Clothing is more than a character's aestetic choices. The ways a character dresses fulfils different practical and social funcitons. Dress and attire are the primary ways that people can identify which social strata others belong to. As such, clothing makes a significant difference in social encounters. Talking to a noble in dirty rags will incur a penalty to social checks, while purchasing goods and services will be cheaper when one dresses as a merchant. In addition, clothing has other practical effects that can aid traveling, or make it easier to hide.
Clothing categories
Clothing is divided into five distict categories that inform the practical and social functions. Clothing styles can vary immensely between cultures, so clothing in the same category can look quite different depending on which culture the character is from.
Commoner's Clothing
These clothes are worn by the common folk. Often these garments are home made, continuously pached and worn for a long time, causing them to look weathered. This does not necessarily mean commoner's clothing needs to look drab and boring. While some cultures might prefer a modest look, others will take great care to offer large variety in colours, paterns and accessories even for those not well off. Wearing commoner's clothing makes it harder for a character to stand out from the masses, which is disadventagous many social interactions, but being inconspicuous is not always a bad thing.
Practical Function
You have advantage on Stealth checks to remain unseen in crowds of people.
Social Function
You have disadvantage on social checks against characters from the Upper strata.
Merchant's Clothing
These clothes are worn by merchants and well off commonfolk. Such people take great care in their attire, as their outward aestetic reflects the wealth and respectability of their trade. Though the definition of respectable attire differs greatly between cultures, such clothes are always sharply tailored, well fitted, and kept clean of the dirt, grease, and general wear and tear that commoner's clothes are subjected to. These attires are well suited for conducting business and making purchases.
Practical Function
You have advantage on Business checks to purchase goods and services from other merchants.
Social Function
You can mingle with every social strata equally well.
Fine Clothing
These clothes are worn by the rich and affluent. Often made from the most luxurious materials available. These attires vary wildly between cultures, but are often deliberately overcomplicated to signal oppulence, and not well suited to physical labour. The primary function of these clothes is to exude wealth and power. Such outfits are excelent for diplomacy with the upper strata, or ordering the lower strata around, but will hinder the user's ability to stay inconspicuous.
Practical Function
You have advantage on Performance (etiquette) checks to mingle with the Upper strata.
Social Function
You have advantage on social checks against characters from the Lower and Middle strata, but doing so will draw attention to you.
Traveler's Clothing
These clothes are pirmarily worn by Wylders, and other people who spend much of their time on the road, or in the Wylderness. These clothes are made to be resistant against the elements, and are entirely practical. Often made from sturdy leather, hide, and other durable materials. Such attire is best suited for long distance travel, and helps the wearer to survive in the Wylde.
Practical Function
You have advantage on saving throws and ability checks to resist the negative effects of weather, the elements and travel.
Social Function
You have disadvantage on social checks against characters from the Upper strata.
Burglar's Clothing
These clothes are worn by criminals, assasins, and those who wish to remain unseen. Dark colours and patterns that break up the wearer's silhouette are optimised for stealth in low light conditions. However, it is much harder to remain inconspicuous when you look like a thief, and other people are less likely to trust you.
Practical Function
You have advantage on Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
Social Function
You have disadvantage on social checks against other characters.
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