Coir

Coir fabric is formed from the fibres of coconut husks. The fabric is similar to stiff sackcloth - not pleasant to wear. In the Dragonborn Empire, it is only worn by priests, when they are involved with contact with the dead.

Properties

Geology & Geography

The coconuts that coir is made from are only really available in the southern reaches of the Dragonborn Empire and the south-east corner of the Extended Dominion. Only in the Dragonborn Empire are the coconuts processed for clothing.

Life & Expiration

For a priest in a small village who may only need to use his coir cloak a few times a year, it is likely that it will last his whole career. In the cities there are often priests who specialise in the duties of death - they need to have a new coir cloak each year.

History & Usage

History

It was in AB 432 that a priestess of Fennar in Orladica decided it would benefit the priests in her charge if they had a ritual way to separate their work with the dead from other parts of their life. She consulted with a talented tailor, asking for a garment that would be undesirable in any other circumstance. He considered, then sought out a fibre that would not be too difficult to work, but would result in something mildly unpleasant to wear. After much experimentation, they settled on coir. The priestess had a cloak made for each of the priests in her temple. Each time a priest must deal with a dead body, he or she first dons the coir cloak. While wearing it, they are expected to serve without emotional expression. Once the contact with the body is finished, they remove the cloak and are free to return to normal expression.

Cultural Significance and Usage

The coir cloak gives off a subtle smell like coconut. The smell is often enhanced by using coconut oil on the garment itself, to help mask any smells emanating from the bodies the priest must work with. Because of this coconuts have connotations of death for the Dragonborn. In one legend, a corrupt official finds a coconut placed on his desk, warning of his imminent assassination.

Type

Textile