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{{CaptionedImage|file=CrimsonSeguran.jpg|title=Flowing fiery colours.|width=300|align=left}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassLounge.jpg|align=left|width=280}} The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] look is one of bright colours, silks, jewels and sumptuousness. They admire ornate or bejewelled items. To the Freeborn, a brilliant craftsman is one who can make something elegant as well as sturdy. Their weapons and armour are often engraved or adorned, but they are not fatuous, and do not compromise utility for the sake of appearance. Jewellery is very common with the best pieces, like necklaces, crowns or tiaras, designed to frame the wearers hands or face.
'''Free, flowing, headstrong, sumptuous, practical, exuberant, hedonistic, colourful, rich, joyful. '''<br>
The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] look is one of bright colours, silks, jewels, and sumptuousness. They admire ornate or bejewelled items. To the Freeborn, a brilliant craftsman is one who can make something elegant as well as sturdy. Their weapons and armour are often engraved or adorned, but they are not fatuous and do not compromise utility for the sake of appearance. Jewellery is very common with the best pieces, like necklaces, crowns or tiaras, designed to frame the wearer's hands or face.


The image of the flame is central to the Freeborn culture, they believe it represents their spirit; wild, powerful and unchained.
The image of the flame is central to the Freeborn culture; they believe it represents their spirit: wild, powerful and unchained.
 
''Also see [[The Brass Coast costumes]].''


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


Avoid Black or White. Black is considered severe and used for shrouds to hide the faces of the dead. White is the colour of the poor, of those too impoverished to afford exotic dyes.
<big>'''Colours</big><br>
 
The Freeborn value bright, vibrant colours, especially the colours of flames: strong bright yellows, brilliant oranges and every conceivable shade of red as well as gold and silver. Peacock blue, Magenta and Turquoise often appear for contrast. Expensive clothing is made in brightly coloured layers to convey the impression of the fire within.  
===Clothing===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass_coast_colours.png|width=|align=none}}
Veils, scarves, head-wraps, pantaloons, loose shirts and kaftans, sashes rather than belts. Clothing is usually worn loose with layers of draped material.  
Black is considered severe and used for shrouds to wrap the dead. White is the colour of the poor, those too impoverished to afford exotic dyes.
 
Veils are worn by men and women to make them appear more mysterious and alluring. The ideal style is the tagelmust (preferably in bright red, orange or yellow rather than blue).
 
Clothing and headdresses will often be decorated with shiny metal jewellery, bells, coins and other jingly bits. Jewelry should frame the hands and face.
 
Ideally scabbards or pouches should hang at the waist by a silk cord that goes over the shoulder. Any tattoos should be highly intricate, henna-style.
 
===Armour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassGroup.jpg|title=Film: The Last Legion|align=right|width=300}}
Scale is the ideal armour, ideally in a bright golden colour. Chain in the “jannissary” style, particularly the chain helmets, is also great. Small pieces of plate or breastplates are also good especially if ornate and inlaid. Leather armour is common, either magnificently tooled or used  
to hold pieces of metal armour in place.  
 
Armour, whether metal or leather, should have embellished edges and rich decoration, with calligraphy and ornate designs.
 
===Shields===
Round (ideally domed) metal shields, highly decorated if possible.
 
===Weapons===
Scimitars are less common than straight swords and axes. The Bhuj, a large heavy single-bladed spear, is the ideal pole-arm. The best quality weapons are intricately etched and engraved.
 
==Feel==
Free, flowing, headstrong, sumptuous, practical, exuberant, hedonistic, colourful, rich, joyful
 
==Things to Avoid==
* Shemagh, keffiyeh (patterned ‘tea towel’ worn on head) and agal.
* Fez and bandanna.
* All “high” turbans such as the classic Islamic or Sikh turban.
* Everything defined as “sartorial hijab” by wikipedia - burqa, niqab, etc.
 
==Icons and important Images==
Flames - stylised flames are often found on banners and flags and Freeborn art often includes a fire or flame in the image.


<big>'''Materials</big><br>
Lightweight fabrics such as voiles and chiffons, either silk or synthetic. Also silks, brocades and other rich fabrics. Leather is considered unappealing for most clothing, it is a heavy material mainly reserved for boots and armour. Gold is prized over silver when available. When working in colder climes, such as at sea, a warmer layer of fleece or wool is worn as a base layer.
Gold, bronze and brass are much-prized, as are carved wooden objects (which are often imported, given the lack of wood on the Coast).
Gold, bronze and brass are much-prized, as are carved wooden objects (which are often imported, given the lack of wood on the Coast).


This love of the ornate extends to their writing as well; Freeborn prize artful calligraphy and ornate seals. A beautifully presented children’s book is treasured more than a dry treatise on magic or history, no matter how useful he latter might be. Given that many families keep their most lucrative or successful contracts as trophies of their economic acumen, a contract may be a literal work of art, presented with the same pride that members of another nation might present a coat of arms or family tree.
<big>'''Weapons</big><br>
 
Scimitars are less common than straight swords and axes which are the preferred weapons. The bhuj, a large heavy single-bladed spear, is the ideal polearm. The best quality weapons are intricately etched and engraved with complex designs. The [[hakima]] often have their rods, wands and staves made of finely carved wood. These featuring flame designs and are topped with red, orange or gold crystals.
== Images ==
===Freeborn costume===
The Freeborn believe that fire is an essential part of the human soul. Their clothing reflects their souls, a mix of bright yellow, orange and reds,
hung in layers.
 
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume1.jpg}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume2.jpg}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume3.jpg}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCostume4.jpg}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
 
===Jewellery and VeIls===
Jewellery should frame the face or hands to draw attention to them. Veils are fashionable for men and women who wish to appear mysterious and  
alluring.  
 
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassJewels.jpg}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassVeil1.jpg}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassVeil2.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
 
===Armour===
Golden scale is the ideal armour, worn like mail or else secured with leather.


<row-fluid>
==Clothing==
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour.jpg|title=Film: Kingdom of Heaven}}</span4>
Veils, scarves, head-wraps, pantaloons, loose shirts and kaftans, are all part of Freeborn garb. Clothing is usually worn loose with layers of draped material slashed through to show a wealth of colour, and secured with sashes rather than belts. Outfits will often be decorated with shiny jewellery, bells, coins showing wealth in the glint of metal in the sun and the sound of metal as the wearer moves. Scabbards or pouches tend to hang at the waist by a silk cord that goes over the shoulder. Many Freeborn favour sandals as footwear, lacing up over the foot or higher up the leg, but slipper shoes are also common. Leather boots to mid-calf or the knee are favoured particularly on the battlefield.
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour2.jpg}}</span4>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
</row-fluid>
Safya.jpg
<row-fluid>
Fancy Freeborn.png
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour3.jpg|title=Film: The Last Legion}}</span8>
Striding Freeborn.jpg
</row-fluid>
Fine Red Headscarf.jpg
Sitting Freeborn.jpg
War Scout Tirsa in MC.jpg
Freeborn Cambion.jpg
Metal and Cloth.jpg
Freeborn with Layers.jpg
Seated Freeborn.jpg
</gallery>


Mail worn in the “jannissary” style and armour reinforced with ornate metal or leather plates are both good.
===Headscarves===
The ideal headgear is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagelmust tagelmust] (preferably in bright red, orange or yellow rather than blue).
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Disappointed Sutannir.jpg
Dhomiro.jpg
CorsairZanterr.jpg
Raul.jpg
</gallery>


<row-fluid>
===Corsairs===
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour4.jpg|title=Film: Prince of Persia}}</span4>
[[Corsair|Corsairs]] epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Javelins and bows are common but the Catazarri crossbow is also used. Many are lightly armoured decorated with flaming reds and oranges, but the boldest show off their success with ornately gilded plate. They may dress more simply than other Freeborn in trousers and tunic using Bright colours and patterned fabrics, but their flair for wealth tends to show through with jewellery worn at wrist and neck.
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour6.jpg}}</span4>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
</row-fluid>
Posing Corsair.jpg
<row-fluid>
KrakenfireCorsair.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour5.jpg}}</span4>
Corsairs Planning.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArmour7.jpg}}</span4>
Aiming Corsair.jpg
</row-fluid>
Cambion_Corsair_Chic.jpg
</gallery>


===Weapons and Shields===
===Kohan===
Scimitars are not common, most Freeborn prefer an axe or straight sword. Weapons should ideally be inlaid and decorated with complex designs. The Indian “bhuj” is the favoured pole-arm.
As with any Freeborn, [[kohan]] usually dress as extravagantly as possible. What really sets them apart from other Brass Coast warriors however is their use of facepaint. Vivid colours are used, often in threatening designs, the better to unnerve their enemies. There is a wide variety of designs across the faces of the Coast, some kohan groups keeping their masks of war the same over decades of battle with others changing it day by day as their feelings take them.  


The perfect Freeborn shield is a domed, round shield that is intricately decorated in gold.
A kohan band may cultivate a uniform look to their [[costume]] - generally through the use of colour. A given band is likely to pick one or two shades and encourage its members to wear clothing in these colours, leaving it up to the individual to determine the exact cut and style.


<row-fluid>
Some kohan take valuable trinkets from particularly impressive fallen enemies, generally pieces of jewelry. The more striking these items are, the more opportunities they give to tell stories about how they were acquired. .
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms1.jpg}}</span4>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms2.jpg}}</span4>
Posing Kohan.jpg
</row-fluid>
Readied Kohan.jpg
<row-fluid>
Cambion Kohan.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms3.jpg}}</span4>
Glaring Kohan.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms4.jpg}}</span4>
Fierce Kohan.jpg
</row-fluid>
Tempting Kohan.jpg
<row-fluid>
</gallery>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms5.jpg}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms6.jpg}}</span4>
</row-fluid>


===CorsaIrs===
===Jewellery and Decoration===
[[Corsairs]] epitomize Freeborn daring and adventure. Javelins and bows are common but the Catazarri crossbow is also used. Many are lightly armoured, but the most bold show off their success with ornately gilded plate.
Jewellery is commonly used either as part of the clothes themselves or to frame the face or hands to draw attention to them. Veils are fashionable for those who wish to appear mysterious and alluring. Those who go tattooed tend to favour intricate henna-style designs.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
BrassCoastBlingHat.jpg
BrassCoastVeil.jpg
Bejewelled Freeborn.jpg
Sharazhad.jpg
Bejeweled Changeling.jpg
</gallery>


<row-fluid>
===Children===
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCorsair1.jpg}}</span3>
<span5>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCorsair2.jpg}}</span5>
</row-fluid>
 
===ChIldren===
Children are an opportunity for parents to show off their wealth, dressing their offspring in traditional Freeborn styles.
Children are an opportunity for parents to show off their wealth, dressing their offspring in traditional Freeborn styles.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Family Freeborn.jpg
Headstrong Freeborn and parent.png
FreebornToddler.jpg
</gallery>


<row-fluid>
==Armour==
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassChildren.jpg}}</span8>
===Scale===
</row-fluid>
Scale is the armour many Freeborn aspire to, ideally in a bright golden colour, worn like mail or else secured with leather. Where mail is worn, it is usually likewise a bright golden colour, or worn under or over a brightly coloured tunic.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
FreebornScale.jpg
Brass Coast Scale.jpg
Golden Scales.jpg
Burnished Scales.jpg
Scaled and Plated Freeborn.jpg
GeneralElias.jpg
</gallery>


===Sutannir===
===Mail===
[[Sutannir]] often paint their faces and skin with designs inspired by flames and themes of fire.
Mail in the janissary style, particularly the chain helmets, is also commonly seen. Small pieces of plate or breastplates are popular especially if ornate and inlaid. Armour, whether metal or leather, usually has embellished edges and rich decoration, with calligraphy and ornate designs.  
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Freeborn chain.jpg
Delora8162.jpg
Chilly Orange Freeborn.jpg
Freeborn Archers.jpg
FreebornHelmet.jpg
FreebornHelmets.jpg
</gallery>


<row-fluid>
===Shields===
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassSutannir1.jpg|title=Film: Witchville}}</span4>
The Freeborn favour round (ideally domed) metal shields, highly decorated if possible. Gold inlay and engraving are both particularly popular.  
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassSutannir2.jpg}}</span4>
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
</row-fluid>
Triple Comet Shield.jpg
 
Double Fancy Shield.jpg
==Things to avoId - DO NOT USE THESE==
FreebornShieldwall.jpg
In defining the Freeborn look we have actively chosen to exclude some elements. Please
Peacock Shield.jpg
do not use any of the images or looks given here:
Kohan.jpg
 
Freeborn Shield.jpg
===Shemagh and agal - DO NOT USE THESE===
FreebornAxeAndBuckler.jpg
The shemagh and agal is a traditional arab headdress. It is explicitly excluded from the Freeborn look, please do not use it.
</gallery>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoShemagh.jpg}}</span6>
</row-fluid>
 
===Turbans - DO NOT USE THESE===
Turbans,  head dressing where the material is piled up and bound on the head are not part of the Freeborn look. The turbans below range from fail to epic fail.


<row-fluid>
===Mage Armour===
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban1.jpg}}</span3>
Freeborn battlemages favour [[Weapons_%26_armour#Mage_Armour|mage armour]] that elicits the same themes as other armour; scales, brightly dyed leathers, and other materials in rich colours.
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban2.jpg}}</span3>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoTurban3.jpg}}</span3>
FreebornMageArmour.jpg
</row-fluid>
Proud Colours.jpg
Red Gold Mage Armour.jpg
</gallery>


Also avoid the fez and bandannas. Look on Google Images for the “tagelmust” (ideally in yellow, orange or red) to get the right look for a head covering.
==Camp==
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
FreebornCamp.jpg
FreebornShelter.jpg
FreebornScrivener.jpg
</gallery>


===Sartorial Hijab - DO NOT USE THESE===
==Less Appropriate==
Freeborn costume is designed to show off the wearer, male or female, and make them look wealthy and exciting. It is
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]].
not particularly revealing but it is not intended to cover the body so that it cannot be seen. Therefore almost all sartorial hijab is wrong. Avoid abaya, burqa, chador, niqab, and similar looks.
<p>
In defining the ideal look and feel for the Brass Coast we have chosen not to include some images. Some items were omitted so that the overall range of images avoids becoming too broad - we want each nation to look distinctive. Sometimes items were left out because the real world significance of them is so strong that it would impact the game, we want to avoid players confusing these nations with real world cultures. And some items are not part of the ideal because they come from a different historical period or are more modern in feel. It is common to see costume inspired by a range of historical periods but we wanted to be clear on what the ideal was.  


<row-fluid>
We've listed some of the items we chose not to include in the look and feel below along with a short explanation of why they are not perfect for the Brass Coast. It is okay to use these items as part of your kit, creating a costume is always a compromise as time and money are limited. What we want to do is be clear on the suggestions we are making, so that players who are looking to create new kit or add to their existing kit can be confident about what will look great for the nation.
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab1.jpg}}</span4>
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoShemagh.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab2.jpg}}</span4>
===Shemagh===
</row-fluid>
Some of the costume inspiration for the Brass Coast comes from cultures with strong Arabic influences, but the main focus was Moorish Spain and North Africa. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keffiyeh shemagh or keffiyeh], the traditional headscarf that is white or patterned is more typical of the Middle East and more importantly it often looks very modern. We recommend the tagelmust as the ideal head covering for the Brass Coast.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab1.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Sartorial Hijab===
There is no distinction between Freeborn of any gender. The traditional social attitudes towards modesty and women in Islamic societies are nothing to do with the Brass Coast emphasis on freedom and individuality. Because of this, and the strong real world associations, we chose to exclude most elements of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sartorial_hijab sartorial hijab] from the look and feel for the nation.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bellydancer.jpg|align=right|width=150}}


[[Category:The Brass Coast]]
===Belly dancing costumes===
[[Category:Nations]]
Although there are no particular modesty taboos, dancers tend to be far more interested in showing off how they can make fabrics flare and move than displaying their own flesh. Wild passionate dancing is a common Freeborn pursuit for people of any gender, but the perfect Freeborn costume features long flowing colourful garments. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xlJMavnO-g Roxanne's dance] from the movie Alexander is a great inspiration for Freeborn dancing and costume.
{{Brass Coast Links}}

Latest revision as of 10:56, 31 May 2024

Flowing fiery colours.

Overview

Free, flowing, headstrong, sumptuous, practical, exuberant, hedonistic, colourful, rich, joyful.
The Freeborn look is one of bright colours, silks, jewels, and sumptuousness. They admire ornate or bejewelled items. To the Freeborn, a brilliant craftsman is one who can make something elegant as well as sturdy. Their weapons and armour are often engraved or adorned, but they are not fatuous and do not compromise utility for the sake of appearance. Jewellery is very common with the best pieces, like necklaces, crowns or tiaras, designed to frame the wearer's hands or face.

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

Also see The Brass Coast costumes.

Breakdown

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

Colours
The Freeborn value bright, vibrant colours, especially the colours of flames: strong bright yellows, brilliant oranges and every conceivable shade of red as well as gold and silver. Peacock blue, Magenta and Turquoise often appear for contrast. Expensive clothing is made in brightly coloured layers to convey the impression of the fire within.

Brass coast colours.png

Black is considered severe and used for shrouds to wrap the dead. White is the colour of the poor, those too impoverished to afford exotic dyes.

Materials
Lightweight fabrics such as voiles and chiffons, either silk or synthetic. Also silks, brocades and other rich fabrics. Leather is considered unappealing for most clothing, it is a heavy material mainly reserved for boots and armour. Gold is prized over silver when available. When working in colder climes, such as at sea, a warmer layer of fleece or wool is worn as a base layer. Gold, bronze and brass are much-prized, as are carved wooden objects (which are often imported, given the lack of wood on the Coast).

Weapons
Scimitars are less common than straight swords and axes which are the preferred weapons. The bhuj, a large heavy single-bladed spear, is the ideal polearm. The best quality weapons are intricately etched and engraved with complex designs. The hakima often have their rods, wands and staves made of finely carved wood. These featuring flame designs and are topped with red, orange or gold crystals.

Clothing

Veils, scarves, head-wraps, pantaloons, loose shirts and kaftans, are all part of Freeborn garb. Clothing is usually worn loose with layers of draped material slashed through to show a wealth of colour, and secured with sashes rather than belts. Outfits will often be decorated with shiny jewellery, bells, coins showing wealth in the glint of metal in the sun and the sound of metal as the wearer moves. Scabbards or pouches tend to hang at the waist by a silk cord that goes over the shoulder. Many Freeborn favour sandals as footwear, lacing up over the foot or higher up the leg, but slipper shoes are also common. Leather boots to mid-calf or the knee are favoured particularly on the battlefield.

Headscarves

The ideal headgear is the tagelmust (preferably in bright red, orange or yellow rather than blue).

Corsairs

Corsairs epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Javelins and bows are common but the Catazarri crossbow is also used. Many are lightly armoured decorated with flaming reds and oranges, but the boldest show off their success with ornately gilded plate. They may dress more simply than other Freeborn in trousers and tunic using Bright colours and patterned fabrics, but their flair for wealth tends to show through with jewellery worn at wrist and neck.

Kohan

As with any Freeborn, kohan usually dress as extravagantly as possible. What really sets them apart from other Brass Coast warriors however is their use of facepaint. Vivid colours are used, often in threatening designs, the better to unnerve their enemies. There is a wide variety of designs across the faces of the Coast, some kohan groups keeping their masks of war the same over decades of battle with others changing it day by day as their feelings take them.

A kohan band may cultivate a uniform look to their costume - generally through the use of colour. A given band is likely to pick one or two shades and encourage its members to wear clothing in these colours, leaving it up to the individual to determine the exact cut and style.

Some kohan take valuable trinkets from particularly impressive fallen enemies, generally pieces of jewelry. The more striking these items are, the more opportunities they give to tell stories about how they were acquired. .

Jewellery and Decoration

Jewellery is commonly used either as part of the clothes themselves or to frame the face or hands to draw attention to them. Veils are fashionable for those who wish to appear mysterious and alluring. Those who go tattooed tend to favour intricate henna-style designs.

Children

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

Armour

Scale

Scale is the armour many Freeborn aspire to, ideally in a bright golden colour, worn like mail or else secured with leather. Where mail is worn, it is usually likewise a bright golden colour, or worn under or over a brightly coloured tunic.

Mail

Mail in the janissary style, particularly the chain helmets, is also commonly seen. Small pieces of plate or breastplates are popular especially if ornate and inlaid. Armour, whether metal or leather, usually has embellished edges and rich decoration, with calligraphy and ornate designs.

Shields

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

Mage Armour

Freeborn battlemages favour mage armour that elicits the same themes as other armour; scales, brightly dyed leathers, and other materials in rich colours.

Camp

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 general costume rules for further guidelines, including those for inappropriate costume.

In defining the ideal look and feel for the Brass Coast we have chosen not to include some images. Some items were omitted so that the overall range of images avoids becoming too broad - we want each nation to look distinctive. Sometimes items were left out because the real world significance of them is so strong that it would impact the game, we want to avoid players confusing these nations with real world cultures. And some items are not part of the ideal because they come from a different historical period or are more modern in feel. It is common to see costume inspired by a range of historical periods but we wanted to be clear on what the ideal was. We've listed some of the items we chose not to include in the look and feel below along with a short explanation of why they are not perfect for the Brass Coast. It is okay to use these items as part of your kit, creating a costume is always a compromise as time and money are limited. What we want to do is be clear on the suggestions we are making, so that players who are looking to create new kit or add to their existing kit can be confident about what will look great for the nation.

BrassNoShemagh.jpg

Shemagh

Some of the costume inspiration for the Brass Coast comes from cultures with strong Arabic influences, but the main focus was Moorish Spain and North Africa. The shemagh or keffiyeh, the traditional headscarf that is white or patterned is more typical of the Middle East and more importantly it often looks very modern. We recommend the tagelmust as the ideal head covering for the Brass Coast.

BrassNoHijab1.jpg

Sartorial Hijab

There is no distinction between Freeborn of any gender. The traditional social attitudes towards modesty and women in Islamic societies are nothing to do with the Brass Coast emphasis on freedom and individuality. Because of this, and the strong real world associations, we chose to exclude most elements of sartorial hijab from the look and feel for the nation.

Bellydancer.jpg

Belly dancing costumes

Although there are no particular modesty taboos, dancers tend to be far more interested in showing off how they can make fabrics flare and move than displaying their own flesh. Wild passionate dancing is a common Freeborn pursuit for people of any gender, but the perfect Freeborn costume features long flowing colourful garments. Roxanne's dance from the movie Alexander is a great inspiration for Freeborn dancing and costume.

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information