Urizen look and feel - Revision history

Dre at 14:54, 6 July 2025

2025-07-06T14:54:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 6 July 2025
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	==Religion==		==Religion==
	Urizen priests draw heavily on the hearth magic of [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Essence\|Essence]] to demonstrate their calling and most will adopt a symbol that denotes their approach to the Way. Sashes and stoles are often embroidered or decorated with stylised [[symbols of the Way]]. Jewellery incorporating symbols of the Way are employed in nets worn on the head, short-chained pendants, or ~~broaches~~ worn on the chest, to bring the symbol close to the head, the voice, or the heart respectively. Urizen tradition associates each of the seven virtue with one colour, most commonly seen during their [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Spring_Flower_Festival\|Spring festival of flowers]], but some priests might use that colour as the dominant hue for their layered robes.		Urizen priests draw heavily on the hearth magic of [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Essence\|Essence]] to demonstrate their calling and most will adopt a symbol that denotes their approach to the Way. Sashes and stoles are often embroidered or decorated with stylised [[symbols of the Way]]. Jewellery incorporating symbols of the Way are employed in nets worn on the head, short-chained pendants, or brooches worn on the chest, to bring the symbol close to the head, the voice, or the heart respectively. Urizen tradition associates each of the seven virtue with one colour, most commonly seen during their [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Spring_Flower_Festival\|Spring festival of flowers]], but some priests might use that colour as the dominant hue for their layered robes.

	[[Astronomancy\|Astronomantic constellations]] are some of the most popular symbols in Urizen, but there is no simple relationship between the [[Astronomancy#Stars_and_Virtues\|stars and the Virtues]]. As a result, Urizen pilgrims often adopt one or more constellations that are relevant to their specific approach to the Way and use them to decorate their robes. It is also common to see pilgrims carrying scrolls containing a [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Soul_Net\|soul net]], either rolled up and tied to the belt or in a scroll case hanging from the belt.		[[Astronomancy\|Astronomantic constellations]] are some of the most popular symbols in Urizen, but there is no simple relationship between the [[Astronomancy#Stars_and_Virtues\|stars and the Virtues]]. As a result, Urizen pilgrims often adopt one or more constellations that are relevant to their specific approach to the Way and use them to decorate their robes. It is also common to see pilgrims carrying scrolls containing a [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Soul_Net\|soul net]], either rolled up and tied to the belt or in a scroll case hanging from the belt.

Dre at 08:16, 14 April 2025

2025-04-14T08:16:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:16, 14 April 2025
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	A sash or belt is an important part of Urizen costume, but the ideal sash is tied with a simple knot and secured at the front or side. Sashes tied with a large, decorative bow such as the kind of obi that is worn with a kimono by Japanese women are inappropriate.		A sash or belt is an important part of Urizen costume, but the ideal sash is tied with a simple knot and secured at the front or side. Sashes tied with a large, decorative bow such as the kind of obi that is worn with a kimono by Japanese women are inappropriate.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Asian conical hat.jpg\|width=200\|align=right\|caption=Please don't wear an Asian conical hat.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Asian conical hat.jpg\|width=200\|align=right\|caption=Please don't wear an Asian conical hat.}}
	Asian conical hats are ''inappropriate'' in Empire. They are unmistakably associated with the Asian region and have often been used to present prejudicial depictions of people from the region. All live roleplaying games adopt costume and imagery from real-world sources, but we want to avoid using elements from other cultures in ways that are disrespectful. Because of this, these hats should not be worn at Empire. We recommend a hood or shawl for Urizen characters, or a wide flat-brimmed hat (such as a a petasos), but you could also wear something inspired by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pileus_(hat) pileus], or even a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap Phrygian cap] if you want to create something else.		Asian conical hats are ''inappropriate'' in Empire. They are unmistakably associated with the Asian region and have often been used to present prejudicial depictions of people from the region. All live roleplaying games adopt costume and imagery from real-world sources, but we want to avoid using elements from other cultures in ways that are disrespectful. Because of this, these hats should not be worn at Empire. We recommend a hood or shawl for Urizen characters, or a wide flat-brimmed hat (such as a petasos), but you could also wear something inspired by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pileus_(hat) pileus], or even a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap Phrygian cap] if you want to create something else.

	A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuto Kabuto] is a helmet that is part of the traditional armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. The iconic version that is uniquely associated with that region has a very distinct crescent attached to the brow which is impossible to mistake for anything else. It is difficult to associate these helmets with anything other than Shogunate Japan so they should not be used at Empire. Likewise, outfits that are iconically tied to historical conflicts from the Asian region like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsengumi Shinsengumi] are also ''inappropriate''.		A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuto Kabuto] is a helmet that is part of the traditional armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. The iconic version that is uniquely associated with that region has a very distinct crescent attached to the brow which is impossible to mistake for anything else. It is difficult to associate these helmets with anything other than Shogunate Japan so they should not be used at Empire. Likewise, outfits that are iconically tied to historical conflicts from the Asian region like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsengumi Shinsengumi] are also ''inappropriate''.

Matt: /* Colours and Materials */

2025-03-28T11:34:13Z

Colours and Materials

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:34, 28 March 2025
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	'''Lustrous Fabrics:''' Materials in Urizen are usually plain rather than patterned, aiming to show off the fineness of the cloth itself and any decoration on it. Fabrics are often shiny - satins and silks are popular - with cotton sateen providing a good compromise between sheen and durability. Shot fabrics such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_silk shot silk] and shot dupion are favoured for the iridescent effect they create.		'''Lustrous Fabrics:''' Materials in Urizen are usually plain rather than patterned, aiming to show off the fineness of the cloth itself and any decoration on it. Fabrics are often shiny - satins and silks are popular - with cotton sateen providing a good compromise between sheen and durability. Shot fabrics such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_silk shot silk] and shot dupion are favoured for the iridescent effect they create.

	'''Damask:''' Damask, patterned silk, and jacquard are also popular but '''always''' using one colour throughout, so that the pattern subtly catches the light, rather than being bold ornamentation.		'''Damask:''' Damask, patterned silk, and jacquard are also popular but '''always''' using one colour throughout, so that the pattern subtly catches the light, rather than being bold ornamentation. Avoid patterned materials with obvious East Asian motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, lions and storks as these are not appropriate for Empire.
	<div style="float: right; width: 100%; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;" class="imagegrid">		<div style="float: right; width: 100%; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;" class="imagegrid">
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen satin pastel.jpg}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen satin pastel.jpg}}

Matt: /* Less Appropriate */

2025-03-22T10:33:25Z

Less Appropriate

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:33, 22 March 2025
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	===Less Appropriate===		===Less Appropriate===
	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]].
	~~<p>~~

	The look and feel of Urizen is heavily inspired by the depictions of high elves in films and games. Some of these visuals are themselves influenced by Asian styles, but the key thing to avoid is creating an entire costume that looks unmistakably Asian or East Asian in origin. A plain kimono or a crossover robe is fine, but adding a traditional [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakama#Kamishimo:_kataginu_and_naga-bakama kataginu] with its wide, pleated shoulder flares on top, or carrying a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana katana], makes the whole ensemble look more specifically like a samurai and thus much ''less appropriate''.		The look and feel of Urizen is heavily inspired by the depictions of high elves in films and games. Some of these visuals are themselves influenced by Asian styles, but the key thing to avoid is creating an entire costume that looks unmistakably Asian or East Asian in origin. A plain kimono or a crossover robe is fine, but adding a traditional [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakama#Kamishimo:_kataginu_and_naga-bakama kataginu] with its wide, pleated shoulder flares on top, or carrying a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana katana], makes the whole ensemble look more specifically like a samurai and thus much ''less appropriate''.

Matt: /* Battle */

2025-03-10T20:58:39Z

Battle

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 10 March 2025
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	==Battle==		==Battle==
	The ideal Urizen armaments are inspired by [https://~~static~~.~~wikia~~.~~nocookie.net~~/~~lotr~~/~~images~~/3/39/~~Gli~~-~~Galad_y_Elrond~~.~~jpg~~ the aesthetics of the Noldor in Lord of the Rings] and [https://www.pcgamesn.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/total_war_warhammer_2_high_elves_strategy_guide.jpg High Elves warriors in Warhammer Fantasy]. Helms tend to cover the head, with curving sections to protect the face and cheeks while shields and armour are shaped and curved in stylised ways to appear more elegant. Armour may be banded or segmented to emphasise flexibility and ease of movement, while Urizen weapons emphasize grace and speed rather than weight and power.		The ideal Urizen armaments are inspired by [https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hugo-Weaving-as-Elrond-and-Mark-Ferguson-as-Gil-Galad-in-Lord-of-the-Rings.JPG?q=50&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=1.5 the aesthetics of the Noldor in Lord of the Rings] and [https://www.pcgamesn.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/total_war_warhammer_2_high_elves_strategy_guide.jpg High Elves warriors in Warhammer Fantasy]. Helms tend to cover the head, with curving sections to protect the face and cheeks while shields and armour are shaped and curved in stylised ways to appear more elegant. Armour may be banded or segmented to emphasise flexibility and ease of movement, while Urizen weapons emphasize grace and speed rather than weight and power.

	'''Armour:''' A breastplate that is fluted or decorated with subtle filigree and curved vambraces and greaves to match is the ideal for an Urizen dressing for battle. The armour made of overlapping bands worn by Elrond in Lord of the Rings is also ideal. Mail is an excellent way to cover gaps in the armour, but can also be worn alone, especially if sandwiched between layers of robes.		'''Armour:''' A breastplate that is fluted or decorated with subtle filigree and curved vambraces and greaves to match is the ideal for an Urizen dressing for battle. The armour made of overlapping bands worn by Elrond in Lord of the Rings is also ideal. Mail is an excellent way to cover gaps in the armour, but can also be worn alone, especially if sandwiched between layers of robes.

Matt: /* Colours and Materials */

2025-03-03T22:20:22Z

Colours and Materials

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:20, 3 March 2025
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	'''Patterned Weaves:''' Although less common than plain materials, fabrics with a subtle pattern using pale colours are used, especially those with a regular geometric pattern.		'''Patterned Weaves:''' Although less common than plain materials, fabrics with a subtle pattern using pale colours are used, especially those with a regular geometric pattern.

	'''Practical Materials:''' The high mountains of Urizen are cold and finely woven wool of any weight is worn whenever warm costume is needed~~. Thicker cottons and linen under armour are also common when preparing for battle~~.		'''Practical Materials:''' The high mountains of Urizen are cold and thicker cottons and linen as well as finely woven wool of any weight are worn whenever warm costume is needed.

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

Matt: /* Outside The Brief */

2025-02-14T14:00:09Z

Outside The Brief

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:00, 14 February 2025
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	==Outside The Brief==		==Outside The Brief==
	To define the ideal look and feel for Urizen we have deliberately chosen to exclude some themes. This is important because it helps to create a clear visual aesthetic for the nation. The goal is to make members of the nation visually distinct from the other nations in play and to ensure that the costume guidelines don't become diluted by including ideas for costume from similar sources. We explicitly define some costume ideas and inspirations as not part of the brief for Urizen to make what definitely ''does'' fit the brief clearer and more distinct.		{{OffBrief\|nation=Urizen}}

	~~Most things that are not part of a~~ nation's brief are considered to be ''less appropriate'' as they are not not strictly part of the costume brief. This means that you can still use them if you need to but they are not something that you should actively aim for when you are creating or buying something for your Urizen character. Creating a costume is always a compromise as time and money are limited, so it is sensible to use a garment or prop that is ''less appropriate'' if you already own it, if that allows you to focus on improving other parts of your costume.

	A few things are explicitly defined as ''inappropriate''. These are things that you should not use when you are in-character at an event, because of the real-world connotations or imagery associated with them. We have deliberately omitted these elements because they are so striking and memorable that it is impossible to see them without thinking of the themes associated with them.

	===Less Appropriate===		===Less Appropriate===

Matt: /* Religion */

2025-02-14T10:50:46Z

Religion

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:50, 14 February 2025
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	Urizen priests draw heavily on the hearth magic of [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Essence\|Essence]] to demonstrate their calling and most will adopt a symbol that denotes their approach to the Way. Sashes and stoles are often embroidered or decorated with stylised [[symbols of the Way]]. Jewellery incorporating symbols of the Way are employed in nets worn on the head, short-chained pendants, or broaches worn on the chest, to bring the symbol close to the head, the voice, or the heart respectively. Urizen tradition associates each of the seven virtue with one colour, most commonly seen during their [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Spring_Flower_Festival\|Spring festival of flowers]], but some priests might use that colour as the dominant hue for their layered robes.		Urizen priests draw heavily on the hearth magic of [[Urizen_hearth_magic#Essence\|Essence]] to demonstrate their calling and most will adopt a symbol that denotes their approach to the Way. Sashes and stoles are often embroidered or decorated with stylised [[symbols of the Way]]. Jewellery incorporating symbols of the Way are employed in nets worn on the head, short-chained pendants, or broaches worn on the chest, to bring the symbol close to the head, the voice, or the heart respectively. Urizen tradition associates each of the seven virtue with one colour, most commonly seen during their [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Spring_Flower_Festival\|Spring festival of flowers]], but some priests might use that colour as the dominant hue for their layered robes.

	[[Astronomancy\|Astronomantic constellations]] are some of the most popular symbols in Urizen, but there is no simple relationship between the [[Astronomancy#Stars_and_Virtues\|stars and the Virtues]]. As a result, Urizen pilgrims often adopt one or more constellations that are relevant to their specific approach to the Way and use them to decorate their robes. It is also common to see pilgrims carrying scrolls containing a [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#~~soul_net~~\|soul net]], either rolled up and tied to the belt or in a scroll case hanging from the belt.		[[Astronomancy\|Astronomantic constellations]] are some of the most popular symbols in Urizen, but there is no simple relationship between the [[Astronomancy#Stars_and_Virtues\|stars and the Virtues]]. As a result, Urizen pilgrims often adopt one or more constellations that are relevant to their specific approach to the Way and use them to decorate their robes. It is also common to see pilgrims carrying scrolls containing a [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Soul_Net\|soul net]], either rolled up and tied to the belt or in a scroll case hanging from the belt.

	==Magic==		==Magic==

Cyph: /* Less Appropriate */ Added links to inappropriate costume guidelines

2024-04-15T15:38:32Z

Less Appropriate: Added links to inappropriate costume guidelines

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:38, 15 April 2024
Line 105:		Line 105:

	===Less Appropriate===		===Less Appropriate===
			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]].
			<p>

	The look and feel of Urizen is heavily inspired by the depictions of high elves in films and games. Some of these visuals are themselves influenced by Asian styles, but the key thing to avoid is creating an entire costume that looks unmistakably Asian or East Asian in origin. A plain kimono or a crossover robe is fine, but adding a traditional [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakama#Kamishimo:_kataginu_and_naga-bakama kataginu] with its wide, pleated shoulder flares on top, or carrying a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana katana], makes the whole ensemble look more specifically like a samurai and thus much ''less appropriate''.		The look and feel of Urizen is heavily inspired by the depictions of high elves in films and games. Some of these visuals are themselves influenced by Asian styles, but the key thing to avoid is creating an entire costume that looks unmistakably Asian or East Asian in origin. A plain kimono or a crossover robe is fine, but adding a traditional [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakama#Kamishimo:_kataginu_and_naga-bakama kataginu] with its wide, pleated shoulder flares on top, or carrying a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana katana], makes the whole ensemble look more specifically like a samurai and thus much ''less appropriate''.

Dre at 14:12, 16 February 2024

2024-02-16T14:12:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:12, 16 February 2024
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	==Magic==		==Magic==
	More than any other nation, an Urizen should not feel they have to be a [[Magical_skills#Magician\|magician]] to make use of magical symbols as part of their costume. Magical symbols are often added to garments, using techniques such as embroidery or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appliqu%C3%A9 appliqué]. [[Astronomancy#Constellations\|Constellations]] are more popular than [[runes]] or [[~~totem~~ magic\|~~totems~~]] and are often mapped out with sequins, gems, or beads made of coloured glass or precious stone.		More than any other nation, an Urizen should not feel they have to be a [[Magical_skills#Magician\|magician]] to make use of magical symbols as part of their costume. Magical symbols are often added to garments, using techniques such as embroidery or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appliqu%C3%A9 appliqué]. [[Astronomancy#Constellations\|Constellations]] are more popular than [[runes]] or [[aspect magic\|aspects]] and are often mapped out with sequins, gems, or beads made of coloured glass or precious stone.

	Mage armour and implements are often decorated with precious stones, semi-precious stones, or crystals, or have magical symbols traced out with filigree. [[Weapons_%26_armour#Implements\|Rods, staffs, and wands]] are more likely to be made from metal than wood - most often [[mithril]] - and they are often surmounted with a carefully shaped piece of dark coloured crystal or stone.		Mage armour and implements are often decorated with precious stones, semi-precious stones, or crystals, or have magical symbols traced out with filigree. [[Weapons_%26_armour#Implements\|Rods, staffs, and wands]] are more likely to be made from metal than wood - most often [[mithril]] - and they are often surmounted with a carefully shaped piece of dark coloured crystal or stone.
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	Asian conical hats are ''inappropriate'' in Empire. They are unmistakably associated with the Asian region and have often been used to present prejudicial depictions of people from the region. All live roleplaying games adopt costume and imagery from real-world sources, but we want to avoid using elements from other cultures in ways that are disrespectful. Because of this, these hats should not be worn at Empire. We recommend a hood or shawl for Urizen characters, or a wide flat-brimmed hat (such as a a petasos), but you could also wear something inspired by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pileus_(hat) pileus], or even a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap Phrygian cap] if you want to create something else.		Asian conical hats are ''inappropriate'' in Empire. They are unmistakably associated with the Asian region and have often been used to present prejudicial depictions of people from the region. All live roleplaying games adopt costume and imagery from real-world sources, but we want to avoid using elements from other cultures in ways that are disrespectful. Because of this, these hats should not be worn at Empire. We recommend a hood or shawl for Urizen characters, or a wide flat-brimmed hat (such as a a petasos), but you could also wear something inspired by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pileus_(hat) pileus], or even a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap Phrygian cap] if you want to create something else.

	A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuto Kabuto] is a helmet that is part of the traditional armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. The iconic version that is uniquely associated with that region has a very distinct crescent attached to the brow which is impossible to mistake for anything else. It is difficult to associate these helmets with anything other than Shogunate Japan so they should not be used at Empire. Likewise, outfits that are iconically tied to ~~historial~~ conflicts from the Asian region like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsengumi Shinsengumi] are also ''inappropriate''.		A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuto Kabuto] is a helmet that is part of the traditional armour worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. The iconic version that is uniquely associated with that region has a very distinct crescent attached to the brow which is impossible to mistake for anything else. It is difficult to associate these helmets with anything other than Shogunate Japan so they should not be used at Empire. Likewise, outfits that are iconically tied to historical conflicts from the Asian region like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsengumi Shinsengumi] are also ''inappropriate''.

	[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huabiao Huabiao] are the traditional ceremonial columns found in Chinese architecture. Their distinctive profile and prominent placement make them emblematic of Chinese culture and they are often found outside tombs. Because of the important religious significance of huabiao, they are ''inappropriate'' as camp dressing and props that are decorated in a similar style are ''less appropriate''. Likewise, the same rules apply to Japanese [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii Torii] which are also found outside Shinto tombs. Iconic Asian animal iconography like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_guardian_lions Chinese guardian lions] are ''inappropriate''. Western versions of related iconography like dragons and phoenixes are ideal.		[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huabiao Huabiao] are the traditional ceremonial columns found in Chinese architecture. Their distinctive profile and prominent placement make them emblematic of Chinese culture and they are often found outside tombs. Because of the important religious significance of huabiao, they are ''inappropriate'' as camp dressing and props that are decorated in a similar style are ''less appropriate''. Likewise, the same rules apply to Japanese [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torii Torii] which are also found outside Shinto tombs. Iconic Asian animal iconography like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_guardian_lions Chinese guardian lions] are ''inappropriate''. Western versions of related iconography like dragons and phoenixes are ideal.

	{{Urizen Links}}		{{Urizen Links}}