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{{CaptionedImage|file=CrimsonSeguran.jpg|title=Flowing fiery colours.|width=300|align=left}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=CrimsonSeguran.jpg|title=Flowing fiery colours.|width=300|align=left}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
'''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 [[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.


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''Also see [[The Brass Coast costumes]].''
''Also see [[The Brass Coast costumes]].''


===Feel===
==Breakdown==
Free, flowing, headstrong, sumptuous, practical, exuberant, hedonistic, colourful, rich, joyful.
<big>'''Influences</big><br>
 
===Influences===
The traditional looks of Moorish Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia.
The traditional looks of Moorish Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia.


===Colours===
<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.  
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.  
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass_coast_colours.png|width=|align=none}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass_coast_colours.png|width=|align=none}}
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.
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===
<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.
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).
<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.


==Clothing==
==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
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.
<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Freeborn Cambion.jpg|title=Loose draped layers in bright colours.|width=250}}
Safya.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Metal and Cloth.jpg|title=Rich fabrics are common in the Brass Coast.|width=250}}
Fancy Freeborn.png
</row-fluid>
Striding Freeborn.jpg
<row-fluid>
Fine Red Headscarf.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Safya.jpg|width=225}}
Sitting Freeborn.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Seated Freeborn.jpg|width=225}}
War Scout Tirsa in MC.jpg
</row-fluid>
Freeborn Cambion.jpg
<row-fluid>
Metal and Cloth.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass-Coast-3254.jpg|width=225|caption=Costume and headdress by [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moot-Point/255667077892385 Moot Point Design]}}
Freeborn with Layers.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass-Coast-3397.jpg|caption=Blue over-robe by [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moot-Point/255667077892385 Moot Point Design]<br/>|width=225}}
Seated Freeborn.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass-Coast-3270.jpg|width=200|caption=Left: Robe by [http://costumemercenary.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/empire-rich-colours-of-brass-coast.html Costume Mercenary]<br/>Right: Costume by [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moot-Point/255667077892385 Moot Point Design]<br/>Front: Sword by [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irregular-Props/328388753859110 Irregular Props]}}
</gallery>
</row-fluid>
 
===Shoes===
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.
<row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass_coast_slippers.jpg|width=150|align=left}}
</row-fluid>


===Headscarves===
===Headscarves===
The ideal headgear is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagelmust tagelmust] (preferably in bright red, orange or yellow rather than blue).  
The ideal headgear is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagelmust tagelmust] (preferably in bright red, orange or yellow rather than blue).  
<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornDancer.jpg|title=White is often avoided by the Freeborn due to its association with poverty, but the rich colours and fine decoration on the outer dress leaves no doubt as to the prosperity of this sutannir.|align=left|width=275}}
Disappointed Sutannir.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dhomiro.jpg|align=left|width=250}}
Dhomiro.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Raul.jpg|align=left|width=250}}
CorsairZanterr.jpg
</row-fluid>
Raul.jpg
<row-fluid>
</gallery>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CorsairZanterr.jpg|title=A Freeborn tagelmust - a dyed cotton garment with the appearance of both a veil and a turban.|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Headscarf.jpg|width=400}}
</row-fluid>
 
===Children===
Children are an opportunity for parents to show off their wealth, dressing their offspring in traditional Freeborn styles.
 
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassChildren.jpg|width=300}} {{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornToddler.jpg|width=300}}</span8>
</row-fluid>


===Corsairs===
===Corsairs===
[[Corsair|Corsairs]] epitomise Freeborn daring and adventure. Javelins and bows are common but the Catazarri crossbow is also used. Many are lightly armoured, but the boldest show off their success with ornately gilded plate. They may dress more simply than other Freeborn in trousers and tunic, but their flair for wealth tends to show through with jewellery worn at wrist and neck.
[[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.
 
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<row-fluid>
Posing Corsair.jpg
<span12>{{CaptionedImage|file=KrakenfireCorsair.jpg|title=Bright colours and patterned fabrics; the simpler clothing is accentuated with light armour decorated with flaming reds and oranges. The tagelmust and sash complete the ensemble.|width=300}}
KrakenfireCorsair.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cambion_Corsair_Chic.jpg|caption=Shield, horns, armour, and tunic all by [https://www.facebook.com/Jackerdemalion/ Jackerdemalion]|width=415}}
Corsairs Planning.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCorsair2.jpg|width=415|caption=Image from [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1506458/ Witchville]}}</span12>
Aiming Corsair.jpg
 
Cambion_Corsair_Chic.jpg
</row-fluid>
</gallery>


===Kohan===
===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.


Whilst some may feel that with their separated identity and the history of being disowned from their families [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns|Kohan]] would be more muted in their colours and overall costume - the opposite is in fact true.
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.
With their unique attitude to each day being lived like their last as tomorrow they may die, the Kohan have more of an affinity for going above and beyond when it comes to appearance, favouring more extravagant looks to strike fear into their enemies, so much so that even in the Brass Coast a member of the Kohan should be able to be told apart from others by the exuberance of their clothes.
On top of this, they are known for displaying grotesque warpaint in battle, adding a little more distinction to their overall look.


==Icons and Artistry==
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. .
Stylised flames are often found on banners and flags and Freeborn art often includes a fire or flame in the image.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
The Freeborn 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 the 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.
Posing Kohan.jpg
Readied Kohan.jpg
Cambion Kohan.jpg
Glaring Kohan.jpg
Fierce Kohan.jpg
Tempting Kohan.jpg
</gallery>


===Jewellery and Decoration===
===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 men and women who wish to appear mysterious and alluring. Those who go tattooed tend to favour intricate henna-style designs.
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===
<span12>
Children are an opportunity for parents to show off their wealth, dressing their offspring in traditional Freeborn styles.
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCoastBlingHat.jpg|align=left|width=250}}
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sharazhad.jpg |align=left|width=250}}
Family Freeborn.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornJewels.jpg |align=left|width=250}}
Headstrong Freeborn and parent.png
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCoastVeil.jpg|align=left|width=250|}}</span12>
FreebornToddler.jpg
</row-fluid>
</gallery>


===Camp===
==Armour==
<row-fluid>
===Scale===
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornCamp.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
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.
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornShelter.jpg |align=left|width=335}}
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornScrivener.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
FreebornScale.jpg
</row-fluid>
Brass Coast Scale.jpg
<row-fluid>
Golden Scales.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Estana.jpg|width=250}}
Burnished Scales.jpg
</row-fluid>
Scaled and Plated Freeborn.jpg
GeneralElias.jpg
</gallery>


==Arms and Armour==
===Mail===
===Armour===
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.
<row-fluid>
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornScale.jpg|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GeneralElias.jpg|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornWarrior.jpg|align=left|width=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Brass Coast Scale.jpg|align=left|width=400}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>
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.  
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.  
<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<span12>{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornHelmet.jpg|align=left|width=200}}
Freeborn chain.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornHelmets.jpg|align=left|width=350}}
Delora8162.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornGeneral.jpg|align=left|width=200}}
Chilly Orange Freeborn.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Burnished Scales.jpg|align=left|width=400}}
Freeborn Archers.jpg
</span12>
FreebornHelmet.jpg
</row-fluid>
FreebornHelmets.jpg
 
</gallery>
===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.
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornBhuj.jpg|width=200}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornAxeAndBuckler.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassArms4.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>


===Shields===
===Shields===
The Freeborn favour round (ideally domed) metal shields, highly decorated if possible. Gold inlay and engraving are both particularly popular.  
The Freeborn favour round (ideally domed) metal shields, highly decorated if possible. Gold inlay and engraving are both particularly popular.  
<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
<span12>
Triple Comet Shield.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornShield.jpg|width=350|align=left}}
Double Fancy Shield.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornShieldwall.jpg|width=350|align=left}}
FreebornShieldwall.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kohan.jpg|width=350|align=left}}</span12>
Peacock Shield.jpg
</row-fluid>
Kohan.jpg
<row-fluid>
Freeborn Shield.jpg
<span12>
FreebornAxeAndBuckler.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=Freeborn Shield.jpg|caption=Shield and scabbard by [https://www.facebook.com/Jackerdemalion/ Jackerdemalion]|width=350|align=left}}
</gallery>
</row-fluid>
 
===Mage Armour===
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.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
FreebornMageArmour.jpg
Proud Colours.jpg
Red Gold Mage Armour.jpg
</gallery>


===Mage Implements and Armour===
==Camp==
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.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<row-fluid>
FreebornCamp.jpg
<span12>
FreebornShelter.jpg
{{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornStaff.jpg|width=250|align=left}} {{CaptionedImage|file=FreebornMageArmour.jpg|width=250|align=left}} {{CaptionedImage|file=Freeborn Battlemage.jpg|width=560|align=left}}</span12>
FreebornScrivener.jpg
</row-fluid>
</gallery>


==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>
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.  
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.  


Line 161: Line 152:
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab1.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassNoHijab1.jpg|align=left|width=150}}
===Sartorial Hijab===
===Sartorial Hijab===
The only distinction between Freeborn men and women is that the Freeborn trace their familial lines via their mothers. 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.
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}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Bellydancer.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
===Belly dancing costumes===
===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 men and women, but the perfect Freeborn costume features long flowing colourful garments. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eO_g0Rrx_w Roxanne's dance] from the movie Alexander is a great inspiration for Freeborn dancing and costume.
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}}
[[Category:The Brass Coast]]
[[Category:Nations]]

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.

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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.

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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