Game Props

The following props are recommended for particular types of characters, above and beyond class affiliation.

Characters who possess a dueling pistol should bring a gun prop and a black film canister with toothpicks tipped with the appropriate color.

Most characters will want to carry a prop weapon of some sort, whether a toy sword or knife, a bokken or shinai, or a fencing foil. In a pinch, a rolled-up newspaper wrapped in duct tape makes a functional knife.

Theurgists should bring a good pen, a roll of tape, and a quantity of paper. Parchment paper is ideal.

Twilight Crux initiates should bring a few pieces of chalk and a red flag: a strip of red cloth at least six inches wide and 18 inches long, ideally with a hole so it can be worn over the wrist.

Nobility

In centuries past, the Komaran nobility dressed in flowing robes and shirts similar to the kimono and hakama worn by Earth's medieval Japanese culture. With the advent of cities and the onset of decadence, noble fashion has shifted to more closely resemble 17th century French attire. Men wear frilly shirts and tunics over tights or pants, and women wear vast, flowing dresses with bodices. However, revolution is the word of the decade, and a stylishly attired noble who dresses outside the norm will attract significant attention in court.

If your character is a traditional noble, or one with less connection to the royal court, Japanese-inspired attire is highly appropriate. Most Japantowns have used clothing stores that sell used or antique kimono and other articles of traditional Japanese clothing for a reasonable price. A simple cotton yukata sells for around $30, and makes a decent costume worn over dark pants, boots, and a high-necked long-sleeve shirt.

For nouveau nobility, most Renaissance Faire or SCA costume components will work. The modern nobility emphasizes style over simplicity, and lace, ruffs, and flowing clothing are appropriate for all genders. While a proper outfit restricts one's ability to move freely, it does not prevent one from ordering those of lesser classes to defend you.

Merchants and Commoners

Merchants and commoners dress in a more sensible version of noble attire. Wealthy or mystical merchants often affect the traditional style, but more often merchants dress in cotton pants, boots, and a tunic. If in service to a noble, a merchant or commoner will often wear a surcoat or badge with their patron's coat of arms. The livery of a powerful noble's servants is often very colorful.

In other words, costumes for merchants and other commoners are similar to those of the nobility, except that a commoner is less likely to be judged poorly if they wear a borrowed RenFaire or SCA tunic over jeans. On the other hand, if you have good costume materials and play a merchant, flaunt it: many merchants are wealthier than the nobles that support them.

Priests

Originally, priests of the Church of Inner Light dressed in simple white robes, bearing the symbol of the Church: two golden suns separated by a silver line. Today, Church garb is quite variable. During the Interregnum, the church enforced strict sumptuary laws against the nobility, but powerful ecclesiastical lords took the opportunity to dress in finery matching or exceeding that of the nobility. On the other hand, traditionalist priests often wear the original simple white robe. In general, Church attire varies from priest to priest, but tends towards white and gold color schemes.

Veiled Guards

Veiled Guard costuming is simple. They wear dark, cowled cloaks over their traditional armor. Black, brown, and silver are the favorite colors of the Veiled Guard.