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{{CaptionedImage|file=A Collective Noun of Varushkans.png|align=left|width=600|caption=Varushkan dress is practical, but made from rich cloth beautifully embroidered.}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaDarkMan.jpg|align=left|width=250}}
'''Dour, stern, uncompromising, wise, cunning, prosperous, rich, powerful.'''<br>
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.
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.
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]].''
''Also see [[Varushka costumes]] and [[Varushka culture and customs#Icons and Artistry|icons and artistry]].''
 
==Feel==
Dour, stern, uncompromising, wise, cunning, prosperous, rich, powerful.


==Breakdown==
==Breakdown==
===Influences===
<big>'''Influences</big><br>
Rus and Slavic costume.
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===
<big>'''Materials</big><br>
Bright vibrant colours predominate. A white shirt or dress is the most
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.
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.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaCostume.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===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
<big>'''Colours</big><br>
below the knee with stockings bound to the leg beneath them. Women’s dresses have full, layered skirts and aprons.
Bright vibrant colours predominate, with white, decorated with brightly coloured embroidery also common.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Varushka colours.png|width=400align=right}}


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
==Clothing==
the waist to a full ‘skirt’. The wealthiest wear coats in bright strong colours often with fur trim or embroidered hems.
The most common Varushkan costume is a white shirt, tunic or dress, often white or a light colour. This is usually intricately embroidered on the hems, red is traditional but other bright contrasting colours are seen. Garments are sometimes made from wool, but most Varushkans prefer a lighter material. These can be worn in layers for warmth, commonly with different garments in contrasting colours. Warm shawls in bright colours are handed down through families.


===Decoration===
Varushkans of all genders frequently wear plain coloured “hero trousers”, baggy down to just past the knee then 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. Coats are more common than cloaks. The traditional 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. If dresses are worn they tend to have full, layered skirts, often with added aprons.
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===
For jewellery the most common material is amber and silver. Hunters carry amulets and talismans designed to protect them from the monsters that might otherwise hunt them in turn.
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.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaDead.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
Scandal in Skoremujac.png
===Armour===
Troubled in Triosk.jpg
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.
I'd Apologise But I'm Right.jpg
Wand Drum and Eagle.jpg
Kostjya6881.png
This Aunty Brings Agony.jpg
Sitting in Srodkoja.jpg
Dancing in Delev.jpg
Walking in Wieliczka.jpg
Perturbed in Perumaki.jpg
Vladimir in Volodmartz.jpg
Vesna the Vendor.jpg
Yulia's Reaction.jpg
Logging That For Later.jpg
</gallery>


A few Boyars wear plate that has a simple design but is intricately
===Decoration and Embroidery===
decorated. Plate can be tooled to emphasize the strength and power of the wearer and to make them appear darker and more intimidating.
Fur is used extensively to trim garments of all kinds including armour. When trims are added it tends to be in bands of colour around the upper arms and hems. The most distinctive feature of Varushkan costume is the intricate embroidery that provides a strong contrast. Embroidery stands out as a mark of the wearer’s wealth - and is most commonly seen in bands and hems not across whole garments.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Cheerful Changeling Kalina.jpg
And They Were Roommates.jpg
Double Decoration.jpg
Beautiful Flowery Embroidery.jpg
Fur Trimmed Hat but the Belt is Too High.jpg
Excellently Embellished Embroidery.jpg
</gallery>


===Shields===
===Hats===
Round shields are common and some Schlacta employ a pavisse.
Varushkan hats may be simple embroidered round caps trimmed with fur (you can find a simple tutorial for making this kind of hat [[How to - Make a fur hat|here]]), kokoshnik in the appropriate colours, or else pointed caps that fold over the head.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Naga Boyar with an Excellent Kokoshnik.jpg
Decorated Blue Hat with a cheeky collar.jpg
Bee on the Bonnet.jpg
Worthy Woollen Warden.jpg
A Suspected Criminal and a Superlative Hat.jpg
Emerald Hat.jpg
</gallery>


===Weapons===
===Wise Ones===
[[Schlacta]], the Varushkan professional warriors, use heavy weapons of
Wise ones have a distinctive look which marks them out from other Varushkans. They receive a lot of gifts from the people they help and many people choose to give hair locks in return for luck and answers. The Wise Ones might braid these into their own hair, or wear them in bunches on belts or tied to staves. Other talismans and totems similarly given are similarly incorporated into hair or clothing or worn as jewellery. Many Wise Ones will know the story of each talisman they wear.
war such as broad swords, war axes and bardiches. The woodsman’s axe is a common weapon for many other Varushkans.


==Varushkan costume==
Wise Ones also tend to wear blindfolds when they are conducting official business, and for some their blindfolds become an iconic part of their costume worn as head band or stole. They often make the most traditional of choices - long wrapover coats in the favourite colours of Varushka are common, and many take a ritualised approach to ageing - emphasising crow's feet around the eyes with colours, drawing attention to white streaks in the hair - even clothing is sometimes retained, patched and repatched to show its age.
<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<span4>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. 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 garments in contrasting colours.</span4>
I See What You're Doing.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaCostume1.jpg|width=228|align=right}}</span4>
Who Turned Out the Lights?.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume2.jpg|width=228|align=right}}</span4>
Vartansy2.jpg
</row-fluid>
</gallery>


==Low status costume==
===Volhovs===
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.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume3.jpg|width=428}}
Venturing Volhov.jpg
Considering Volhov.jpg
</gallery>


==High status costume==
==Weapons and Armour==
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.
===Armour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Boyar1.jpg|width=428}}
The traditional Varushkan armour worn by the schlacta, the professional soldiers, is tightly woven scale or lamellar. It is as likely to be leather as metal. Splinted greaves and vambraces are common. Helms usually rise to a point, often with a plume.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Plumed Schlacta.jpg
Something Kliqs.jpg
Patrolling Schlacta.jpg
Something Appears to be Wrong.jpg
Supportive Schlacta.jpg
The Runes Protect.jpg
Briar Schlacta with a nice Hat.jpg
</gallery>


==Trousers==
===Boyars===
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.
Warrior Boyars often wear the traditional lamellar armour but with more complete coverage and supplemented with hardened leather or plate on the fore-arms and legs. A few wear plate that has a simple design but is intricately decorated with the tooled plate emphasising  the strength and power of the wearer  to make them appear darker and more intimidating.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume5.jpg|width=428}}
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Tooled Up Boyar.jpg
Gleeful Boyar.jpg
Impressed Boyar.jpg
Protective Boyar.jpg
</gallery>


==Varushkan armour==
===Shields===
The traditional Varushkan armour worn by the Schlacta, the professional soldiers, is tightly woven scale or lammellar. Varushkan armour is as likely to be leather as metal.
Plain round shields are common. Bucklers are occasionally used but most warriors prefer the superior protection that a shield offers.

<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<row-fluid>
Pensive Varushkans.jpg
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanArmour1.jpg|width=428|align=left}}
This Varushkan Doesn't Buckle.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanArmour2.jpg|width=428|align=left}}</span6>
What's That on the Road.jpg
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanHelm.jpg|width=342}}</span6>
Varushkan Roadblock.jpg
</row-fluid>
Victorious Varushka.jpg
Readied Schlacta.jpg
</gallery>


==Varushkan helms==
===Weapons===
The ideal Varushkan helm is pointed with a plume emerging from the point.
[[Varushka_military_concerns#Schlacta|Schlacta]], [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords|wagon raiders and sell-swords]], 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.
<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===
==Children==
Costume for Varushkan children follows the traditional styles and emphasis on bright colours.
Costume for Varushkan children follows the traditional styles and emphasis on bright colours.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanChild1.jpg|width=428}}
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
 
VarushkanChild1.jpg
==Images to avoid==
VarushkanCostume2.jpg
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.
</gallery>


===Avoid: Hussars' jacket===
==Animals and Runes==
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoJacket.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
Varushkans often use [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#The Virtuous Animals|animal symbols]] and runes to express virtues in their storytelling and artwork.
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.
<gallery heights=150 mode="packed">
VarushkaBear.jpg|The bear represents [[Courage]]
VarushkaBee.jpg|The bee represents [[Prosperity]]
VarushkaBoar.jpg|The boar represents [[Courage]]
VarushkaStag.jpg|The deer represents [[Pride]]
VarushkaEagle.jpg|The eagle represents [[Pride]]
VarushkaFox.jpg|The fox represents [[Ambition]]
VarushkaGoose.jpg|The goose represents [[Vigilance]]
VarushkaHound.jpg|The hound represents [[Loyalty]]
VarushkaSpider.jpg|The spider represents [[Vigilance]] and [[Wisdom]]
VarushkaSquirrel.jpg|The squirrel represents [[Wisdom]]
</gallery>


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


===Avoid: Thor’s hammer===
*Varushka is not a catch all culture for all things cool and Eastern European/Russian. It would be surprising to find short braided cavalry jackets  (eg Hussar's jackets) worn by Varushkans rather than the long swirling coats they favour.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoThor.png|width=200|align=left}}
*Similarly big fur hats and tiny waistcoats - Cossack style - are not commonly worn and neither are Cossack dances a common form of Varushkan entertainment.
Thor’s Hammers have become as evocative
* It may seem a short step from some of the costume guidance and the cold of Varushkan lands to Vikings and then to Thor's Hammer symbols. As Thor doesn't exist in the world of Empire the iconic symbol (much like the Christian Cross in Highguard) is best avoided where possible.
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.
{{Varushka Links}}

<!--
[[Category:Varushka]]
==Practical Varushkans==
[[Category:Nations]]
This couple are wearing some traditional Varushkan garments, 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 instead 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.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume3.jpg|width=428}}-->

Latest revision as of 15:43, 15 April 2024

A Collective Noun of Varushkans.png
Varushkan dress is practical, but made from rich cloth beautifully embroidered.

Overview

Dour, stern, uncompromising, wise, cunning, prosperous, rich, powerful.
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 icons and artistry.

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, with white, decorated with brightly coloured embroidery also common.

Varushka colours.png

Clothing

The most common Varushkan costume is a white shirt, tunic or dress, often white or a light colour. This is usually intricately embroidered on the hems, red is traditional but other bright contrasting colours are seen. Garments are sometimes made from wool, but most Varushkans prefer a lighter material. These can be worn in layers for warmth, commonly with different garments in contrasting colours. Warm shawls in bright colours are handed down through families.

Varushkans of all genders frequently wear plain coloured “hero trousers”, baggy down to just past the knee then 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. Coats are more common than cloaks. The traditional 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. If dresses are worn they tend to have full, layered skirts, often with added aprons.

For jewellery the most common material is amber and silver. Hunters carry amulets and talismans designed to protect them from the monsters that might otherwise hunt them in turn.

Decoration and Embroidery

Fur is used extensively to trim garments of all kinds including armour. When trims are added it tends to be in bands of colour around the upper arms and hems. The most distinctive feature of Varushkan costume is the intricate embroidery that provides a strong contrast. Embroidery stands out as a mark of the wearer’s wealth - and is most commonly seen in bands and hems not across whole garments.

Hats

Varushkan hats may be simple embroidered round caps trimmed with fur (you can find a simple tutorial for making this kind of hat here), kokoshnik in the appropriate colours, or else pointed caps that fold over the head.

Wise Ones

Wise ones have a distinctive look which marks them out from other Varushkans. They receive a lot of gifts from the people they help and many people choose to give hair locks in return for luck and answers. The Wise Ones might braid these into their own hair, or wear them in bunches on belts or tied to staves. Other talismans and totems similarly given are similarly incorporated into hair or clothing or worn as jewellery. Many Wise Ones will know the story of each talisman they wear.

Wise Ones also tend to wear blindfolds when they are conducting official business, and for some their blindfolds become an iconic part of their costume worn as head band or stole. They often make the most traditional of choices - long wrapover coats in the favourite colours of Varushka are common, and many take a ritualised approach to ageing - emphasising crow's feet around the eyes with colours, drawing attention to white streaks in the hair - even clothing is sometimes retained, patched and repatched to show its age.

Volhovs

Weapons and Armour

Armour

The traditional Varushkan armour worn by the schlacta, the professional soldiers, is tightly woven scale or lamellar. It is as likely to be leather as metal. Splinted greaves and vambraces are common. Helms usually rise to a point, often with a plume.

Boyars

Warrior Boyars often wear the traditional lamellar armour but with more complete coverage and supplemented with hardened leather or plate on the fore-arms and legs. A few wear plate that has a simple design but is intricately decorated with the tooled plate emphasising the strength and power of the wearer to make them appear darker and more intimidating.

Shields

Plain round shields are common. Bucklers are occasionally used but most warriors prefer the superior protection that a shield offers.

Weapons

Schlacta, wagon raiders and sell-swords, 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.

Children

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

Animals and Runes

Varushkans often use animal symbols and runes to express virtues in their storytelling and artwork.

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

  • Varushka is not a catch all culture for all things cool and Eastern European/Russian. It would be surprising to find short braided cavalry jackets (eg Hussar's jackets) worn by Varushkans rather than the long swirling coats they favour.
  • Similarly big fur hats and tiny waistcoats - Cossack style - are not commonly worn and neither are Cossack dances a common form of Varushkan entertainment.
  • It may seem a short step from some of the costume guidance and the cold of Varushkan lands to Vikings and then to Thor's Hammer symbols. As Thor doesn't exist in the world of Empire the iconic symbol (much like the Christian Cross in Highguard) is best avoided where possible.


Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information