate.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCorsair1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCorsair2.jpg|width=348}}</span5>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
Children are an opportunity for parents to show off their wealth, dressing their offspring in traditional Freeborn styles.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassChildren.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Sutannir===
[[Sutannir]] often paint their faces and skin with designs inspired by flames and themes of fire.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassSutannir1.jpg|title=Film: Witchville|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassSutannir2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

==Things to avoid==
In defining the Freeborn look we have actively chosen to exclude some elements. Please
do not use any of the images or looks given here:

===Avoid: Shemagh and Agal===
The shemagh and agal is a traditional arab headdress. It is explicitly excluded from the Freeborn look; please do not use it.
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoShemagh.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Avoid: Fez and Bandanna===
The fez and the bandana are not part of the look and feel for the Brass Coast, they are too modern for the setting and should be avoided.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Fez.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Bandana.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Avoid: Turbans===
Turbans, head dressing where the material is piled up and bound on the head are not part of the Freeborn look. The turbans below aren't suitable for the Freeborn.
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban3.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Avoid: Sartorial Hijab===
Freeborn costume is designed to show off the wearer, male or female, and make them look wealthy and exciting. It is
not particularly revealing but it is not intended to cover the body so that it cannot be seen. Therefore almost all sartorial hijab is inappropriate. Avoid abaya, burqa, chador, niqab, and similar looks.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

Look on Google Images for the “tagelmust” (ideally in yellow, orange or red) to get the right look for a head covering.

[[Category:The Brass Coast]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Brass Coast look and feel

2012-08-26T20:22:02Z

Markwilkin:

{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume3.jpg|align=left|width=225}}
==Overview==
The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] look is one of bright colours, silks, jewels, and sumptuousness. They admire ornate or bejewelled items. To the Freeborn, a brilliant craftsman is one who can make something elegant as well as sturdy. Their weapons and armour are often engraved or adorned, but they are not fatuous, and do not compromise utility for the sake of appearance. Jewellery is very common with the best pieces, like necklaces, crowns or tiaras, designed to frame the wearer's hands or face.

The image of the flame is central to the Freeborn culture; they believe it represents their spirit: wild, powerful and unchained.

''Also see [[Brass Coast Costumes]] and [[Brass Coast Icons and Artistry]].''

==Breakdown==

===Influences===
The traditional looks of Moorish Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia.

===Feel===
Free, flowing, headstrong, sumptuous, practical, exuberant, hedonistic, colourful, rich, joyful.

===Materials===
Lightweight fabrics such as voiles and chiffons, either silk or synthetic. Also silks, brocades and other rich fabrics. Leather is considered unappealing for clothing, it’s a heavy material they reserve for boots and armour. Gold is prized over silver where available.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume1.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Colours===
Bright, vibrant colours, especially the colours of flames: strong bright yellows, brilliant oranges and every conceivable shade of red as well as gold and silver. Expensive clothing is made in brightly coloured layers to convey the impression of the fire within.

Avoid Black or White. Black is considered severe and used for shrouds to wrap the dead. White is the colour of the poor, of those too impoverished to afford exotic dyes.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassDress.jpg|align=left|width=225}}
===Clothing===
Veils, scarves, head-wraps, pantaloons, loose shirts and kaftans, sashes rather than belts. Clothing is usually worn loose with layers of draped material.

Veils are worn by men and women to make them appear more mysterious and alluring. The ideal style is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagelmust tagelmust] (preferably in bright red, orange or yellow rather than blue).

Clothing and headdresses will often be decorated with shiny metal jewellery, bells, coins and other jingly bits. Jewelry should frame the hands and face.

Ideally scabbards or pouches should hang at the waist by a silk cord that goes over the shoulder. Any tattoos should be highly intricate, henna-style.

===Jewellery and Veils===
Jewellery should frame the face or hands to draw attention to them. Veils are fashionable for men and women who wish to appear mysterious and
alluring.

<row-fluid>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassVeil2.jpg|align=left|width=325}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassJewels.jpg|align=left|width=325}}</span5>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassVeil1.jpg|align=left|width=350}}</span5>
</row-fluid>

===Armour===
Scale is the ideal armour, ideally in a bright golden colour, worn like mail or else secured with leather. Mail in the “jannissary” style, particularly the chain helmets, is also great. Small pieces of plate or breastplates are good especially if ornate and inlaid.
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour.jpg|title=Film: Kingdom of Heaven|align=left|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour5.jpg|title=Film: Kingdom of Heaven|align=left|width=250}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour6.jpg|align=left|width=350}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour7.jpg|align=left|width=350}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour2.jpg|align=left|width=350}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
Armour, whether metal or leather, should have embellished edges and rich decoration, with calligraphy and ornate designs.

===Shields===
The Freeborn favour round (ideally domed) metal shields, highly decorated if possible. Gold inlay and engraving are both particularly popular.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms5.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms6.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Weapons===
Scimitars are less common than straight swords and axes with are the preferred weapons. The Bhuj, a large heavy single-bladed spear, is the ideal pole-arm. The best quality weapons are intricately etched and engraved with complex designs.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Corsairs===
[[Corsairs]] epitomize Freeborn daring and adventure. Javelins and bows are common but the Catazarri crossbow is also used. Many are lightly armoured, but the most bold show off their success with ornately gilded plate.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCorsair1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCorsair2.jpg|width=348}}</span5>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
Children are an opportunity for parents to show off their wealth, dressing their offspring in traditional Freeborn styles.

<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassChildren.jpg|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>

===Sutannir===
[[Sutannir]] often paint their faces and skin with designs inspired by flames and themes of fire.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassSutannir1.jpg|title=Film: Witchville|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassSutannir2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

==Things to avoid==
In defining the Freeborn look we have actively chosen to exclude some elements. Please
do not use any of the images or looks given here:

===Avoid: Shemagh and Agal===
The shemagh and agal is a traditional arab headdress. It is explicitly excluded from the Freeborn look; please do not use it.
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoShemagh.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Avoid: Fez and Bandanna===
The fez and the bandana are not part of the look and feel for the Brass Coast, they are too modern for the setting and should be avoided.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Fez.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Bandana.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Avoid: Turbans===
Turbans, head dressing where the material is piled up and bound on the head are not part of the Freeborn look. The turbans below aren't suitable for the Freeborn.
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban3.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

===Avoid: Sartorial Hijab===
Freeborn costume is designed to show off the wearer, male or female, and make them look wealthy and exciting. It is
not particularly revealing but it is not intended to cover the body so that it cannot be seen. Therefore almost all sartorial hijab is inappropriate. Avoid abaya, burqa, chador, niqab, and similar looks.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

Look on Google Images for the “tagelmust” (ideally in yellow, orange or red) to get the right look for a head covering.

[[Category:The Brass Coast]]
[[Category:Nations]]

File:Kallavesimask1.jpg

2012-08-26T11:29:04Z

Markwilkin: added image credit

From http://www.flickr.com/photos/sannybot/7259339748/in/set-72157629834017181

File:Kallavesimask2.jpg

2012-08-26T11:13:44Z

Markwilkin:

From http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreamwanderer/4720442712/

Wintermark economic interests

2012-08-26T10:13:52Z

Markwilkin:

Winterfolk import staple goods and concentrate on producing and exporting the goods that are their specialities. The most common exports are fine Wintermark weapons and armour, but anything produced by a Wintermark smith commands a good price anywhere in the Empire, especially if it is marked with a well-known maker's runes. The Imperial road network provides convenient travel for both merchants and armies. Trade with other Imperial Nations brings many exotic goods into Wintermark, but one of the greatest benefits of the road network is the import of cheap food from lands where farming is easier.

Particularly good relations exist between Wintermark and their southern neighbours in the Marches. Each has come to the other’s assistance on numerous occasions, and the grain, barley and salted meat that flows north in exchange for beautifully crafted and enchanted goods ensures that since the foundation of the Empire the Wintermark has never suffered a great famine of the kind that was common before.

Merchants are important in Wintermark, but they are often regarded with caution. A merchant who uses trade to enrich themselves at the expense of their Thane and Hall will be given short shrift, but a merchant who uses wisdom and cunning to bring wealth and prosperity to their Hall and the warriors it supports will be held up as an example to all.

Those who use their skills to enrich themselves are often called Scrabblers. Scrabbler is Wintermark slang for a looter on a battlefield. Before the Empire, Scrabblers who were caught were summarily executed, as Thanes expected to divide the loot from the field between their warband. That tradition is now rarely used except when Wintermark warriors are taking the field alone. Since the adoption of Imperial Law, a looter can only be convicted if they are stealing from the body of an Imperial citizen, not from an enemy. However the epithet remains a powerful Wintermark insult, applied to greedy merchants and camp followers. Ultimately anyone who makes profit from battle without taking the field themselves risks being called a Scrabbler and will be despised.

The most prestigious role for Winterfolk merchants is to act as a Mediator, negotiating weregilds. A fair weregild is considered one that matches the severity of the crime and satisfies the victim but is accepted by the perpetrator. The Winterfolk tradition of weregilds has passed into Imperial law and they are officially set by magistrates who took over the responsibility from the Thanes. However Wintermark magistrates habitually employ a Mediator to negotiate with both parties to find the right weregild. Such negotiations must often be done in haste, so that all can see that justice has been done. Identifying the right weregild and convincing both parties to settle for it is considered an exceptional skill and talented Mediators are in high demand and well regarded. By tradition they are expected to be paid in equal amounts by both parties.

Professional storytellers and performers, called Scops, are common in Wintermark and unlike merchants they are not expected to work for the benefit of their Thane's Hall. Scops are often travellers, moving from Hall to Hall performing and looking for new material. Many are poets using rhyming structures common throughout the Empire or else using the traditional Wintermark alliterative verse, but some Steinr scops master an instrument instead. The Suaq sagafolk prefer to give formal recitations of epic tales, having learned by rote the sagas of their people and the Winterfolk. In contrast the Kallavesi shamans prefer to work with a small audience, telling symbolic stories with complex imagery that are adapted to reflect their audience's situation; the best are designed to help their listeners make auspicious decisions and the shaman may be richly rewarded if a decision proves fortuitous.

<ic>
As a student of magic, I was excited to see the completion of a Steinr sword. I watched entranced for hours as the smith painstaking hammered the blade flat, then used a fine chisel to enscribe a rune on each side. I was told they meant life and death, and would make the edge more capable of changing one to the other. When this was complete she would fold the blade in two and then begin the process again. This went on for hour after hour until eventually she attached it to the hilt and quenched it in several large pails of differently coloured water.

We then sat down to eat a meal prepared by the smith’s husband consisting of filleted fish and a mixture of leaves and grasses, all artfully arranged in a manner most pleasing to the eye. It was the greatest meal I have ever tasted; the fish so perfectly cooked and full of unexpected flavours, and the salty grasses complemented it perfectly. As I profusely thanked him he explained that he had been awake since the early hours in order to spear the fish from the nearby brook, and to pick the salty marsh-grass by the light of the rising sun. He’d gutted and filleted the fish with a knife smithed especially for the purpose, seasoned it with spices imported from the Brass Coast, and pickled the grasses in seven different vinegars purchased from a League merchant. It turned out that the smith’s husband in fact regularly cooked great banquets for the Hall and was something of a local hero.

I was allowed to test the completed sword and though it was heavier than those of Highguard, its edge seemed to sing as I swung it at the heavily stuffed straw doll and it cut through it like it wasn’t even there. And so it was that on that night in Wintermark I saw not one but two masters of their craft, and I would not like to say which was the greater.
</ic>

[[Category:Wintermark]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Wintermark culture and customs

2012-08-26T09:40:37Z

Markwilkin: /* Age, Infirmity and the Good Death */

==Scars==
Scars are important to the Winterfolk. Tradition suggests that a warrior who passes through a battle without being blooded cannot have found a worthy enemy to fight, and is pitied as a consequence. As a sign of respect, some Thanes will cut a young warrior who has fought well in their first battle but not been blooded. Others will mark a young warrior before their first battle as a way to encourage them to avoid taking unnecessary risks. Some bands re-open old wounds before a battle begins so that those who face them can mark their courage. All such cuts are little more than a nick, but done with a sharp knife so that they bleed profusely.

==The Hunt==
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterWarrior2.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
In spring the warriors and hunters of many halls across the nation travel together to the Suaq territories, where the Suaq lead them to the edge of the floes to hunt seals and whales in communal meat gathering before racing back inland as the ground breaks and melts in their wake. The hunters must contend with the dangers of the hunt and the floes as well as the threat from orcs and others that also seek to hunt in the same climes.

==Hospitality==
Any traveller visiting a Hall in Wintermark may claim one drink, one plate of hot food and a bed by a hearth for one night, without any payment or even thanks. This generosity is mandated for one occasion only; beyond this a Hall owes a traveller nothing and may turn them out into the night. However, a guest who works for their sustenance and shelter is entitled to hospitality for another night, and it is customarily unacceptable to refuse a traveller who offers to work. Wintermark folktales are filled with stories of unwanted guests who overstay their welcome which usually end when a cunning Suaq tricks them into taking unmerited food or drink, or into failing to complete their assigned work.

==Art==
Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with runes, but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.

This nation is also known for its poetry, intended to be recited or sung rather than read. While epic tales of heroic deeds or historical poems are popular in formal situations, there is also a tradition of short and entertaining poems, often improvised, in informal situations such as a tavern. Riddles are also a traditional pastime. Cold winter nights are both long and tedious, and it is all too easy to fall asleep on duty or lapse into a numbed state of depression. Thinking up and answering clever riddles helps keep the mind limber.

The Winterfolk are not uneducated, but books and scrolls are treasured among them simply because paper and parchment fare poorly in the damp climate. In Wintermark, history exists primarily in oral form, or on rune-carved slabs of stone, sheets of metal, or artefacts of bone. The Winterfolk celebrate and remember the past, but they are never bound by it. This attitude to the past is the foundation of the Wintermark legal system where each transgression is judged on its own merits, rather than on the basis of past precedent. This practical attitude to legality went on to form the basis of the Imperial codes of law.

==Age, Infirmity and the Good Death==
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterWarrior1.jpg|align=right|width=325}}The land of Wintermark is harsh but this serves to make the Winterfolk strong. It is the cold forge in which each of them is tempered. They face life unbowed by the ferocity of Winter and refuse to acknowledge their own mortality. All three peoples share the idea of the good death – a death that is not sought but comes while fighting the enemies of the Nation or the Empire.

Winterfolk refuse to compromise as they grow older, preferring to push themselves to seek new challenges to overcome. Hunting savage trolls, breaking enemy lines and fighting single combat with enemy champions are all common practices for older Winterfolk. A few choose to walk north into the Heart of Ice, the great ice-storm [[Sydanjaa]], and are never seen again. Legend says that they battle forever against the creatures deep in the storm.

Those who are maimed or crippled by birth or bad luck are expected to strive to overcome any infirmity. They seek ways to compensate for any physical weakness, pushing themselves harder than their able-bodied companions or learning new skills that allow them to continue to strive regardless of any perceived disability. In legend, many Wintermark heroes are maimed or crippled by the loss of a hand or eye before they can reach their good death.

== Funerals ==
Those who die a good death are interred in the Kallavesa marshes, their bones lying in the dark waters alongside those of the first king of Wintermark and the great heroes who have come since. As a hero's life fed the nation when they were alive, their body feeds the marsh in death. It is believed that this custom helps to ensure a good next life for the greatest of the Winterfolk. “To sleep in Kallavesa” is a powerful metaphor for the rewards of glory and heroism, and to speak of “those who sleep in Kallavesa” is to invoke the very heart of what it means to live in Wintermark.
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterShaman2.jpg|align=right|width=275}}Wealthy Thanes usually pay for a beautifully crafted wooden boat for their body which is then sunk beneath the waters. Paupers make do with a reed raft. Kallavesi mystics are skilled at preserving bodies for the long journey to Kallavesa. In the past there has been conflict between the funereal mystics and the priests of the Necropolis in Highguard. The Highborn have strong traditions regarding the funerals of heroes and especially Emperors, and have several times tried to claim the remains of Winterfolk who they believe would be better honoured by being interred in their marble crypts than lying in the swamp alongside their ancestors.

[[Category:Wintermark]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Brass Coast children

2012-08-25T16:14:08Z

Markwilkin:

{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassChildren.jpg|align=right|width=590}}Children on the Coast are often given a piece of over-sized clothing that belonged to someone from an older generation, usually long since departed. The clothing, designed to be grown into, carries the memory of the lost relative and is believed to help the child develop wisdom, audacity and courage of their forebear. The clothing is usually tied up in some way, to ensure it does not drag in the mud.

Freeborn like children to learn the value of money. Those who are not poor give their children a Ring every morning, to carry with them during the day. The child is expected to give the Ring back at night, or to justify why they spent the money if it is gone. Any money that the child makes using their Ring is theirs to keep.

If a child loses their parents, they will always find a home somewhere among their extended family. However, because of the strength of Freeborn family bonds, if a child is truly orphaned without another family member to take them in, they may end up destitute and face a grim future unless taken in by another family, a [[Navarr]] Striding or the Church of the Little Mother.

==Things Every Child Should Know==

* '''A little lie makes a lot of strife.''' If you tell a lie, you lose a little bit of your soul. Be truthful to yourself and to others.
* '''Your family is your greatest treasure.''' Family is the most important thing there is. Always be there to help your family and they will be there to help you.
* '''Words are fine jewels to be picked up and shown off.''' Tell stories and find stories, and if you hear an interesting tale or rumour, make sure you tell it to your family.
* '''Each small thing is worth a Ring.''' Never do anything for free, unless it's for your family. You need not be paid in coin -- people often have more interesting things to trade.
* '''Only sell your own goat.''' You must never trade something which isn't yours.

[[Category:The Brass Coast]]
[[Category:Children]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Varushka magical traditions

2012-08-25T16:06:25Z

Markwilkin: Fixed warden brotherhood link

Most Varushkans regard magic as a useful tool to protect people, but one that can also be dangerous. Supernatural evil is rife in Varushka, and magic is often the only counter to the workings of [[Varushkan Monsters|sovereigns]], many of whom possess potent occult power themselves. Magic is rarely free however – and Varushkans understand that magical power often involves some sort of sacrifice. Magic is neither good nor evil – the same power that lets a magician bless crops and protect against monsters allows them to spread sickness or kill their enemies. As such magicians are treated with wary respect by sensible Varushkans.

A lot of Varushkan ritual magic revolves around sacrifice. This may involve a literal sacrifice when performing rituals that involve casting valuable items into a fire, or be more symbolic in nature involving shedding of a small amount of a ritualist's blood. There is a strong tradition of bargaining and payment in Varushkan magic that recognises that nothing comes without a price.

==Volhov==
Varushkan volhov are occult problem solvers who make a study of supernatural powers to better understand and defend against them. They work to unravel curses and defend their allies from monsters, but they also lay curses on those who they think deserve or will learn from them. They aspire to wield magic with an even hand, maintaining an internal balance between positive and harmful magic.

Volhov often specialise in two particular branches of magic. They are interested in magic that wards against and binds supernatural forces for obvious reasons, and volhov who master this particular type of spellcraft are often interested in the [[Eternals]]. These entities are dangerous, but several of them seem to have a particular interest in Varushka and they can be bargained with by clever volhov. Further, some volhov actually make contact with sovereigns, either arranging deals that protect their community or working magic to keep the sovereign quiescent.

They also make a study of divination – especially if they are also wise ones. The ability to predict danger or uncover secrets serves them well as advisors, and is often key to uncovering the weakness of an enemy. Volhov know that uncovering a secret is not enough, that they need to find a practical way to use their knowledge to resolve their problems. The volhov embrace practicality and teach that not every problem can be solved with magic – that it sometimes creates more problems than it resolves.

Some volhov are itinerants, travelling the [[Varushkan Roads|roads]] between settlements in the company of a [[warden]] brotherhood or [[Navarr]] striding, or trusting their wisdom and magic to protect them when they journey by themselves. This willingness to travel alone adds to their mystique, and there are many stories of cunning volhov encountering and overcoming sovereigns, often staying as their guests for a short time while the sovereign tries to trap them into breaking a stricture and freeing the creature, or dooming themselves.

Volhov have a reputation for being meddlers that is not undeserved. They do not live apart from the other inhabitants of Varushka, and actively involve themselves in the lives of those around them, offering advice or interfering to improve any situation that catches their fancy. A volhov boyar is rare but not unknown, some use magic to empower their schlacta, or hire schlacta who possess practical magical talents of their own. Some volhov boyars have a bleak reputation for making deals with Eternals and sovereigns that protect their people but leave the people of other valleys prey to monstrous depredations.

Volhov are usually aided by a younger apprentice who learns when and how to wield magic. It is common for volhov to possess lineage, and they often prefer to take apprentices who have the touch of “the other” about them, in the knowledge that it makes it easier for them to deal with some Eternals. Volhov tend to dress in dark coloured robes made of hard-wearing fabric and are rarely without their staves. They commonly cover their heads with hoods or hats, and volhov are often described in stories as “''shadow faced''” as a reference both to their headgear and their mysterious nature. This simple uniform announces their profession to others, and warns them to be respectful.

==Cabalists==
Magic commonly forms a basis for cooperation in Varushka with skilled practitioners from different vales coming together to form a [[cabal]] to work powerful rituals. Cabals vary greatly in their unity and purpose and members may include wise ones, volhov and even [[Varushka Military Concerns#Wardens|wardens]]. The loosest cabals are little more than ritual teams where individuals whose primary concern is the vale in which they live come together for a time to further their own interests but more unified cabals often have an identity and a purpose of their own.

The most powerful cabals have existed for centuries and often have an agenda of their own. Those that are dominated by volhov tend to meddle in the politics of the vales and the nation, while those that favour wise ones tend to serve as a haven for wisdom and assistance when a hard winter brings difficult times. No two cabals are alike, some make their existence known while others prefer to operate unnoticed. Some occupy ancient fortifications and employ schlacta to protect them and keep unwanted intruders away, while members of others prefer the comforts and community of life in a vale. Some welcome any who would be a member, others invite only the most powerful to join them. The cabals of Varushka rarely challenge the power of the boyars, precious few have the time or the inclination to take on the defense of a vale and its populace, but they are influential and most boyars tread carefully around those who can wield magic.

[[Category:Varushka]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Varushka military concerns

2012-08-25T15:51:51Z

Markwilkin:

{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaSchlacta.jpeg|align=right|width=500}}
The schlacta are the most common group of professional soldiers in Varushka. They stand ready to defend the valleys that form Varushkan society. They are the defensive core that shields the people against its enemies, whether those enemies are ravening [[Varushkan Monsters|wolves]], rapacious bandits, or rampaging orcs. The schlacta tend to be the best armed and best armoured of Varushkan warriors, but they also tend to see the most combat. As professional soldiers they tend to favour the heavy weapons of war such as broad swords, war axes and bardiches. This sets them apart from other Varushkans who tend to favour weapons that are also tools – the hammer, bow or spear and most especially the woodsman's axe.

Not all schlacta work for a boyar; any organised group of men and women that fights for a living could be called schlacta. Several travelling merchants maintain schlacta to protect themselves and their caravans. There are even mercenary bands of schlacta who offer their protection to others in return for money.

Some particularly brave – or reckless – Varushkans follow the tradition of the wagon raider. These opportunists seek their fortunes by launching forays into barbarian lands to grab whatever riches can be found. They live in tight-knit communities, of hard-bitten veteran soldiers, forming well-defended wagon trains. The wagon raiders are especially skilled in the use of the great pavisse shields, and these hardened gangs are adept at desperate fighting in close quarters. They are also treated with suspicion – there are plenty of stories of wagon raiders who bring back more terrible things than riches when they return from the deep forests.

As well as schlacta, Varushka is home to the [[warden]] brotherhoods who combine martial might with the clever use of amulets, talismans and magical devices to oppose the threats of the Varushkan wilderness. Many wardens are champions of [[The Law|Imperial Law]], and they are often seen as romantic, dashing and above all heroic figures by the people of the vales.

[[Category:Varushka]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Varushka look and feel

2012-08-25T14:42:42Z

Markwilkin: /* Trousers */

==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaDarkMan.jpg|align=left|width=250}}
Varushkans like to display their wealth in their costume. Clothes are usually practical and well made but are made from cloth dyed in bright colours and then intricately embroidered with a dark thread. The use of fur is common, on cloaks, robes and mantles in a range of colours and styles.

Armour and weapons are always solid and well made. For most they are practical pieces made to serve, but the wealthiest Varushkans use ornate designs that serve to strike fear into their enemies. Talismans are widespread, used to help ward off evil.

''Also see [[Varushka Costumes]] and [[Varushka Icons and Artistry]].''

==Feel==
Dour, stern, uncompromising, wise, cunning, prosperous, rich, powerful

==Breakdown==
===Influences===
Rus and Slavic costume.
===Materials===
Fabrics are usually a single colour, suitable for embroidery or decoration. Poorer Varushkans use practical and hard wearing materials like wool,
felt, heavy cotton, leather - but the fabric is less important than the decoration. Fur is common, but is usually reserved for trim.

===Colours===
Bright vibrant colours predominate. A white shirt or dress is the most
common under garment, with brightly decorated hems. Garments are made from cloth of a single colour, with contrasting colours being used for decoration and under garmets.
===Clothing===
The base layer is usually a white shirt or dress, with embroidered
hems. Poor Varushkans use wool to stay warm, but most prefer to wear
multiple layers of lighter clothing, often in contrasting colours. Warm shawls in bright colours are handed down through families.

Trousers for men and women have baggy legs that fall just above or
below the knee with stockings bound to the leg beneath them. Women’s dresses have full, layered skirts and aprons.

Coats are more common than cloaks. The ideal coat has an asymmetric overlap across the chest, is nipped in at the waist but flares out below
the waist to a full ‘skirt’. The wealthiest wear coats in bright strong colours often with fur trim or embroidered hems.

===Decoration===
Fur is used extensively to trim garments of all kinds including armour. Garmets are not made from decorative cloth or covered entirely in decoration, rather it is put in bands usually around the upper arms and the hems. Complex and detailed embroidery is the favourite, most commonly in brilliant red for a white garment. Smocking is common.

===Jewellery===
Amber and silver are most commonly worn. Hunters carry amulets, talismans and fetishes designed to protect them from the monsters that might otherwise hunt them in turn.

{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaDead.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
===Armour===
The most common armour is scale or lamellar, either leather or metal. Splinted greaves and vambraces are common. Helms usually rise to a point, often with a plume.

A few Boyars wear plate that has a simple design but is intricately
decorated. Plate can be tooled to emphasize the strength and power of the wearer and to make them appear darker and more intimidating.

===Shields===
Round shields are common and some Schlacta employ a pavisse.

===Weapons===
[[Schlacta]], the Varushkan professional warriors, use heavy weapons of
war such as broad swords, war axes and bardiches. The woodsman’s axe is a common weapon for many other Varushkans.

== Images ==
===Basic costume===
The most common Varushkan costume is a white shirt, tunic or dress, often white or a light colour. This is intricately embroidered on the hems, the most commonly in red but any bright contrasting colour is fine.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaCostume1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Garments may be made from wool, but most Varushkans prefer a lighter material like linen. These can be worn in layers for warmth commonly with different garmets in contrasting colours.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume2.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Low status costume===
This couple are wearing some traditional Varushkan garmets, a white dress and a white tunic with embroidered hems respectively. Sheepskin is a practical but cheap material which is
worn by poor Varushkans, wealthier individuals would layer their garments and hem them
with fur. Patterned fabrics, such as the woman’s skirt, are used by the poor in place of the embroidered garments worn by most Varushkans.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume3.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===High status costume===
The ideal Varushkan jacket is fitted on the arms and chest but flares out from the waist with a full “skirt” of material. Dark coloured garments may be trimmed with fur rather than embroidered.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=Boyar1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Trousers===
Varushkan men and women wear plain coloured “hero trousers”. Ideally these should be baggy down to just past the knee. Anything worn below the knee should be strapped to the leg. Trousers may be plain or brightly dyed but are usually made from fabric of a single
colour, the strapping is another opportunity for a bright contrasting colour, embroidery or both.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume5.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Varushkan armour===
The traditional Varushkan armour worn by the Schlacta, the professional soldiers, is tightly woven scale or lammellar.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanArmour1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanArmour2.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Varushkan armour is as likely to be leather as metal.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHelm.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

===Varushkan Helms===

The ideal Varushkan helm is pointed with a plume emerging from the point.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHelm1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHelm2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHelm3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHelm4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Boyars===
Boyars who are warriors often wear the traditional lammellar armour but with more complete coverage and supplemented with hardened leather or plate on the fore-arms and legs.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanBoyar1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

Boyars are not sadistic tyrants, but their rule may be authoritarian, callous or even cruel. Some adopt an intimidating demeanour, the better to project their power and authority over
their dominion. Warrior boyars who choose to fight the monsters of the dark forests by appearing as dark as their foes may wear a suit of plate fashioned that reflects the dark gothic tone of the nation.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanBoyar2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanBoyar3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Embroidery===
The most distinctive feature of Varushkan costume is the intricate embroidery that provides a stark contrast. Embroidery should stand out and show off the wearer’s wealth. The entire
garment should not be embroidered or decorated - the ideal placements are hems and in bands around the upper arm, but any garment will look more Varushkan with some embroidery.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanEmbroidery1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanEmbroidery2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanEmbroidery3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanEmbroidery4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Hats===
Varushkan hats may be simple embroidered round caps trimmed with fur or else pointed caps that fold over the head.

<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHat1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHat2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHat3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHat4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>

===Children===
Costume for Varushkan children follows the traditional styles and emphasis on bright colours.

<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanChild1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
</row-fluid>

==Images to avoid==
A LRP setting is defined as much by what you leave out as by what you include. In defining the Varushkan look we have actively chosen to exclude some elements. Please do not use any of the images or looks seen in this section.

===Avoid: Hussars Jacket===
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoJacket.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
Hussars are too modern for the game and the Hussars jacket is not part of the Varushkan look. Varushkan wear full length coats not the short jackets favoured by cavalyrmen.

Please try to avoid frogging or tablet braiding across the chest that is so elaborate and intense that it evokes the Hussar
image. Varushkan decoration is primarily embroidery and fur trim.

===Avoid: Thor’s Hammer===
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoThor.png|width=200|align=left}}
Thor’s Hammers have become as evocative
and iconic as a crucifix. They are irrevocably associated with Thor, a deity which does not
exist in the Empire game setting, so please avoid this specific piece of jewellery.

===Avoid: Cossacks===
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoCossack.gif|width=250|align=right}}The Varushkan look is inspired by Rus and Slavic costume
and does not include Cossacks. We have excluded the Cossack look from the setting because like the Hussars it is evocative of a much later period than the game draws from. Please avoid elements that are reminiscent of cossacks; boots that rise to meet the trousers, small waistcoats, and cossack- style hats made entirely of fur.

Please also avoid cossack dancing. It is iconic - for Cossacks - but is not appropriate for Varushkans in Empire.

[[Category:Varushka]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Urizen magical traditions

2012-08-25T13:58:46Z

Markwilkin: First quote edited to be gender neutral.

{{CaptionedImage|file=UrizenMagician.jpg|title=Urizen Magician|align=right|width=300}}
<quote>To conquer yourself is the first and noblest of all victories.</quote>
When a citizen of the Empire thinks of the Urizen, it’s usually a magician they imagine. Whether a priest, a soldier or a merchant, it is quite common for an Urizen to know an incantation or the fundamentals of a magical lore.

The mountains of Urizen are rich in raw magical resources but they are even more rich in lore and recorded knowledge. There are libraries here that have been collected and expanded over five hundred years, but the magicians don’t rest on their laurels they quest constantly to improve and increase their understanding of magic.

When Urizen joined the Empire they were instrumental in the creation of [[the Conclave]], the great body of magicians that supports the Empire with their arcane skills.

Magic is viewed as the most potent tool an individual can wield to change the world. As nodes in the [[Net of the Heavens]], mages are inherently more pivotal than those around them because they can use magic to achieve far reaching and dramatic changes. Magic can be dangerous however, too much magic can warp an individual’s consciousness or taint an area of land. Reliance on one [[Realms|Realm]] of magic can create imbalances with far-reaching consequences. What is more the Urizen know that individual magicians in other nations rival or even exceed the power of the Urizen though they lack their perspective and understanding and this makes them dangerous. Yet at the same time these magicians are the peers and potential allies of the Urizen magi, they just need guidance.

By bringing magicians together, the Conclave makes it easy for the Urizen to assess their peers, to identify those magicians amongst the other nations who are pivotal nodes. By working together in the Conclave, they can more easily influence their colleagues and thus ensure that the magicians of the Empire are effective and work to improve the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Saruman.jpg|title=The Lord of the Rings|align=right|width=300}}
===Magi===
Some Urizen take an interest in the workings of other Imperial bodies, like [[the Senate]], [[the Synod]] or [[the Bourse]], but the majority regard the Conclave as the most important political arena in the Empire, a reflection of the importance which the Urizen place on magic. One exception to this attitude are the magi, the political magicians of Urizen. A magus sees an equivalence between politics and magic. In both, carefully chosen words and gestures, a strong will and a keen intellect allow one to achieve results far beyond what one could achieve using only one's body. Magic is notoriously unreliable at influencing the hearts and minds of thinking beings, wheras a charismatic steward of [[the Marches]] or a silver-tongued Sarvosian [[Mountebanks|Mountebank]] can achieve incredible results without using the tiniest bit of actual magic.

Wheras the stargazers and seers look beyond the world, and beyond the present, the magi are focused on the here and now. Using the [[Net of the Heavens]] as model, they seek to become powerful nodes in their own right, building alliances and exerting influence over others to achieve their ends. They feel a natural affinity for other magicians, but they also realise the value of using their magical abilities to help their allies and build interlocking webs of favour and influence. Where reason and debate are insufficient, the magi use magic and more mundane methods to learn everything they can about their political opponents, reasoning that the more they know the more likely they are to find some lever that will allow them to bring their rival around to their way of thinking.

Magi do not restrict their political ambitions to the mortal world; the [[Eternals]] are powerful and are clearly pivotal nodes in their own rights, even if they are not part of the Empire. Where other nations may find the Eternals suspect, the magi believe fundamentally that the Eternals are a “knowable quantity.” Their restricted nature as compared to humans means that mortals will always eventually get the better of them, provided they approach them rationally and with care not to get overconfident.

===Stargazers===
Some Urizen magi have little or no interest in politics. The Stargazers are interested in magic itself, performing research and experiments seeking to advance understanding and exceed the known limits of magic. They study magic not just for the power it grants, but so that they can understand both it and the complex laws that govern it. Although only a few stargazers are interested in astronomy they take their name from those amongst them who meticulously chart the course of the heavens.

A common theory among the stargazers is that there is at least one more [[Realms|Realm]] – the seventh Realm that represents the unknown. This seventh Realm, if it exists, is concerned with things that humans cannot conceive of, and may be related to the process of reincarnation. Attempting to understand the seventh Realm is a complex mental exercise – how does a human mind conceive of something that is by its very nature impossible to imagine?

Another common theory held by stargazers is that there are probably eight Realms, although there is bitter division over what these Realms might be. The most widespread belief is that the four “physical” Realms – [[Spring]], [[Summer]], [[Autumn]] and [[Winter]] – should be mirrored by four “spiritual and mental” Realms – that there are at least two more Realms, the counterparts to [[Day]] and [[Night]].

The stargazers maintain that the Realms can be a positive influence on the world, but only so long as no one Realm dominates the others. All six realms possess qualities that are valuable, especially in moderation. Many stargazers perform experiments designed to create balance between the influence of the realms, or to highlight positive elements rather than negative. The ultimate goal is to create a fabled state they variously call “celestial harmony” or “the omnihedron” that will help usher in a state of perfection on the mortal realm.

Stargazers are also interested in the Eternals, for obvious reasons. As denizens of Realms beyonf the mundane, the Eternals may offer insights that can unlock the secrets of the Realms and the physical world. Stargazers relish the opportunity to engage with friendly Eternals in discussions about philosophy and theorising about the nature of existance.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MageArmour.jpg|title=Mage Armour|align=left|width=300}}

===Seers===
The seers of Urizen maintain libraries of lore gathered from across the Empire and beyond. Honed and refined by generations of study and discussion, these libraries rival the great libraries of [[Highguard]]. Urizen does not limit itself to magical lore, everything can be quantified, charted and recorded and to lose or waste knowledge is a dreadful thing. Recording and gathering wisdom and knowledge of the mundane world helps them to a greater understanding of how to apply their magic to the best effect.

The seers always attempt to maintain perfect detachment from the events they are recording, no matter how painful or unpopular those facts might be. Most seers are masters of the Day Realm, able to perform powerful divination rituals. They know that success in divination relies upon having the most accurate possible information so they regard personal opinions and interpretations as flaws. It is perfectly appropriate for an Urizen to hold an opinion on his data, to have interpretation of what it means, the seers just don’t believe that mere opinions merit being written down.

The clashes between [[Highguard History#Archivists|Highborn archivists]] and Urizen seers and [[Urizen Leadership#Torchbearers|torchbearers]] are notorious. Seers are outraged by what they see as the archivists cavalier approach to the facts while the archivists are infuriated by the torchbearers insistence on spreading information to everyone. There is rarely much love lost between scholars of the two nations and they often compete with each other to possess information.

[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Urizen]]

Urizen magical traditions

2012-08-25T13:33:54Z

Markwilkin:

{{CaptionedImage|file=UrizenMagician.jpg|title=Urizen Magician|align=right|width=300}}
<quote>For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.</quote>
When a citizen of the Empire thinks of the Urizen, it’s usually a magician they imagine. Whether a priest, a soldier or a merchant, it is quite common for an Urizen to know an incantation or the fundamentals of a magical lore.

The mountains of Urizen are rich in raw magical resources but they are even more rich in lore and recorded knowledge. There are libraries here that have been collected and expanded over five hundred years, but the magicians don’t rest on their laurels they quest constantly to improve and increase their understanding of magic.

When Urizen joined the Empire they were instrumental in the creation of [[the Conclave]], the great body of magicians that supports the Empire with their arcane skills.

Magic is viewed as the most potent tool an individual can wield to change the world. As nodes in the [[Net of the Heavens]], mages are inherently more pivotal than those around them because they can use magic to achieve far reaching and dramatic changes. Magic can be dangerous however, too much magic can warp an individual’s consciousness or taint an area of land. Reliance on one [[Realms|Realm]] of magic can create imbalances with far-reaching consequences. What is more the Urizen know that individual magicians in other nations rival or even exceed the power of the Urizen though they lack their perspective and understanding and this makes them dangerous. Yet at the same time these magicians are the peers and potential allies of the Urizen magi, they just need guidance.

By bringing magicians together, the Conclave makes it easy for the Urizen to assess their peers, to identify those magicians amongst the other nations who are pivotal nodes. By working together in the Conclave, they can more easily influence their colleagues and thus ensure that the magicians of the Empire are effective and work to improve the Empire.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Saruman.jpg|title=The Lord of the Rings|align=right|width=300}}
===Magi===
Some Urizen take an interest in the workings of other Imperial bodies, like [[the Senate]], [[the Synod]] or [[the Bourse]], but the majority regard the Conclave as the most important political arena in the Empire, a reflection of the importance which the Urizen place on magic. One exception to this attitude are the magi, the political magicians of Urizen. A magus sees an equivalence between politics and magic. In both, carefully chosen words and gestures, a strong will and a keen intellect allow one to achieve results far beyond what one could achieve using only one's body. Magic is notoriously unreliable at influencing the hearts and minds of thinking beings, wheras a charismatic steward of [[the Marches]] or a silver-tongued Sarvosian [[Mountebanks|Mountebank]] can achieve incredible results without using the tiniest bit of actual magic.

Wheras the stargazers and seers look beyond the world, and beyond the present, the magi are focused on the here and now. Using the [[Net of the Heavens]] as model, they seek to become powerful nodes in their own right, building alliances and exerting influence over others to achieve their ends. They feel a natural affinity for other magicians, but they also realise the value of using their magical abilities to help their allies and build interlocking webs of favour and influence. Where reason and debate are insufficient, the magi use magic and more mundane methods to learn everything they can about their political opponents, reasoning that the more they know the more likely they are to find some lever that will allow them to bring their rival around to their way of thinking.

Magi do not restrict their political ambitions to the mortal world; the [[Eternals]] are powerful and are clearly pivotal nodes in their own rights, even if they are not part of the Empire. Where other nations may find the Eternals suspect, the magi believe fundamentally that the Eternals are a “knowable quantity.” Their restricted nature as compared to humans means that mortals will always eventually get the better of them, provided they approach them rationally and with care not to get overconfident.

===Stargazers===
Some Urizen magi have little or no interest in politics. The Stargazers are interested in magic itself, performing research and experiments seeking to advance understanding and exceed the known limits of magic. They study magic not just for the power it grants, but so that they can understand both it and the complex laws that govern it. Although only a few stargazers are interested in astronomy they take their name from those amongst them who meticulously chart the course of the heavens.

A common theory among the stargazers is that there is at least one more [[Realms|Realm]] – the seventh Realm that represents the unknown. This seventh Realm, if it exists, is concerned with things that humans cannot conceive of, and may be related to the process of reincarnation. Attempting to understand the seventh Realm is a complex mental exercise – how does a human mind conceive of something that is by its very nature impossible to imagine?

Another common theory held by stargazers is that there are probably eight Realms, although there is bitter division over what these Realms might be. The most widespread belief is that the four “physical” Realms – [[Spring]], [[Summer]], [[Autumn]] and [[Winter]] – should be mirrored by four “spiritual and mental” Realms – that there are at least two more Realms, the counterparts to [[Day]] and [[Night]].

The stargazers maintain that the Realms can be a positive influence on the world, but only so long as no one Realm dominates the others. All six realms possess qualities that are valuable, especially in moderation. Many stargazers perform experiments designed to create balance between the influence of the realms, or to highlight positive elements rather than negative. The ultimate goal is to create a fabled state they variously call “celestial harmony” or “the omnihedron” that will help usher in a state of perfection on the mortal realm.

Stargazers are also interested in the Eternals, for obvious reasons. As denizens of Realms beyonf the mundane, the Eternals may offer insights that can unlock the secrets of the Realms and the physical world. Stargazers relish the opportunity to engage with friendly Eternals in discussions about philosophy and theorising about the nature of existance.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MageArmour.jpg|title=Mage Armour|align=left|width=300}}

===Seers===
The seers of Urizen maintain libraries of lore gathered from across the Empire and beyond. Honed and refined by generations of study and discussion, these libraries rival the great libraries of [[Highguard]]. Urizen does not limit itself to magical lore, everything can be quantified, charted and recorded and to lose or waste knowledge is a dreadful thing. Recording and gathering wisdom and knowledge of the mundane world helps them to a greater understanding of how to apply their magic to the best effect.

The seers always attempt to maintain perfect detachment from the events they are recording, no matter how painful or unpopular those facts might be. Most seers are masters of the Day Realm, able to perform powerful divination rituals. They know that success in divination relies upon having the most accurate possible information so they regard personal opinions and interpretations as flaws. It is perfectly appropriate for an Urizen to hold an opinion on his data, to have interpretation of what it means, the seers just don’t believe that mere opinions merit being written down.

The clashes between [[Highguard History#Archivists|Highborn archivists]] and Urizen seers and [[Urizen Leadership#Torchbearers|torchbearers]] are notorious. Seers are outraged by what they see as the archivists cavalier approach to the facts while the archivists are infuriated by the torchbearers insistence on spreading information to everyone. There is rarely much love lost between scholars of the two nations and they often compete with each other to possess information.

[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Urizen]]

Spire

2012-08-25T13:10:50Z

Markwilkin: confounded = confused

<quote>A great city is not to be confused with a populous one.</quote>
Urizen is a hilly and mountainous land that appears inhospitable at first glance. The Urizen dwell in secure settlements they call spires, built on plateaus, the summits of hills or mountainsides. The difficulty of producing food means that the population of most spires is relatively small. Most spires keep large herds of goats that provide meat and milk and feed on the thin grass that grows on the hillsides below. This is supplemented by fruit and vegetables specially cultivated in arboretums and gardens. Most spires use magic to ensure that harvests are sufficient to feed everyone who depends on them, but there is rarely much in the way of surplus.

Spires tend to be large and airy, stone is plentiful and the Urizen prefer open plan chambers, designed to let light flood into them. Chambers are usually joined by short paths, but it is not unknown for individual Urizen to dwell an hours walk or more from the main body of the spire. A typical Urizen is used to having plenty of space to move around in, and plenty of privacy to get on with the things that interest him. Spires are often heavily fortified, but this is usually achieved by creating a central keep and building defensive walls and gates to protect the narrow paths needed to reach the summit, rather than attempting to wall off the entire community. To the Urizen life is rare and precious but space is plentiful so it makes sense to protect the former and not the latter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=UrizenPhilosopher.jpg|title=Urizen Philosopher|align=right|width=400}}
When the population of a spire begins to grow too large to feed itself, they will begin construction on a new spire – usually on a nearby hill or mountain peak. When the new spire is largely complete, a proportion of the original population moves to the new spire. The two spires maintain a relationship a little like that of a parent and child until the “child” spire is “mature” enough to be self-sustaining, at which point a formal ceremony is held in which the two spires become independent groups. Political ties often remain close between the two spires.

Sometimes a new Spire is formed because a group within an existing Spire disagrees with the way things are run, and occasionally just because a group wants to try something new. These Spires are less planned, and more prone to failure.

Often two (or even three or four) spires will co-operate to create a new spire, mingling their populations in doing so. The newly created spire may be built to help each spire deal with their growing population but it may also be created as a means to exploit a specific resource, or as part of a political agreement between the participants. Regardless of the reason for forming the spire, the assumption is that eventually it will become independent of the parents once it is self-sufficient.

The idea of one group directly controlling more than one spire in Urizen is generally considered laughable. A combination of the problems caused by the mountainous terrain, coupled with the resentment that grows within a few generations of someone else telling them what to do, is seen as leading inevitably to bloody revolt, which is the last thing any Urizen wants to see.

[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Urizen]]

Urizen leadership

2012-08-25T00:42:39Z

Markwilkin: /* Torchbearers */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Thranduil.jpg|title=Lord of the Rings|align=right|width=300}}

Magic is seen as a mark of a rational and learned mind and more importantly as the most powerful tool that an individual or group can wield. The Urizen maintain that those who best understand the world are the ones best suited to lead it, and they look to their most powerful mages for leadership. Every citizen is encouraged to learn a little magic, whether it is practical spellcasting or superior craftsmanship, but ritual magic, the mastery of the lore of the [[Realms]] is regarded as the highest calling.

Most Urizen [[spires]] appoint an arbiter whose role is to resolve disputes, and represent the spire to others. Traditionally the individual who is deemed to demonstrate the most complete [[Arete]] is asked to take the position. In most spires this will be the wisest and most skilled mage, but a martial spire is more likely to choose a weapon-master than a magician.

There is little history of open military conflict between Urizen spires. Cooperation between neighbours is the norm in Urizen, but disputes between spires whose councils differ on political, social or ideological grounds are commonplace. Even before Urizen joined the Empire, such conflicts were almost always settled through debate, often with the assistance of a judge or mediator from a neutral spire.

Urizen are passionate about politics. Being able to debate competing points of view and achieve consensus is seen as a high art form that raises humans above animals. It also makes civilised people superior to barbarians who practice brute force approaches to leadership. The Imperial Senate is held up as a great triumph of the Empire, although they are often disappointed by the way the other nations choose to exploit the Senate, especially how they pick their Senators.

==Leading a Territory==
Urizen Senators are determined by magical ability. All Urizen who live in a contested territory are eligible to vote, provided they demonstrate some mastery of ritual magic. Each spire in the contested territory can put forward a candidate, and each citizen receives a number of votes based on the breadth and depth of their Realm lore skills. The candidate with the highest number of votes becomes the Senator for the territory.

Candidates are encouraged to engage in open debate about their intentions, political views and agendas while the election is taking place, leaving votes to be collected by civil servants or representatives of the spire in question. The Egregore often chairs the debates, although it is not uncommon for a third-party mediator to be selected from outside the territory.

Many Urizen dream of a utopia and strive to share that dream with the Empire, partly by example and partly through education. The belief is that the wisest and most educated should lead by example, and that mages who have the greatest understanding of the cosmos and the greatest personal power should shepherd their fellow humans for the good of all.

<quote> There are three principles in a man's being and life, the principle of thought, the principle of speech, and the principle of action. The origin of all conflict between me and my fellow-men is that I do not say what I mean and I do not do what I say. </quote>

===Torchbearers===
One of the most active political movements in Urizen is that of the torchbearers. This loose society is dedicated to uncovering the truth about important events and reporting their findings to as many people as possible. They adhere to a philosophy that suggests the only way to ensure the Empire remains "honest" is to ensure that the citizens are kept informed of what is going on around them, so they can make sensible decisions and appoint virtuous Senators. They dislike secrets, especially political secrets. The torchbearers regularly clash with those who rely on secrecy to get their work done, and with the [[Highguard|Highborn]] archivists who are often frustrated by their insistence on spreading information to everyone without any regard for the potential repercussions.

The torchbearers are drawn to places where important events. Some live among strangers, to learn as much about them as they can and help spread understanding between nations. Some are active in ensuring that the citizens of the Empire receive a good education. Others dedicate themselves to certain specific forms of truth – they become battle observers or political commentators. Most are involved in writing and publishing journals or pamphlets, or maintain a wide circle of correspondents with whom they share their findings.

There is no formal torchbearer organization, and not all torchbearers are Urizen. Those who feel a stron affiliation for this philosophy tend to wear a badge, pin or piece of jewellery in the shape of a lit torch, to allow easy identification of other sympathisers..

[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Urizen]]

Arete

2012-08-25T00:33:57Z

Markwilkin: Arete is lifted - Arete is borrowed

<quote>Excellence is not an act but a habit.</quote>

At its most basic, Arete suggests that whatever can be “done” can be done “better.” Being content that one is “good enough” is seen as a failing. Arete exists in all endeavours from preparing food to building an aqueduct. The concept stems from a belief that human actions are of paramount importance; the world is a place of conflict and difficulty, and human value and meaning is measured against individual effectiveness in the world.
{{CaptionedImage|file=PrinceNuada.jpg|title=Hellboy 2|align=right|width=450}}
The Urizen apply the term to anything; for example, the excellence of a chimney, the excellence of a goat to be bred and the excellence of a man. The meaning of the word changes depending on what it describes, since everything has its own peculiar excellence; the arete of a man is different from the arete of a building.

In people, Arete is strongly linked to the Way of the Virtue and is sometimes referred to simply as “virtue”. For a human being to possess Arete they must instinctively embody some or all of the seven virtues. The virtues represent scales against which individuals and their actions can be weighed to see if they possess Arete.

Arete is borrowed from classical Greek and adapted for Empire. It is the core Urizen philosophy, an idea that underpins their cultural personality; our presentation is intended to be a relatively simple concept that any player can work into their characterisation if they are playing an Urizen character. As Urizen is a land of countless philosophies if you wish to play a character with a detailed knowledge of philosophy, then the contemporary Greek philosophies such as Stoicism and Epicureanism are good source material, once adapted, for more esoteric Urizen philosophies.

<quote>Better a smooth pebble than a rough diamond</quote>

[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Urizen]]

Changeling

2012-08-24T16:04:01Z

Markwilkin:

== Changeling ==
<row-fluid>
<span7>{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling3.png|width=510}}</span7>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling1.png|width=267}}</span4>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling2.png|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

=== Sobriquets ===
Elf, Fae, Feyling, Knife-ears

=== Realm affiliation: Summer ===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling4.png|align=right|width=175}}
Changelings are touched by the realm of Summer, a realm of majesty and strength. They are proud, confident, individualistic people who know they are the best of the best. They are a Lineage that has only a few physical transformations and Lineage strength is expressed most obviously through roleplaying rather than costume (as opposed to Draughir or Merrow Lineage, for example, which have many more gradations of physical change).
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling5.jpg|align=left|width=175}}
The Changeling Lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to create proud character concepts. The Lineage is intended to be comfortable in almost any setting or with any character concept. The Changeling can be confident and successful in almost any area. The Changeling obviously draws on images of elves from various settings, most especially Tolkien, but could also be used to create concepts such as D&D half-elves, or even ideas more commonly associated with aasimar, Greek heroes such as Hercules and other “immortal blooded” heroes. The concept allows for an element of familiarity in the setting, as well as allowing players to play something “larger-than-life” that appears human on the surface, but is still touched by magic or alien forces.

=== Changeling Trappings ===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling6.png|align=right|width=200}}
Changelings combine elements of traditional faeries, but focus on the Tuatha-de-dannan and “lords and ladies” concepts rather than pixies or satyrs. The Eternals of the Realm of Summer appear as larger-then-life idealised heroic or villainous figures.

The “required trapping” is intended to be the baseline thing that defines a Changeling as a Changeling. It's a starting point from which to build a look based on how “lineaged” a character wants to be. The strongest trapping is the traditional pointed ears. Several of the other trappings – antlers and “mane” – are intended to draw on images of physically powerful or symbolically proud animals (stags and lions).

{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling7.png|align=right|width=200}}
==== Required Trapping: Pointed Ears ====

Ears that come to a marked point. They are noticeably different to human ears, with their rounded tips. They are not the long ears of the Night Elf.

==== Additional Trappings ====

{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling8.png|align=right|width=150}}

* Fey Eyes: A Changeling may possess exotically coloured eyes. Cosmetic contact lenses can be used to simulate this. Examples of effects appropriate to Changelings might include vibrant blue, white, purple or green eyes or colours suggestive of primal animal elements (amber, brown).

* “Primal Animal Elements”: Changelings have some animal elements, but they are not beastfolk. They have elements that suggest power and potence. They don’t have “rat” or “badger” elements, they have lion, eagle, stag and even perhaps bear elements, especially those that suggest crowns. What this is categorically not is “tiger person” or “wolf person.” Examples might include:
** Antlers: Not limited to male Changelings, antlers are specifically branching horns, rather than the goat, bull or ram horns which are the mark of a Cambion.
** Mane: Leonine mane of hair, but horse might be appropriate as well for Empire if it could be done well.
* Feathered Brow: Eagle, hawk or even swan, feathers on the browline and maybe the cheeks, again suggesting majesty rather than pigeon.
* Spiral Markings: Changelings may develop marks on their body that resemble spirals or even intricate knotwork. These might seem to be tattoos, or birthmarks, or represent areas of raised or lowered skin.
* Hair: May exist in strange colours such as ivory white, jade green or ebony black.

=== Roleplaying Effects ===

{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling9.png|align=right|width=150}}
Changeling blood influences the character who has it. Not every Changeling expresses these effects, but characters who strongly express them often possess stronger blood than those who do not.

* Changelings are confident. They find it difficult to entertain the idea that they could fail at tasks they set their mind to. They are the best person for a job. Their opinions are relevant. They gravitate towards positions of influence, authority and responsibility within groups. They are driven to achieve a degree of personal excellence that supports their view of themselves as superior, especially as a response to any apparent failure.
* Changelings are noble and bold. Around people who treat them with respect, around their friends and loved ones, they are solicitous, agreeable and gregarious. They feel a drive to take responsibility for others, to take charge, and to “do the job.” They are not necessarily altruistic. They love approval and adulation, they love being the centre of attention, but they don’t sit around doing nothing when there is something to be done.
* Changelings are vain. Their strong self image also expresses itself in careful attention to their appearance. They instinctively use their appearance to cement their image of themselves,and encourage others to see them as powerful and strong. They demand the best clothing, the best armour and the best weapons. Clothes may not make the man, but they certainly tell you a lot about them.
* Changelings are individuals. They like to stand out, and they like to be treated as if they are special. They hate being overlooked, and loathe being dismissed as “one of the crowd.” They don’t necessarily treat everyone else as individuals though. They may have problems following the orders of people they don’t respect.
* Changelings are wrathful. When thwarted, belittled, crossed or wronged they may fly into a devastating rage. These rages are like summer storms – intense but short lived. More than one Changeling has lost control of their emotions and done something that changes their life forever in the grip of a sudden rage.
* Some Changelings become consumed by arrogance or hubris. They treat others as if they are lesser creatures. They believe themselves to be stronger or wiser than they actually are, and brush aside anything that disagrees with that. They expect others to give them respect or obey them without earning that respect or obedience. They can become so blunt that they offend anyone they speak to, assuming that others will listen to what they say automatically just because of who and what they are.
* Some Changelings are demanding. Their desire for beautiful and perfect things becomes a lust that they make no effort to resist – casually demanding the best of everything and assuming that the mere privilege of satisfying their whims will be payment enough. They’re dreadful like Pratchett's "Lords and Ladies", in that they inspire dread.

=== The Blood ===

Changelings are still mortals. They tend to be healthy and live a little longer than their mortal neighbours (assuming they avoid accidents or malice). They tend to remain vital and spry until the very end of their life. Changeling blood makes the bearer more “extreme.” A delicate noble flower will be more delicate, more lithe, more sublte. The coarse labourer or warrior will be more solid. more muscular, more physical. It seems to bring out the traits of an individual and make them “moreso.” The lineage can lie dormant in the blood for a generation or two, then rear its head without warning. Some mostly human families have a history of producing Changeling children, and if both parents are from such families, the likelihood increases. Fey blood is a little delicate; the brute blood of humanity drowns it as a riot drowns an echo. This means that the children of a Changeling and a human tend to be humans, albeit humans who carry the blood of the Changeling lineage. The likelihood the child will be a Changeling increases if the human parent is from a Changeling bloodline.

Some Changelings talk of spending time in the Realm of Summer as guests, prisoners or even consorts of Eternals. Over the course of the timeless days spent in the Realm, humans may be slowly transformed into Changelings. There is a suspicion in some quarters that the food and drink of the Eternals of Summer is responsible for this change, though it is most likely due to the nature of the Realm itself rather than any specific element of it. The Eternals of Summer expect their Lineaged relatives to be strong and confident. A Changeling will have to “front up” quite a lot to be taken seriously by them but they’ll treat them as a “hero” if they do so.

{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling10.jpg|align=right|width=150}}

=== Possible Advantage: Dreadful Wrath ===

A Changeling who is exposed to a roleplaying effect that creates fear or doubt can respond by becoming angry instead.

=== Lines of the Changelings ===

* The Faerie Knights of [[Dawn_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Dawn]] symbolise the attitude of Summer Lineage and Summer Nation beautifully. Confidence bordering on arrogance, and a boldness bordering on brash.

* The 'Unveiled' of [[Highguard_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Highguard]] include a few Changelings, ears severed.

* Changeling have a reputation as monster hunters in [[Varushka_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Varushka]]: mostly for good, although some Varushkans are suspicious of a tendency to recklessness.

* Changeling blood is a sign of good luck in [[Wintermark_Lineage_and_Species_Attitudes|Wintermark]]

{{CaptionedImage|file=Changeling11.jpg|width=400}}

[[Category:Lineages]] [[Category:The World]]

Navarr music

2012-08-23T11:55:42Z

Markwilkin:

{{stub}}

==The Music of Navarr==

===Style summary===
Navarr music reflects a dichotomy of wistful remembrance for their old culture and the practicalities of survival in the wild. Much of the music of their lost cities has degenerated over time to include primal sounds. To achieve this sound look at music that fuses Western Folk styles with African and South American tribal sounds. Try to avoid frenzied drumming circles - the Navarr are an urban culture turned feral, but wants to return to city life – and try to avoid the ceilidh vibe. Jigs and waltzes don't match the feel [link to feel section] of primal otherworldliness.

Music of the old culture can draw on Scottish, Irish, Greek, Galician, Basque/French folk tunes as well Tolkienesque fantasy - Fast fiddle and pipes alongside soft unison singing. However, most of the music should be feralised by, for example, the inclusion of African percussion. This will lend the sense that the old culture has been a little forgotten over time and will give added poignancy to the occasional song performed with a pure Celtic, etc. sound.

Recent Music has a practicality underlying it. Loud and high calling noises appear throughout the music in order to develop vocal chords for the relay of messages, cries of warning and the roar of a fear educing charge from hiding. Drumming is widely used for similar reasons. The sounds, in contrast to the melodic music of old culture, are often harsh which reflects the Navarr attitude towards nature - not one of harmony but of dominance. Amazonian and African Tribal music and Amazigh music chanting can be drawn on for this, but and where possible fused with the sounds of the old culture.

Lyrics should reflect the dichotomy of the memory of lost cities and the practicalities of life in the wild. References to nature should be dark, evocative and never romantic. Work songs and cautionary tales are common. Songs about travelling, fate, forests, and blood. Songs of the old culture; lost cities and sacrifice concentrate on remembrance rather than unhelpful lamentation – i.e avoid dirges.

===Commonly known songs===
''Pick a few examples from the list below to specifically promote as well-known within that nation.''
''Provide lyrics and score/chords.''
''Preferably in a range of difficulties.''

====A musical tradition====
''Suggest how the music fits into the cultural behaviour in general (e.g. battle hakas, wassails).''

Music has a practical use in Navarr society. Music plays a prominent part to create social harmony and to invoke the powers from beyond. It is used for work songs and for teaching.

Social rituals are often performed to music, such as courtship rituals where a male lead, supported by a male chorus, makes his case, and the female lead, supported by a female chorus, questions him.

Blood Rituals often rely on percussion support to evoke the feel of the pumping hear and helps focus the arts of the Vates.

====One for the kids====

===Further examples===

====Songs====
* [[I Come and Stand at Every Door]] - sad song about the fall of Navarri cities, easy.
* [[All the Pretty Ponies]] - lullaby remembering extinct horses, very easy.
* [[Ten Thousand Miles]] - song of love/travelling, medium.

====Instrumentation and tunes====
Strings, whistles, chanters, djembes, bodhráns and voices. Pretty much any instrument works well in Navarr.

====Other performance traditions====

* Storytelling is discussed in [[Navarri Culture and Customs]]
* Dance
* Poetry e.g. [http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171621 Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening] by Robert Frost.

===How to adapt your repertoire===
* Western Folk tradition - If you can, keep the non-English. Try to pick folk songs that have a primal sound. Dirty them up by simplifying arrangements and then add tribal sounds. Maybe keep one or two songs pure to use as a powerful reminder of the old culture.

* Non-western traditions - Move songs into English. Try to lean melodies towards a more celtic, etc.. sound

* Try to avoid going too far into jigs, waltzes, frenzied drumming circles and dirges (see above).

===Our sources===
* Modern Gaelic artists, modern pipers e.g. Finlay MacDonald, Scottish-influenced Canadian songs and tunes e.g. Ashley MacIsaac, Great Big Sea (although less poppy), the instrumental stuff by Shooglenifty e.g. Arms Dealer's Daughter (CD), Michael McGoldrick (e.g. Wired), Irish folk, Greek folk tunes and dances.
* Travel-themed songs and poems by Tolkien could provide inspiration e.g. http://allpoetry.com/poem/8500011-I_Sit_And_Think-by-J_R_R_Tolkien and the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBgxqN0HOI8 Misty Mountain song] is spot on for the Navarr sound.

Here is a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOTHSuG7v1U&list=PLE91C7F6EFC1C0A3A&feature=plpp_play_all youtube playlist] of appropriate or inspiring music.

[[Category:Navarri Music]]
[[Category:Music]]
[[Category:Navarr]]

Navarr music

2012-08-23T11:55:04Z

Markwilkin:

{{stub}}

==The Music of Navarr==

===Style summary===
Navarr music reflects a dichotomy of wistful remembrance for their old culture and the practicalities of survival in the wild. Much of the music of their lost cities has degenerated over time to include primal sounds. To achieve this sound look at music that fuses Western Folk styles with African and South American tribal sounds. Try to avoid frenzied drumming circles - the Navarr are an urban culture turned feral, but wants to return to city life – and try to avoid the ceilidh vibe. Jigs and waltzes don't match the feel [link to feel section] of primal otherworldliness.

Music of the old culture can draw on Scottish, Irish, Greek, Galician, Basque/French folk tunes as well Tolkienesque fantasy - Fast fiddle and pipes alongside soft unison singing. However, most of the music should be feralised by ,for example, the inclusion of African percussion. This will lend the sense that the old culture has been a little forgotten over time and will give added poignancy to the occasional song performed with a pure Celtic, etc. sound.

Recent Music has a practicality underlying it. Loud and high calling noises appear throughout the music in order to develop vocal chords for the relay of messages, cries of warning and the roar of a fear educing charge from hiding. Drumming is widely used for similar reasons. The sounds, in contrast to the melodic music of old culture, are often harsh which reflects the Navarr attitude towards nature - not one of harmony but of dominance. Amazonian and African Tribal music and Amazigh music chanting can be drawn on for this, but and where possible fused with the sounds of the old culture.

Lyrics should reflect the dichotomy of the memory of lost cities and the practicalities of life in the wild. References to nature should be dark, evocative and never romantic. Work songs and cautionary tales are common. Songs about travelling, fate, forests, and blood. Songs of the old culture; lost cities and sacrifice concentrate on remembrance rather than unhelpful lamentation – i.e avoid dirges.

===Commonly known songs===
''Pick a few examples from the list below to specifically promote as well-known within that nation.''
''Provide lyrics and score/chords.''
''Preferably in a range of difficulties.''

====A musical tradition====
''Suggest how the music fits into the cultural behaviour in general (e.g. battle hakas, wassails).''

Music has a practical use in Navarr society. Music plays a prominent part to create social harmony and to invoke the powers from beyond. It is used for work songs and for teaching.

Social rituals are often performed to music, such as courtship rituals where a male lead, supported by a male chorus, makes his case, and the female lead, supported by a female chorus, questions him.

Blood Rituals often rely on percussion support to evoke the feel of the pumping hear and helps focus the arts of the Vates.

====One for the kids====

===Further examples===

====Songs====
* [[I Come and Stand at Every Door]] - sad song about the fall of Navarri cities, easy.
* [[All the Pretty Ponies]] - lullaby remembering extinct horses, very easy.
* [[Ten Thousand Miles]] - song of love/travelling, medium.

====Instrumentation and tunes====
Strings, whistles, chanters, djembes, bodhráns and voices. Pretty much any instrument works well in Navarr.

====Other performance traditions====

* Storytelling is discussed in [[Navarri Culture and Customs]]
* Dance
* Poetry e.g. [http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171621 Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening] by Robert Frost.

===How to adapt your repertoire===
* Western Folk tradition - If you can, keep the non-English. Try to pick folk songs that have a primal sound. Dirty them up by simplifying arrangements and then add tribal sounds. Maybe keep one or two songs pure to use as a powerful reminder of the old culture.

* Non-western traditions - Move songs into English. Try to lean melodies towards a more celtic, etc.. sound

* Try to avoid going too far into jigs, waltzes, frenzied drumming circles and dirges (see above).

===Our sources===
* Modern Gaelic artists, modern pipers e.g. Finlay MacDonald, Scottish-influenced Canadian songs and tunes e.g. Ashley MacIsaac, Great Big Sea (although less poppy), the instrumental stuff by Shooglenifty e.g. Arms Dealer's Daughter (CD), Michael McGoldrick (e.g. Wired), Irish folk, Greek folk tunes and dances.
* Travel-themed songs and poems by Tolkien could provide inspiration e.g. http://allpoetry.com/poem/8500011-I_Sit_And_Think-by-J_R_R_Tolkien and the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBgxqN0HOI8 Misty Mountain song] is spot on for the Navarr sound.

Here is a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOTHSuG7v1U&list=PLE91C7F6EFC1C0A3A&feature=plpp_play_all youtube playlist] of appropriate or inspiring music.

[[Category:Navarri Music]]
[[Category:Music]]
[[Category:Navarr]]

Imperial theology

2012-08-22T17:22:22Z

Markwilkin:

'''OOC NOTE: The contents of this section are purely for players interested in Doctrinal and Theological Roleplay.''' 
'''Knowledge of Imperial Theology is NOT a requirement for all Priest characters or Imperial Citizens.'''

<quote-right by="The Creed of the Winds of Virtue Chapter of Highguard">We are Travellers on the Way.
Our spirits are immortal; 
They have endured before and will again. 
We follow in the footsteps of the Paragons, 
Whom showed humanity the Paths of Virtue. 
By uniting the Paths and creating the Synod, 
The First Empress showed us The Way. 
Across the Labyrinth of Ages, the Virtues guide our spirits. 
We shall not surrender our destiny to inhuman powers. 
Death is not the end of our journey. 
With each generation, Virtue makes us stronger. 
Until as Paragons we shall conquer Death itself.
</quote-right>

==Introduction==
For the average Citizen of the Empire, it is sufficient to know the Seven Virtues and how they apply to your life so that your passage through the Labyrinth of Ages can be swift and assured and you can be reborn stronger. Even simple lay preachers of The Way need not concern themselves with the subtleties and complexities of the Imperial Religion.

However, for many senior Priests within the Synod, as well as keen scholars, the foundations of the faith are a source of much discussion, debate and analysis. Senior clergy of the Synod may be asked about their opinion on key points of contention.

==Liao and the Labyrinth of Ages==
Almost all of the Imperial Theology is rooted in the study of Liao. Thus far, Liao has three known states:
* In its natural and unrefined state, liao merely grants restful sleep with vivid dreams.
* In its refined, or processed, state, and with appropriate mental disciplines, it can empower a Priest to contact the Labyrinth of Ages and, in doing so, perform one of a number of Liao Ceremonies.
* In its purest state, any human that uses it receives a vision of another time and place, which is held to be their past life.

Pure Liao is not simply consumed. In fact, it requires access to a Gateway. A Gateway is a specially constructed chamber which, when not in use, appears to simply be an empty chamber. Yet when a visionary partakes of Pure Liao, and enters the Gateway, the world around them melts away such that they feel as though they stand in another time and place. The civil service are capable of erecting Gateways to the Labyrinth in any location given sufficient opportunity.

==Doctrines of The Faith==
The Doctrines of the Faith represent the Orthodox understanding of The Way. Each Doctrine is the product of Experimental Theology that has been debated, analysed and formally recognised by the Synod. Teaching doctrines that are at odds with, and thus undermine, the Doctrines of the Faith are regarded as Heresy and are a crime under Imperial Law.

The Doctrines are as follows:

===The Doctrine of Reincarnation===
The Doctrine of Reincarnation states: 
''The Human Spirit is Immortal. It inhabits mortal flesh for a span within the world before being liberated again, having gained knowledge and enlightenment. It traverses the Labyrinth of Ages before returning to mortal life through new birth.''

The Doctrine is underpinned by discovery and analysis of pure liao which, it has been concluded, provides visions of a person’s past lives. This is further supported by the discovery of archaeological evidence that matches the content of some liao visions.

===The Doctrine of Human Destiny===
The Doctrine of Human Destiny states: 
''Only Human Spirits reincarnate, therefore humans are the greatest of all beings in Creation for only human spirits gain strength, knowledge and enlightenment through rebirth. The Paragons not only personify Virtue but the full potential of humanity.''

This Doctrine is underpinned by the discovery liao has no effect on orcs and, by assumed extension, other non-human beings. Additionally, it is also broadly accepted that the miracles and achievements attained by the Paragons are deemed to be superhuman in nature and the eventual destiny of all virtuous humans.

===The Doctrine of Seven===
The Doctrine of Seven states: 
''There are Seven Virtues that guide the spirit through the Labyrinth of Ages. These are Ambition, Courage, Loyalty, Pride, Prosperity, Vigilance and Wisdom. Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and some may hinder it.''

This Doctrine is underpinned by extensive study of legends, relics, pure liao visions and priestly ceremonies to determine the truth and power of qualities. The Seven Virtues are acknowledged as the consistent recurring pattern and proof of Paragonhood and Exemplardom. A byproduct of this Doctrine is that some figures of note were dismissed as being False Paragons. The law of Blasphemy was introduced to protect Citizens from the teachings of False Paragons.

===The Doctrine of The Paragons===
The Doctrine of The Paragons states: 
''A truly Virtuous Spirit, one who is a Paragon of Virtue, is capable of freeing itself from the Labyrinth of Ages through transcendence. A Paragon Spirit can be identified for having completed at least four of the Seven Signs of the Paragon, after which it can be recognised by the Imperial Synod.''

The Doctrine is underpinned by the belief that some of the most virtuous spirits in history have never been the subject of a past life vision. The Signs of the Paragon were devised as a series of tests to ascertain which were true Paragons and which were Exemplars. The Doctrine of the Paragons is an extension of The Doctrine of Human Destiny.

===The Doctrine of the Creator===
The Doctrine of the Creator states: 
''Human destiny is our own. The Creator Spirit, whose hand can be seen in all patterns of nature, seeks no dominance of, control over or communion with human spirits.''

This Doctrine stems from the principle of seeing design in the patterns of creation, and prompted several experimental theological attempts to contact the Creator. The most common results of such experiments have been silence, which has been taken as proof neither one way or the other. A small number of experiments have resulted in the scholars involved losing their sanity from which mixed conclusions have been drawn. Some have held that the Creator Spirit is currently of a nature beyond comprehension – save, perhaps, by a Paragon or Exemplar – whilst others maintain that the strain of effort was too great.

==Schisms and Heresies==
Although the Doctrines above are accepted as Orthodox, there are many disputes and schisms amongst theologians. Some of the Doctrines are disputed. Elsewhere, the Synod has sought to create a Doctrine but been unable to build a consensus amongst the clergy.

====The First Empress====
It is widely accepted that the First Empress was a Paragon. However, to date, there has been no consensus as to which Virtue Path she followed to escape the Labyrinth of Ages. There are priests and pilgrims from each of the Seven Paths who claim that the weight of evidence supports that the First Empress was the Paragon of that Path. There have been several attempts to identify archaeological evidence to settle this debate once and for all.

====The Unitarian Heresy====
Unitarians dispute the Doctrine of Seven claiming that the Seven Paths are One Path. Unitarians point to the First Empress as a clear example of the Paragon of All Virtue. However, Investigative Theologians point to the inability of humans to Dedicate to two Virtues without loss of focus and that the consensus is that each Paragon followed a single path.

====The Recollectionist Heresy====
Recollectionists dispute the Doctrine of Reincarnation. They maintain that the visions granted by pure liao are not past lives, but are ancestral memories. That is, the vision is of the person’s distant biological relative rather than of the individual’s spirit reborn. One unproven byproduct of this claim is that Exemplars would be reborn within family lines.

====The Humanist Heresy====
Humanists dispute the Doctrine of Reincarnation. They interpret pure liao visions as being from a pool of racial memories stored within human nature. This pool of natural memory is available to all humans and that there need not be a direct link between the vision and the one experiencing it.

====The Transcendant Heresy====
Transcendentalists dispute the Doctrine of Reincarnation by claiming that there is no Labyrinth of Ages. The human spirit, upon death, transcends the mortal and mundane to merge with other human spirits who have died. This merging of spirits is believed to form some kind of Great Spirit, a psychic entity that exists outside the mortal realm. They claim liao puts a person in contact with this Great Spirit and grants access to its store of memories and knowledge. Some claim that this psychic entity may even be the Creator Spirit itself.

====The Atuman Controversy====
Atuman of Highguard, one of the legendary Navigators that steered the Highborn to this land, was held for several generations to be a Paragon of Ambition. However, this claim was undermined by Aldones di Sarvos, one of the founders of the League, who described having a past life vision which revealed that he was Atuman reborn. Aldones later went on to become a Paragon of Ambition. Some Highborn priests have claimed that Aldones lied about the vision to deny Atuman's paragonhood and spite Highguard, however League Bishops strongly decry this smear on Aldones' legacy. There have been several attempts to settle this controversy through archaeological or visionary means.

====The Abraxian Schism====
In life, Abraxus was a respected Pilgrim of the Path of Wisdom and held by some to be an Exemplar. However, he became a controversial figure when he claimed he had learned how to use pure liao to not only contact his past lives, but those he was yet to live. Abraxus proceeded to write a large number of cryptic and prophetic scrolls which are scattered and still highly sought after today.

====The Krydacian Blasphemy====
An Orc named Krydac once famously claimed to be the reincarnation of Tian, Paragon of Ambition. He was decried as a Blasphemer, for denying Tian's Paragonhood and exalting his own inhumanity, but many who met Krydac found his words compelling. The Synod were pressured to meet with Krydac to evaluate his claim, but he was assassinated before this happened. Krydac remains a controversial figure to this day.

====The Scourger Heresy====
Scourgers dispute the Doctrine of Human Destiny and claim that the non-human races, such as Orcs, may be reincarnations of human spirits, but who have been warped and deformed by lack of Virtue and too long lost and wandering in the Labyrinth of Ages. They believe that those who sin greatly in life and lack virtue risk rebirth in an accursed and damned form.

====The Lucidian Blasphemy====
Lucidianism arose in the spires of Urizen and Lucidians believe that the creation of virtuous auras, through means such as consecration and anointing, actually interfere with the objective and rational pursuit of a Virtue. Some Lucidians go so far as to claim that such auras represent a form of Idolatry and are as inclined to exorcise a virtuous aura as a malign spiritual presence. This opposition to manifestations of Virtue has led other Priests, especially Highborn Wayfarers, to accuse Lucidians of Blasphemy against the Virtues. To date, the Lucidians remain a minority in the Synod.

====The Eternal Schism====
There have been several attempts by various Synods to craft a Doctrine relating to the Eternals and their Realms, but each has failed to build a consensus. The biggest divide is along Inclusionist and Exclusionist lines. The Inclusionists hold that the Eternal Realms are part of the wider Creation and that contact with Eternals is inevitable and unavoidable, and must be carefully managed, not unlike a plague or forest fire. The Exclusionists hold that the Eternal Realms exist outside of the true Creation and are akin to parasites attached to the mortal world. They claim humanity will never be truly free to realise its own destiny until all ties are severed.

====The Progenitor Idolatry====
Progenitorians dispute the Doctrine of the Creator by claiming the seeds of human destiny were deliberately planted by the Creator Spirit. They claim the Creator Spirit desires humanity to grow and reach its full potential so that they can commune with the Creator Spirit, and that Paragons who have escaped the Labyrinth of Ages may do precisely this. This sect has been accused of skirting on the edges of Idolatry for implying that The Way of Virtue can be seen as the worship of the Creator Spirit.

====Miracles====
Tales of the earliest Paragons contain some miraculous claims, such as Tian taking fire from the sun, and Kord cutting down an entire forest with a single axe. Some Priests maintain these tales are literally true and speak of the full potential of human destiny, whilst others maintain that the tales have grown in the telling whilst still providing insight into the ingenious application of virtue for prospering humanity.

====Egregores====
When the First Empress sought the creation of the Egregores, she consulted the Synod. As Egregores are the manifestation of human consciousness and culture, they were deemed as being human magic, and so the Synod were entirely in favour. It was further recognised that Egregores owe their existence and form to the human nations and were thus subordinate to humans. Finally, it was concluded that as the Citizens embraced Virtue, so too the Egregores would mirror this and display virtue. The only dissent came from Exclusionists who hold that once the Eternal Realms are banished, so too must the Egregores depart.

====The Purification Heresy====
Purifiers dispute the Doctrine of Seven. There have been several Purification Sects across Imperial History each of whom have sought to have all Citizens of a Nation Dedicate to a single Virtue. Included amongst various rationales has been a desire to see an Egregore of a Nation also be a magical Avatar of a Virtue as it reflects the Dedication of the Nation. Historically, Purification Sects have attained brief popularity before either imploding or losing momentum.

====The Vitalist Blasphemy====
Vitalists challenge the Doctrine of Seven by claiming that the quality that guides one through the Labyrinth of Ages is not a moral property but a physical one. Vitalists do not always agree which physical qualities are the special ones, but they often promote a regime of physical exercise or discipline, or special diets, to aid the passage of the spirit.

====The Excessionist Heresy====
Excessionists claim that too much of a Virtue can be as bad as too little. This conflicts with the Orthodox teaching that the Virtues are pure and the key to human destiny. The charge is levelled against Excessionists that they are making excuses for their own shortcomings and failings in embracing the virtues in their strongest and purest senses.

==Investigative Theology==
The Imperial Religion is not the product of one text or one teacher, but the accumulated wisdom of many investigative theologians. The first to refer to themselves as such were the Scions of Atun Chapter from Highguard's history. It was the Scions who thoroughly investigated the properties of liao and its various states, and constructed the first Gateway. From there, they - and other investigative theologians - have studied the effects of liao and the visions, learning about the nature of humanity, virtue, the Labyrinth and history.

Under Imperial and Synod Law, Investigative Theologians are permitted to consider alternatives to the Doctrines of the Faith, but are not permitted to teach these as truth. Doing so, without having amended the Doctrines through the General Assembly, is Heresy and a threat to the unity of the Synod and the Empire. The truth, it is maintained, has its own authority and will be recognised by the General Assembly of sound spiritual leaders.

It has been necessary in Imperial History to remind some Investigative Theologians that their studies are on, and in relation to, the soul of the Empire herself, and are not merely academic in nature.

Nevertheless the following are the most commonplace strands of Investigative Theology:
* '''Visionary Theology''' - The discovery of Pure Liao was a revolutionary breakthrough for theology, and many investigative theologians pursue it ardently. Others seek to replicate similar discoveries through other non-Liao means.
* '''Archaeology''' - It was the discovery and analysis of sites and relics of the past that confirmed that Pure Liao visions were rooted in truth. Consequently, there are several investigative theologians who seek funding for expeditions to battlegrounds, known locations of Paragons, and other key sites. In some cases, this is an essential part of confirming whether a virtuous person was truly an Exemplar or even a Paragon.
* '''Comparative Theology''' - Although clearly backward and ill-informed, the various Foreign nations have their own religious traditions which have arisen without the insights that the Empire possesses. Whilst the Synod guards the Empire against idolatry and blasphemy, some Investigative Theologians also believe that study of Foreign Religion may yield insights in the Labyrinth of Ages to be gleaned. Equally, there may be Foreign Paragons or Exemplars who have gone unrecognised in their homelands.
* '''Theology of Reason''' - The Doctrines of the Religion are founded on the analysis of the phenomena collected and observed by past theologians. This analysis is rooted in the sound judgement of the members of the Synod. The Synod is required to defend the Doctrines of the Faith but, within the Synod itself, they may be discussed more robustly to refine and purify mortal understanding of the spiritual world.

[[Category:The Way of Virtue]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:The Empire]]

Malign spiritual presences

2012-08-21T20:38:13Z

Markwilkin:

== Malign Spiritual Presences ==

Although there are Seven Virtues that are known to empower the human soul, and guide it through the Labyrinth of Ages, there are other spiritual forces that are present in the world. These malign spiritual presences can arise from false teachers, barbarians, foriegners or even simply arise by circumstance. Amongst the duties of the Priests of the Way is cleansing and purging the Malign Spiritual Presences utilsing the ceremonial rite of Exorcism.

Malign spiritual presences have a number of known sources and manifestations. These include:

=== False Virtues ===
There are some malign auras that initially appear harmless, even beneficial, but which were ruled as Un-Virtuous and excluded from the Doctrine of Seven by the early Synod. Consequently, the promotion and propogation of these auras and presences is regarded as Blasphemy under Imperial Law. Nevertheless, some Blasphemous Cults still arise and either explore these auras in secret, or seek to change the Doctrines of the Faith to press for their inclusion.

=== False Gods ===
In their ignorance, some Barbarians and Foriegners encounter spiritual auras and manifestations and, instead of understanding that they are echoes from the Labyrinth of Ages, see them as the presence of gods, demons or other supernatural entities. Priests of these false gods may even believe that they are invoking the power of some divine being through their warped approaches to religious ceremonies.

=== Phenomena and Phantasmagoria ===
Whereas the propogation of Blasphemous Cults and the worship of False Gods is carried out via mortal agencies, there are occasions where malign spiritual presences can seem to occur as a natural, or indirectly occurring phenomenon. For example, a house in which a horrific crime is committed may attract a malign spiritual aura related to the nature of that crime. Additionally, it has been known for vile and wicked spirits - condemned to wander the Labyrinth of Ages for all time - to seek to break loose and seize control of mortal hosts.

== Examples of Malign Spiritual Presences ==
The following are a few of the spiritual presences that have been excluded from the Doctrines of the Faith and so whose accepted presence constitute at least Blasphemy if not also Idolatry.

=== Hope ===
Seemingly benign, this aura has also been referred to as Fortune or Fate and generally conveys that there are greater supernatural forces at work, and that these forces are benign and can be trusted. This seductive aura has been deemed by Synods past as being anathema to all the Virtues for it discourages effort and striving by mortals. It is also an aura often associated with False Gods for it encourages faith in greater powers, which is Idolatry.

=== Peace ===
Another apparently benign aura, Peace has also been known as Tranquility and Harmony. It was ultimately deemed dangerous for promoting passivity and being in conflict with virtues such as Ambition, Courage and Vigilance. The restful nature of Peace auras is alluring and, some claim, mildly addictive element, which is a quality that has been exploited by Blasphemous Cults and False Gods.

=== Anarchy ===
Auras of Anarchy stir mortal souls against structures and order and was recognised at an early stage as a self-destructive force as well as a threat to the unity and heart of the Empire. Less prone to spontaneous manifestation than some malign presences, Anarchy has been known to take root in Blasphemous Cults that seek to tear down all the Empire has sought to build.

=== Vengeance ===
Auras of Vengeance are one of the malign spiritual presences that seem to crop up through all agencies in almost equal measure. The aura has been known to manifest in areas of sudden violence and, as such, is commonly associated with hauntings. Equally, there are False Gods and blasphemous cults that utilise auras of vengeance to steer souls down dark paths. These destructive auras were deemed unvirtuous by the Early Synod for fuelling cycles of violence and goading citizens into action, often in defiance of Imperial Law, which is both disloyal and unwise.

=== Fear ===
Auras of Fear, like auras of vengeance, are well known for arising spontaneously as well as through False Gods and Blasphemous Cults. In the case of the latter two, it is not that fear is venerated but more that it is used as a means to goad and control other mortal souls. The unvirtuous nature of these auras is apparent in the manner that they stand in direct opposition to Virtues such as Courage and Ambition.

=== Hatred ===
There was some significant debate within the Early Synod before auras of hatred were deemed unvirtuous. Its proponents argued that it was a powerful and motivating force that spurred mortal forces into action. It was ultimately ruled to be in conflict with the more widely recognised and respected Virtue of Wisdom being irrational and indiscriminate in its nature. However, there are False Gods and Blasphemous Cults that still seek to use these auras as a means to control mortal souls.

Navarr military concerns

2012-08-21T16:54:18Z

Markwilkin:

War is not a game, it is a life-and-death conflict. Most Navarr warriors have little interest in forming battle lines and engaging their enemies in a honourable battle. They are pragmatic, and favour war through ambush, skirmish and guile. They disdain heroic charges and single combat with enemy leaders - better to fade back and draw the enemy into a trap than face them in one-on-one combat.

Donning warpaint – often embelished with a stylised thorn motif – is an important pre-battle ritual and warrior bands work together to paint each other. By donning warpaint, the Navarr warriors display their commitment to the coming fight. Members of a band will often use similar themes, colours or designs to give themselves a clear battlefield identity as a unit, in the same way that other nations use livery or heraldry.

Leather and chain mail are favoured along with the ubiquitous barbed spear, which honours the original spears wielded by the Navarr forebears. Shields, when used, are narrow and fluted, barely wider than the wielder and often heavily decorated with the thorn motif.

Those Navarr who devote themselves to war are called [[thorn|thorns]].

<quote>“You can’t betray your enemies.”</quote>

The warriors of the Navarr have two primary areas of interest. They are concerned with the defence of the steadings and stridings against bandits and barbarians. They also take responsibility for fighting the forces of the [[Vallorn]]. The Vallorn represents a hostile environment, replete with dangerous plants and monstrous insects. These creatures make infrequent incursions into Imperial territory, and the Navarr are at the forefront of driving them back. They also prepare for the day when they will be able to assault their enemy directly, both by scouting the areas of Vallorn influence, and by locating areas that might serve as bases of operation, or recruiting allies to help in the inevitable challenge of defeating the Vallorn's progeny.

[[Category:Navarr]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Marches economic interests

2012-08-20T20:23:06Z

Markwilkin: Mead is now Meade

Agriculture is the basis of wealth in the Marches. Even a modest holding produces an income that allows its yeoman to live comfortably. With some improvement, a Marcher farm can pay for luxuries and imported goods. Marcher fields and orchards feed people across the Empire. Trade surplus in the form of cured and preserved meats, fitches of bacon, barrels of beer, bushels of fruit and vegetables, sacks of flour, tanned leather and bales of wool travel from one side of the Empire to the other, purchased by middlemen from [[the Brass Coast]] or [[The League]].

Many of these traders come initially to one of the many small but important [[Market Towns|market towns]] that dot the landscape. The first market rights were established by Imperial charter, and towns with these rights are outside the direct control of the households. The inhabitants of a market town appoint aldermen, the rough equivalent of the yeomen, to represent the town. In most cases these men or women are wealthy merchants of the town, but often they include prominent town folk such as a friar or blacksmith who lives in the village. Those market towns that employ their own militia usually raise the captain to the rank of alderman.

Most market towns are small, little more than a few score houses on either side of a main street. The Imperial charters prevent a market town being established within a full day's travel of an existing market town but competition and rivalry between market towns is at least as fierce as that between rival households. Because the market towns lack a stake in the political process, they are forced to rely on neighbouring households to represent their interests. While most Marcher folk see this as right and proper, a life of honest toil on the land being superior to a life spent haggling for every last silver, aldermen often have a rather different view.

At the heart of almost every prosperous market town is an inn. These large structures are often fortified, with a wall surrounding the building and adjacent compound. Merchants visiting the town will usually eat and sleep at the inn but so will visiting yeomen bringing their goods to market, unless they have relatives who live in the town. Only Meade is large enough to support more than one inn, so the quality of the food and drink provided by a town's inn can have an impact on the prosperity of the whole town, as foreign merchants may avoid those towns whose inns have a bad reputation.

The innkeeper is almost invariably an alderman of the town and can be one of the wealthiest members of the community. They are often also the best informed, inns tend to be hotbeds of gossip with news and information being bought and sold as regularly as the drinks.

[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Nations]]

The Marches leadership

2012-08-17T22:55:54Z

Markwilkin:

Marchers do not allow anyone to claim authority over them. [[Loyalty]] is an important virtue in the nation and once they have chosen a leader they will not renounce them lightly, but they refuse to be ruled over by anyone. They remember their [[Marches History|history]] and will not tolerate anyone who thinks they are better than their fellows. Those who are given power in the Marches are expected to reflect this understanding in the way they act.

The Marchers do accept the authority of the Senate and the Emperess, seeing it as an extension of their own complex structures of household loyalties. They know that any one of them could become a Senator or take the Imperial throne. Likewise, they can follow orders on a battlefield so long as their officers remember that they hold their position of command with the consent of their troops.

Agriculture is the basis of political leadership in the Marches, and power is vested in those who work the land. The [[Marcher Household|Marcher households]] are groups of yeomen who have given loyalty to each other. They are led by one of their own, chosen by themselves. This leader is called a [[steward]] whether male or female. Even a single yeoman may call themselves steward of their own household, and have a direct voice in the leadership of the nation.

Anyone who owns farmland has the right to call themselves a yeoman, and only they have a voice in Marcher politics. Owning farmland is considered a great responsibility; it is the duty of the yeoman to ensure the best interests of everyone who lives and works on it. Monasteries that own lands are treated as identical in every respect to a Marcher household in terms of votes allowed but the market towns, that hold no farmland, are not.

In times past, a household would be responsible for the defence of all the members’ lands, so it was practical for members to live near each other. In modern times this requirement is less important, thanks the the existence of the Imperial armies, and the lands claimed by a household may be scattered throughout a March. Smaller households often swear loyalty to larger ones, partly to further cooperation between Households and partly to increase their political power.

==Leading a territory==

The steward whose household controls the largest amount of land - including that controlled by any smaller households who declare their support for them - selects the Senator that will represent that territory. It is more common for the steward to appoint one of her supporters to the Senate than to fill the seat herself, simply because Senate business can be time consuming and distract a steward from her duties to her household.

The competition to appoint the Senator for a March can be very fierce. The larger households in a March compete with one another to have the largest number of landowners under their banner, and as with so much else in the Marches the results of these selections have caused bitter feuds and sometimes open conflict.

The traditional method of determining who selects the Senator is for every interested yeoman to gather together in an open space. Each steward in turn then either declares themselves a candidate for the election, or declares their support for another steward. Support is measured in "Marks" which reflect the value of the combined farmland as assessed by the Imperial Civil Service. This valuation reflects not just the actual physical size of the combined farmland their household controls, but also its quality.

The candidate with the largest support selects the Senator. These meetings tend to be rowdy affairs, with much barracking and the occasional insult. Candidates try to get stewards who support them to declare their support as early as possible, but some canny stewards prefer to wait to see which way the wind is blowing before preferring their support.

Merchants, miners, craftsmen, priests and the like are forced to rely on neighbouring households to speak for them in the political process. Over recent years, there has been growing dissatisfaction in some quarters about this arrangement, but it represents one of the oldest traditions of the Marches and is not going to be changed any time soon.

[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Alderei the Fair

2012-08-17T22:40:11Z

Markwilkin:

Over centuries the [[Volodya]] kept their feud alive through malign curses and spiteful sabotage. Shortly before the time of the First Empress, they launched a devastating attack against the Varushkans. While the Volodya themselves refused to use steel, they gave their support to a boyar-king called Alderei the Fair. Alderei raised an army and sought to unite the entire Nation under his rulership, with the intention of leading this new nation to conquer the rest of humankind. Alderei was not afraid to use steel, and swept down from the north crushing everything in his path. Whenever a settlement fell to his army, he gave the survivors a simple choice “join me, or die.” To join Alderei required submission to the iron fist of a tyrant who would brook no argument, and tolerate no failure.

Many joined Alderei because, whatever else he did, he drove the monsters before his armies and protected those who swore allegiance to him from the darkness. To do this however required the aid of the Volodny and they took a terrible price from Alderei’s supporters in blood and flesh, which they used to propitiate the dark powers and fuel the boyar-king’s armies with their malign sorceries.

It seemed certain that the Varushkans would be united under the banner of Alderei. Used to fighting in small groups, the people lacked a unified central authority. According to legend, a gathering of wise ones took place at this time to discuss what could be done to stem the seemingly unstoppable tide washing down from the north. The gathering lasted for a full lunar month, and eventually came down to a decision between two very different yet hauntingly similar courses of action.

The first course was to compromise with Alderei and march beneath his banner, to create a great thousand-year Empire and to offer the dark powers the sacrifices they craved. The other was to seek external aid – the Navarr had brought news of a gathering to the south where a new way of life was being discussed, one of unity rather than subjugation. In the end the wise ones took a delegation to this meeting, while the remaining free boyars who refused to accept Alderei’s yoke fought desperately against the boyar-king’s forces.

After days of negotiation, the wise ones agreed that Varushkans would join the nascent Empire in return for aid in defeating Alderei and his Volodny conspirators. With the aid of the other Nations, a great host rode into Varushka to relieve the besieged boyars. With the aid of powerful wizards, the power of the Volodny was matched and broken. The boyar himself was slain by the heroic Marcher general Tom Drake (who lost his life in the process), and several of the Volodny met their final ends as their army fell apart.

The body of Alderei was never recovered and at his execution one of the captured Volodny gave a prophecy saying that one day in the future the dark king would return and take vengeance for this defeat, shattering the Empire as he had once shattered Varushka.

[[Category:Varushka]]

The Marches history

2012-08-17T22:36:41Z

Markwilkin: /* The Marches in the Empire */

==The Creation of the Marches==
The history of the Marchers begins with a rebellion in Dawn. A group of disaffected Yeomen, determined to leave their lord's lands and make a better life for themselves. With nowhere else to go they marched across the country, heading for the border, intent on claiming land outside of Dawn. They were joined on their pilgrimage by thousands more, until they became known as the Marchers.

The first Marchers had few real weapons or pieces of armour between them. The Dawnish nobility fully expected them to flee the oncoming winter or die at the hands of the orcs. Instead, the Marchers took their improvised weapons and arming jacks and carved out a kingdom for themselves, slaughtering the orc tribes they encountered and driving them before them with grim determination. Working together they created the Marches, a patchwork of cleared lands controlled by a score of independent-minded yeoman households.

In the following centuries there were frequent but sporadic conflicts with Dawn. Occasionally one or the other would attempt to expand into the neighbouring nation's territory. To this day the easternmost parts of the Marches and the westernmost parts of Dawn are scattered with battlefields and castles that are largely abandoned since the formation of the Empire. Despite the conflicts and the tension, the two nations often refer to each other, Marchers who put on airs and graces are told to "Piss off to Dawn", while Dawn nobility or yeomen who question the validity of their ancient traditions are given equally earthy advice to move to the Marches.

There were also frequent battles between Marchers. Although Marcher households found it easy to unite against a common enemy, they often fell to quarrelling amongst themselves. Bitter feuds and grudges developed, usually over land and often paid in blood. By the time the Empress began her crusade the Marches was split into half a dozen great households, each supported by the loyalties of countless minor households.

==Joining the Empire==
The First Empress did not come to the Marches. One of her advisors, a Landskeeper called Brigit of Dourfen, spread the word of her first gathering to the Marcher Lords, and while several attended the majority did not. After hearing the Empress speak, the Marcherfolk who were present debated for several days and appointed Henry of Meade to speak for them. Approaching the Empress, he told her that some of the Marchers would join her, but that she would never get all of them. The Empress refused to accept this. "''I will take all of you, or none of you.''" she said, and walked away.

Initially flabbergasted, wise Brigit explained what the Empress probably meant - that the Empire had no use for a divided land. It would not take some of the Marcher Households, and let the others squabble among themselves. If the Marchers were serious about joining, they would need to be united in doing so.

Historians sometimes debate whether the Empress should not simply have used her nascent army to unite the Marches herself, but it is generally agreed that doing so would have been a disaster. The Empire could not afford to become bogged down in a Marcher civil war; and the Marches traditionally are very hard to conquer for any period of time. Their dogged determination and ability to hold grudges would have meant that the Empire would have to have established a military dictatorship in perpetuity to keep the place under control.

The Marchers returned home and a civil war ensued. Those Marcher Households and Landskeepers who sided with the Empress and her vision of a united mankind used diplomacy where they could, and force of arms where they could not. In the end, the forces of those who sided with the Empress were triumphant. The remaining Households drew up on the fields to the west of Dawn and the Empress marched out to meet them on foot with her standard bearer, and asked if they were prepared to join her Empire.

==The Marches in the Empire==
Marchers from Upwold were involved in the first campaign of the new Empire. Tom Drake of Redston, Warden of Upwold, led his household and the territory's Landskeepers to Varushka. They fought through unfamiliar forests, alongside all those who opposed [[Alderei the Fair]] and brought Varushka into the Empire. Some say it was Tom who killed the boyar-king, the Redston folk just point at the broken crown on their livery and let that speak for them.

Entry to the Empire brought some changes. Pious Marcher folk returning from pilgrimages to [[Highguard]] founded the monasteries which now dot the landscape. Friars have become an important part of most Households and few powerful Marcher households do not have one or more of these learned folk by their side. Imperial writ created the market towns, outside the control of the households. Yet the traditional beliefs that give the Marchers their strength have endured every transformation brought by the Empire.

[[Category:The Marches]]
[[Category:Nations]]