m (Added links to inappropriate costume guidelines)
 
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==Overview==
==Overview==
[[The League]] is urban. The influences come from the Italian city states, the Hanseatic  
{{CaptionedImage|file=LeagueRooftop.jpg|width=300|align=left}}
league, and Prague, as well as classic fantasy cities like Camorr from the Lies of Locke
[[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.  
Lamora. Busy, but ordered, like clockwork. It has elements of Renaissance Venice, but (importantly)
not just Venice. It is neither hovels nor a city of thieves and vagabonds nor the street
urchins of old London.


The League is rich. Fine fabrics showing the wealth and style of merchant-princes. Rich  
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 Temeschwar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.
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.


Fine clothes on a citizen of the League allow them to strut a pleasing silhouette and are carefully
''Also see [[League costumes]] and [[League culture and customs#Icons and Artistry|icons and artistry]].''
designed to leave no doubt as to their abilities and skills. A gem encrusted hilt on a
dagger that still needs to be drawn. They should be ready for a fight. Decoration
and flourish intimately entangled with symbolism and a deep and genuine civic pride.
 
Rings show their allegiances. Jewellery shows their success. Masks and fans often hide
their emotions.


==Feel==
==Feel==
Flamboyant, measured, rich, systematic, commerce, illusion, flourish, ambition,
Flamboyant, rich, urbane, ambitious, loyal, resplendent, flourish.
loyalty, gold.


==Breakdown==
==Breakdown==
Line 26: Line 14:
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
High medieval and renaissance luxury.
===Materials===
===Materials===
Velvet, Cotton, Sillk, Fur Trim, Brocade
Velvet, Cotton, Silk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard
 
===Colours===
===Colours===
The pallette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported  
The palette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.
by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks. A dull or washed-out shade
{{CaptionedImage|file=MaesterNiccolo.jpg|width=250|align=right}}
is an indication of poverty. Purple and black are considered colours of
mourning when worn together; an unlucky combination that is to be
avoided at other times.
===Clothing===
===Clothing===
Fashion is a rapidly changing force in the League cities. A citizen will display
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.
their status and wealth in the choice of trim or the quality of the cloth
from which garments are cut – “What you wear is who you are.


In Catzarria to the south, doublets of richly patterned silks are cut to flatter. Sleeves
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.
are full, and the effect is somewhat top-heavy, with trousers or breeches
cut fitted to a slender leg. Slashing is the height of fashion, particularly
amongst the military whose taste verges on the gaudy.


The northern cities are colder in climate, and clothing reflects that.  
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 contrasting colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable gown from the northern cities would be long and full, 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.
More fur trim, more layers. Perhaps a long sleeveless gown of velvet
{{CaptionedImage|file=MG0782.jpg|width=450|align=right}}
over the fashionable doublet, which might be made of leather not silk.


Hose are considered old-fashioned.
===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.


Ladies who do not favour doublet-and-breeches will be gowned. A
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.
fashionable lady of the northern cities will wear a long, full, gown,
sleeved and high-waisted. The neckline may be lower than in other
nations, showing an undergown or kirtle, often of a contrastng colour.
To the south, the gown might be sleeveless, or with sleeves slashed like
a doublet’s.


Religious folk will wear long robes, and often a skull cap. To the south,  
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.
the robes will be red, in the north – black.


===Armour===
The street bravo will be in leathers, perhaps with a heavier shoulder
piece. The military will wear heavy armour on vital areas, particularly
the head, but a full harness is rare.
===Shields===
Not common. Small metal bucklers are sometimes used. A main
gauche or stilletto is usually favoured for the off-hand.
===Weapons===
===Weapons===
Crossbows for ranged combat. Sword and knife for the street fighter,  
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.
blocks of long spears or halberds with flanks guarded by two-handed
 
swords for the professional soldier.
==Costume==
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. Gowns are high waisted and may have low necklines, with complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.
 
Doublets are constructed 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=PledgeBall.jpg|title=The Pledge Ball 378YE|width=250}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Prideful Sarvos.jpeg|width=250}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=TiagoBarossa.jpg|width=250}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Quique.jpg|width=250}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrokenMirror.jpg|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Relaxed Cesare.jpg |width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Emilio di Sarvos.jpg |width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Uncle Pavi.jpg|width=250}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Masked Cambion.jpg|width=250}}
</row-fluid>


==Icons and important Images==
==Bravos==
The League flag is a red wolf on white crest above three coins, one for each of the
A [[bravo]] is usually light armoured if at all. They usually wield a rapier, sometimes paired with a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a [[free company]].
three great cities that formed the Imperial Nation of Catazarria at the creation of the
Empire. The citizens of the League love flags and emblems, especially ones that use riddles and
puns encoded within the symbols. Every Camorra has a symbol of their own including
the Free Companies, Churches and Troupes.


In the League, people wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for
<row-fluid>
each major loyalty they owe. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to
<span12>
the givers’ allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is
{{CaptionedImage|file=HeavyBravo.jpg|title=Heavy armour with small shield, straight sword, mask, hat and excellent cape.|width=300}}
over.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CarabellaBarossa.jpg|title=Brigandine chest, spaulders on the shoulders, mask and hat.|width=300}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Twilight bravo.jpg|title=Unarmoured, straight sword, duelling cape, and an excellent hat.|width=600}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>


==Details==
==Bishops==
===Bravos===
Bishops are priests who involve themselves in the complex politics of the League. They are often wealthy, and dress to demonstrate their wealth and spiritual authority to others. Bold colours and rich fabrics are common, but the clothing is usually cut to leave an onlooker in no doubt that the person they are looking at is a priest of the Way. Exotic appearing hats and other headgear are extremely common.
Bravos are usually light armoured if at all. They usally wield a rapier, sometimes paired with
<row-fluid>
a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many Bravos are part of a Free Company.
{{CaptionedImage|file=TemeschwarBishop.jpg|width=250}}
===Free Companies===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BishopYnez.jpg|width=250}}
The riotously bright uniforms of the Free Companies mostly comprise two colours, with
{{CaptionedImage|file=Oberon.jpg |width=250}}
sleeves and trousers in the main colour, slashed to let the contrasting colour show through.  
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bishop Severin.jpg|width=250}}
A steel breastplate and helm provides the basic armour.
</row-fluid>


Despite their gaudy appearance, the members of a Free Company are professional soldiers
==Free companies==
well used to carrying all their campaign equipment on their back in handy pouches, packs
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.
and blanket rolls.
<row-fluid>
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Grizzled Free Company.jpg|width=650}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=ForwardFreeCompany.jpg|width=650}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>


===Banners===
==Spiral and the Orcs==
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any Free Company.
{{CaptionedImage|file=It's called fashion.jpg|width=350|align=right|caption=There are many ways to hide the neck join}}
The Apulian Orcs who have joined the League have adoped the fashion of the League with an assured confidence, so all the regular League costume guidance is still relevant. To make a more distinctly Apulian costume, remember that many residents of the territory retain a fondness for bright colours, especially rich purples and wine reds adorned heavily with gold trims, with vibrant oranges often being used as an accessory. Silk is popular; the sumptuous fabric makes for a clear demonstration of the wealth of the wearer and harkens back to the traditional dress of the Broken Shore. The majority of Apulians have embraced the wealth of fabrics readily available in their new nation; wool, velvet, and brocade are all proving popular and serving as excellent compliments to the traditional silk of the Grendel. As always, the goal is that clothing should demonstrate the wealth of the wearer.


===Armour===
If you are playing a League Orc, then gloves are practical, the easiest way to avoid having to constantly repaint your hands. That approach makes [[Rings in the League|rings]] on your fingers less practical, so Apulian orcs are experimenting with different approaches. If you have fine gloves you might be able to wear a bigger ring over them, but you can also wear a ring on a ribbon around the neck or hanging off the belt. When wearing a [[The_League_hearth_magic#Masks|Mask]] most Apulians are adopting something made using soft cloth and loosely tied or else using something rigid which can be held in front of the face with a stick.
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.


===Children===
An important thing to think about is how to hide the joins where your mask and gloves meet your skin. Plenty of gold jewellery, the gaudier the better, is the ideal. Pieces like chokers or bracelets can be used to demonstrate wealth at the same time as keeping the joins hidden. An alternative accessory is an [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/infinity_scarf infinity scarf], worn up or down, and that can be adorned with garish jewellery to again make an audacious demonstration of wealth. A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruff_(clothing) ruff] is [[Costume#Less_Appropriate_Costume|less appropriate]], as they are highly evocative of a later period than the ideal for League costume.
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.


===Weapons===
==Banners==
The crossbow is extremely popular with the Free Companies, as well as halberds and pikes.
An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any free company.


===Costume===
<row-fluid>
League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration.
<span12>
The ladies’ gowns are high waisted with low necklines and complicated detailing such as
{{CaptionedImage|file=CM-140419-6218.jpg|width=600|align=left}}
puffed or slashed sleeves.
</span12>
</row-fluid>


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


===Temeswar and Holberg===
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.
Costume in Holberg is less colourful than the southern cities. Materials are thicker and heavier.
Temeswar is further north still and the costume reflects that with the use of fur not just as  
trimming but as an integral part of the costume.  


===Theatre and Masks===
==Churches==
The tradition of masked theatre runs strong in League cities, where it is an important constituent
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.
of the magic of a performance.
<row-fluid>
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=TemeschwarBishop.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BishopYnez.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Oberon.jpg|align=left|width=300|title=Rich decorated fabric, and a particularly League hat with attached Cambion horns}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>


===Churches===
==Inappropriate Costume==
The heavily decorated robes of the League priests are in sharp contrast to some of the  
Whilst this look and feel page provides the ideal costume for the nation, it is important for players to familiarise themselves with the [[Costume|general costume rules]] for further guidelines, including those for [[Costume#Inappropriate_Costume|inappropriate costume]]
ascetics of other nations. Lavish embroidery, metallic threads and elaborate headdresses are
all used to communicate their importance.


[[Category:The League]]
{{The League Links}}
[[Category:Nations]]

Latest revision as of 15:35, 15 April 2024

Overview

LeagueRooftop.jpg

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 Temeschwar and Holberg. It is opulent not ostentatious, a purposeful show of wealth and power.

Also see League costumes and icons and artistry.

Feel

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

Breakdown

Influences

High medieval and renaissance luxury.

Materials

Velvet, Cotton, Silk, Fur Trim, Brocade, Damask, Jacquard

Colours

The palette is rich and autumnal. Wine reds, golden yellows, supported by rich oranges and deep blues and blacks.

MaesterNiccolo.jpg

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 contrasting colour, is usually visible at the front. A fashionable gown from the northern cities would be long and full, 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.

MG0782.jpg

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.

Weapons

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.

Costume

League costume is beautifully tailored with layers of complex cutting and decoration. Gowns are high waisted and may have low necklines, with complicated detailing such as puffed or slashed sleeves.

Doublets are constructed 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.

The Pledge Ball 378YE
Prideful Sarvos.jpeg
TiagoBarossa.jpg
Quique.jpg
BrokenMirror.jpg
Relaxed Cesare.jpg
Emilio di Sarvos.jpg
Uncle Pavi.jpg
Masked Cambion.jpg

Bravos

A bravo is usually light armoured if at all. They usually wield a rapier, sometimes paired with a short parrying dagger like a main gauche. Many bravos are part of a free company.

Heavy armour with small shield, straight sword, mask, hat and excellent cape.
Brigandine chest, spaulders on the shoulders, mask and hat.
Unarmoured, straight sword, duelling cape, and an excellent hat.

Bishops

Bishops are priests who involve themselves in the complex politics of the League. They are often wealthy, and dress to demonstrate their wealth and spiritual authority to others. Bold colours and rich fabrics are common, but the clothing is usually cut to leave an onlooker in no doubt that the person they are looking at is a priest of the Way. Exotic appearing hats and other headgear are extremely common.

TemeschwarBishop.jpg
BishopYnez.jpg
Oberon.jpg
Bishop Severin.jpg

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.

Grizzled Free Company.jpg
ForwardFreeCompany.jpg

Spiral and the Orcs

It's called fashion.jpg
There are many ways to hide the neck join

The Apulian Orcs who have joined the League have adoped the fashion of the League with an assured confidence, so all the regular League costume guidance is still relevant. To make a more distinctly Apulian costume, remember that many residents of the territory retain a fondness for bright colours, especially rich purples and wine reds adorned heavily with gold trims, with vibrant oranges often being used as an accessory. Silk is popular; the sumptuous fabric makes for a clear demonstration of the wealth of the wearer and harkens back to the traditional dress of the Broken Shore. The majority of Apulians have embraced the wealth of fabrics readily available in their new nation; wool, velvet, and brocade are all proving popular and serving as excellent compliments to the traditional silk of the Grendel. As always, the goal is that clothing should demonstrate the wealth of the wearer.

If you are playing a League Orc, then gloves are practical, the easiest way to avoid having to constantly repaint your hands. That approach makes rings on your fingers less practical, so Apulian orcs are experimenting with different approaches. If you have fine gloves you might be able to wear a bigger ring over them, but you can also wear a ring on a ribbon around the neck or hanging off the belt. When wearing a Mask most Apulians are adopting something made using soft cloth and loosely tied or else using something rigid which can be held in front of the face with a stick.

An important thing to think about is how to hide the joins where your mask and gloves meet your skin. Plenty of gold jewellery, the gaudier the better, is the ideal. Pieces like chokers or bracelets can be used to demonstrate wealth at the same time as keeping the joins hidden. An alternative accessory is an infinity scarf, worn up or down, and that can be adorned with garish jewellery to again make an audacious demonstration of wealth. A ruff is less appropriate, as they are highly evocative of a later period than the ideal for League costume.

Banners

An iconic impressive banner makes a bold statement for any free company.

CM-140419-6218.jpg

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.

TemeschwarBishop.jpg
BishopYnez.jpg
Rich decorated fabric, and a particularly League hat with attached Cambion horns

Inappropriate Costume

Whilst this look and feel page provides the ideal costume for the nation, it is important for players to familiarise themselves with the general costume rules for further guidelines, including those for inappropriate costume

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information