(Materials)
(Hats)
 
(162 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{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>
The land may be dangerous, but it is also rich. It is famous for its high quality furs,
+
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.
creating cloaks, robes and mantles in a range of colours and styles that mean many consider Varushkan fur the only fur to wear. Varushkan trees are another source of wealth. Timber is in high demand outside Varushka, and the Nation is home to many species of majestic hard woods. Amber is a common export, and many Varushkan men and women sport amber jewellery.
 
  
==Feel==
+
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.
Dark, grim, fierce, durable, solid, resilient, wise, rich, decorated, warm
 
 
==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===
+
''Also see [[Varushka costumes]] and [[Varushka culture and customs#Icons and Artistry|icons and artistry]].''
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
+
==Breakdown==
below the knee with stockings bound to the leg beneath them. Women’s dresses have full, layered skirts and aprons.
+
<big>'''Influences</big><br>
 +
Rus and Slavic costume.
  
Coats are more common that cloaks. The ideal coat has an asymmetric overlap across the chest, is nipped in at the waist but flares out below
+
<big>'''Materials</big><br>
the waist to a full ‘skirt’. The wealthiest wear coats in bright strong colours often with fur trim or embroidered hems.
+
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.
  
===Decoration===
+
<big>'''Colours</big><br>
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.
+
Bright vibrant colours predominate, with white, decorated with brightly coloured embroidery also common.
 +
{{CaptionedImage|file=Varushka colours.png|width=400align=right}}
  
===Jewellery===
+
==Clothing==
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.
+
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.
  
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaDead.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
+
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.
===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
+
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.
decorated. Plate can be tooled to emphasize the strength and power of the wearer and to make them appear darker and more intimidating.
+
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
 +
Scandal in Skoremujac.png
 +
Troubled in Triosk.jpg
 +
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>
  
===Shields===
+
===Decoration and Embroidery===
Round shields are common and some Schlacta employ a pavisse.
+
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>
  
===Weapons===
+
===Hats===
[[Schlacta]], the Varushkan professional warriors, use heavy weapons of
+
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.
war such as broad swords, war axes and bardiches. The woodsman’s axe is a common weapon for many other Varushkans.
+
<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>
  
==Icons and important Images==
+
===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. 
  
Animals in their roles as embodiment of the Imperial Virtues are common elements in Varushkan jewellery, heraldry and decoration. They are worn as belt buckles, symbols carved into the belt leather or charms and embroidered onto patches or into the decoration of a garment.
+
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.
 +
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
 +
I See What You're Doing.jpg
 +
Who Turned Out the Lights?.jpg
 +
Vartansy2.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
Symbols of warding are common, and take the form of eyes and faces that watch vigilantly for danger, stars and moons that represent the light that comes at night, images of torches and burning brands, and symbols of swords and shields that represent armed might. Some symbols of the Imperial Faith are used as well, especially the labyrinth which represents a hope that monsters will become lost and unable to find the bearer. Many Varushkans wear a talisman or amulet with a personal symbol that represents protection carved on it, and gifts of protective talismans are common between family members and lovers. The efficacy of these wardings is questionable if they are not supported by other magic, but they are often useful for inspiring confidence and reminding the bearer that they are not alone no matter how dark their situation might be.
+
===Volhovs===
 +
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
 +
Venturing Volhov.jpg
 +
Considering Volhov.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
Varushka loves dark bread and honey, and many meals start or end with it. Honey is also used to brew mead or create sweets, and bees are a powerful symbol of prosperity, wealth and the family.
+
==Weapons and Armour==
 
+
===Armour===
== Images ==
+
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.
===Basic costume===
+
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
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.
+
Plumed Schlacta.jpg
 
+
Something Kliqs.jpg
<row-fluid>
+
Patrolling Schlacta.jpg
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkaCostume1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
+
Something Appears to be Wrong.jpg
</row-fluid>
+
Supportive Schlacta.jpg
 
+
The Runes Protect.jpg
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.
+
Briar Schlacta with a nice Hat.jpg
 
+
</gallery>
<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=VarushkanCostume4.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
 
</row-fluid>
 
 
 
===Trousers===
 
Varushkans 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 be brightly dyed but are usually made from fabric of a single
 
colour, but 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 Varurkan 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===
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.
+
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.

+
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<row-fluid>
+
Tooled Up Boyar.jpg
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanBoyar1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
+
Gleeful Boyar.jpg
</row-fluid>
+
Impressed Boyar.jpg
 +
Protective Boyar.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
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
+
===Shields===
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.
+
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">
 +
Pensive Varushkans.jpg
 +
This Varushkan Doesn't Buckle.jpg
 +
What's That on the Road.jpg
 +
Varushkan Roadblock.jpg
 +
Victorious Varushka.jpg
 +
Readied Schlacta.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
<row-fluid>
+
===Weapons===
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanBoyar2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
+
[[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
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanBoyar3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
+
war such as broad swords, war axes and bardiches. The woodsman’s axe is a common weapon for many other Varushkans.
</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>
+
==Children==
<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.
 
Costume for Varushkan children follows the traditional styles and emphasis on bright colours.
 +
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
 +
VarushkanChild1.jpg
 +
VarushkanCostume2.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
<row-fluid>
+
==Animals and Runes==
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanChild1.jpg|width=428}}</span6>
+
Varushkans often use [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#The Virtuous Animals|animal symbols]] and runes to express virtues in their storytelling and artwork.  
</row-fluid>
+
<gallery heights=150 mode="packed">
 
+
VarushkaBear.jpg|The bear represents [[Courage]]
==Images to avoid - DO NOT USE THESE==
+
VarushkaBee.jpg|The bee represents [[Prosperity]]
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.
+
VarushkaBoar.jpg|The boar represents [[Courage]]
 
+
VarushkaStag.jpg|The deer represents [[Pride]]
===Hussars Jacket - DO NOT USE THESE===
+
VarushkaEagle.jpg|The eagle represents [[Pride]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoJacket.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
+
VarushkaFox.jpg|The fox represents [[Ambition]]
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.
+
VarushkaGoose.jpg|The goose represents [[Vigilance]]
 
+
VarushkaHound.jpg|The hound represents [[Loyalty]]
Please try to avoid frogging or tablat braiding across the chest that is so elaborate and intense that it evokes the Hussar
+
VarushkaSpider.jpg|The spider represents [[Vigilance]] and [[Wisdom]]
image. Varushkan decoration is primarily embroidery and fur trim.
+
VarushkaSquirrel.jpg|The squirrel represents [[Wisdom]]
 +
</gallery>
  
===Thor’s Hammer - DO NOT USE THESE===
+
==Things you're unlikely to see==
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoThor.png|width=200|align=left}}
+
*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.
Thor’s Hammers have become as evocative
+
*Similarly big fur hats and tiny waistcoats - Cossack style - are not commonly worn and neither are Cossack dances a common form of Varushkan entertainment.
and iconic as a crucifix. They are irrevocably associated with Thor, a deity which does not
+
* 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.
exist in the Empire game setting, so please avoid this specific piece of jewellery.
 
  
===Cossacks - DO NOT USE THESE===
+
{{Varushka Links}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanNoCossack.gif|width=250|align=right}}The Varushkan look is inspired by Rus and Slavic costume
+
<!--
and does not include Coassacks. We have excluded the
+
==Practical Varushkans==
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.
+
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.
Please also avoid cossack dancing. It is iconic - for cossacks - but is not appropriate for Varushkans in Empire.
+
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume3.jpg|width=428}}-->

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

Latest revision as of 18:03, 14 January 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.

Things you're unlikely to see

  • 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