Phyriai cerimonial vests {Era of War-Era of Heroes}
Phyriai vestments seldom varied in their meaning and significance throughout since the Era of Magic and the establishment of the Phyriai Confederate Primazii, known in Old Phyrr as "Tumaranis Primazii" (Together-made Primazii), but their traditional presentation suffered great variation with the coming of the Era of War.
Throughout this long-winded period that lasted millennia, the world experienced severe changes to its structure, reminiscent from the times of the Era of Primordial Wrath, where Strakeln battled Heriv Medai's armies and the dark lord himself throughout continent-wide conflicts. The secession within Strakeln that birthed the Era of War brought, among many other things, a deep climatic upheaval, changing the climate in entire nations and subverting biomes as it waged on. The Phyriai were, themselves, neighbouring denizens to Strakeln's mainland, and therefore experience many changes to their way of life as a consequence, though true conflict never reached their oblivious existence. In this period, the Emerthiani Catastrophe occurs, making it so the prospects of colonizing the southernmost provinces of the Phyriai lands were changed towards properly transferring the imperial administration to the continent, which, alongside it, brought the full force of Emerthiani imposition, as well as their direct influence in local affairs throughout the centuries of slow expansion north. Before and throughout this, the Strakelnian civil war caused a massive interference to the notably more temperate, if not tundra-like climate the region was accustomed to, pushing the cold of the semi-permanent winter to the north, where Icenhold remains as the last remaining capital existing within its original environment. This, in tandem, brought with it two main influencing factors to the Phyriai's wardrobe:
1 - The warmer climate brought with it a prevalence for robes of a lighter complexion, as well as features that prominently favoured an exposure to the now far more present sun and the
The Eastern Light's incidence over the land.
2 - The increased trade with foreign lands via the seafaring routes established by the Emerthiani empire allowed for the entrance of previously unknown goods and materials, as well as new animal species that provided the raw products for new types and styles of vestment.
Those factors led to a revolution in culture on a continental level, evoking a dissidence among the Phyriai elites with the creation of two conflicting clothing etiquettes. The first regards a more purist, traditionalist approach, in an attempt to evoke a return to grace and to what was perceived as representative of true Phyriai culture. The second regards a more open, syncretic and cosmopolitan disposition, integrating several aspects of foreign styles and materials.
The traditionalist style consisted of studded vests that crossed the chest diagonally, meeting on the waist side by an encrusted belt, usually bearing the family's sigil embroidered with gemstones. The lower part consisted of one leg being fully covered, akin to half a pair of pants, whilst the other would either be enveloped in loose thin-layered fabrics or diagonally crossed by a heftier skirt surrounding both legs, depending on the local climate. The most important families had specific gemstones associated with their name, and their vassals followed suit. The shoulders brought padded epaulettes, descending into 7 to 9 chains, as low as the elbow, depending on social standing and hierarchy. Sandals were customary within ceremonial events indoors, but metal-laced boots were worn on the outdoors, as a sign of militarism and warrior tradition. Hats weren't the norm, though many added to their style personal touches and additions, such as beanies, conic hats, diadems and crowns. The arms were left nude, with optional additions in the form of discreet rings and other apparel. The traditionalist style used by the nobility of the northernmost families and Primazii came to be popularly called "Jigglers", by the populace, though its official nomenclature among aristocrats was "Perseverant". The nickname was due to the style relying heavily on numerous small metal fittings and jewels, causing a constant rumbling when one walked around in those clothes, and a commotion arose in a ceremonial ball hosted by the Khorlovi in 897 EOW, in celebration of the family's anniversary, as a guest of honour addressed the other guests as "My dear jigglers and your wonderful families".
The cosmopolitan style revolved around overlapping robes of different colours, usually tied with two belts, one over the chest and another around the waist. The robes part over the legs in four segments, allowing for freedom of movement, specially with the new addition of dancing styles brought by the Emerthiani empire, creating a greater need for mobility in events and ceremonies. The robes were draped and decorated with colourful feathers from exotic birds and rhinestones around the elbows and back, drawing patterns that hide under the feather until the wearer spins or jumps whilst dancing, revealing the family's sigil and other decorations. Comfortable shoes were stitched with thin wooden sheets in specific parts and edges, allowing the wearer to tip-tap in many intonations and rhythms. Pants or skirts were available, depending on the wearer's preference, usually divided in between colour patterns representing the family's heraldry, and runes that represented or quote important concepts and ideas which were deemed as a core belief to the individual. Heonlaf Piovesan is seen wearing such robes, as well as parts of this style integrated to his battle armour, in the books "The Fall of The Mighty", "Dormant Flames" and "The View of the Edge". This style would usually be called either "Traitor's colours" or "Flutters", depending on one's stance on Emerthiani cultural imposition, though the aristocrats would usually address it as "Flaunted friendship", for its performative nature in declaring one's belief in there being a good side to this cultural trade.
Significance
These styles represented the grandiose display of ideological infighting within the Phyriai elites throughout this Era and their reactions to the ever-growing cultural influence from the wealthy, thought decadent, Emerthiani empire.
Item type
Clothing / Accessory
Current Location
Rarity
The traditionalist style is now mostly seen in Icenhold and some surrounding settlements, having been abandoned in overall terms and associated with outdated stubbornness against change. The Primazii of Icenhold retain this style, for their vestments preceded the Emerthiani arrival, and represent to the family an ancient origin in the land. It was their traditional wear that served as original inspiration for the traditionalist movement in the Era of War and the early Era of Heroes. Acquiring wardrobe pieces akin to these would require a long journey to the northern provinces, and a moderately time-consuming search, for it is a very niche style even within the court.
The cosmopolitan style over time lost ground to waves of diverse and unique styles and regional preferences, leading to its slow fading alongside the traditionalist style. Some noble families retain this style for its cultural significance in the approximation of Phyriai and Emerthiani culture, with special mention to Heonlaf, the only Primaz in the king's council who continues to display such apparel. Pieces can still be found throughout the central provinces being sold at moderate prices, usually being worn by the middle class on varied festivities as a costume, along other old-fashioned styles that became customary to public events. The quality of these "costumes" is much lower than a real one, being, therefore, much cheaper as well.
Weight
3-12kg depending on the composition
Dimensions
Whole body
Base Price
Upwards of 25 golden ribalts for a simple set.
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