The Aesthetics

Coryphiel is a world of diverse and varied people, and so the things they wear and create are also diverse. Just like in the real worl, each culture will have a distinct aesthetic, that sets them apart from the rest of the world and gives them individuality, yet also solidarity with their people.

## Erdannia

### General Inspirations

The Erdannian Empire is the most technologically advanced nation in the world of Coryphiel, with a high level of industrialisation. The culture draws major inspiration from the real world British Empire, and also from 1910s - 1920s USA. The Erdannian aesthetic, though far from the modern day, would be the most familiar to us in the real world.

## Whytehold

### General Inspirations

The Kingdom of Whytehold is another technologically advanced and fairly wealthy nation, and exists in a bizarre juxtaposition of old chivalric traditions, and modern industrialisation. The general aesthetic can draw upon 18th century central europe, but the central theme is "Medieval things, brought to the modern day". The nation is also highly militaristic, which shows itself in various ways.

## Calamar

### General Inspirations

The people of Calamar and her empire are seafaring traders and conquerers, devoted to a strict religion, with many archaic traditions. As such, the culture draws some inspiration from similar nations in the real world, most notably the Spanish Empire of the 16th to 17th century. It also draws some aesthetic inspiration from the Muslim powers of the mediterranean, such as the Ottoman Empire and Al-Andalus. The Byzantine Empire can also be used as reference for some of the more archaic parts of Calamar.

One of the things which seperates Calamar's aesthetic from these real-world historical cultures is Calamar's strong focus on nautical themes, and sea creatures, particularly squids and crabs. Additionally, there are some things which are somewhat eldritch, or downright lovecraftian, in some aspects of Calamaran culture, especially their religion.

The primary colours of the Calamaran Empire are green and beige, with black and gold also being common.

Despite the far reach of Calamar's empire, high centralisation ensures that the culture is fairly homogenous across the breadth of the nation.

### Fashion

Calamaran clothing is mostly reminiscent of 16th - 18th century medieval european clothing, particularly Spain and Portugal, with some similarities to the clothing of the Ottoman Empire too.

The clothing is usually practical for seafaring, and designed for the warm climate of the Calamaran seas. As such, the materials used are usually fabrics and leather. Most Calamaran clothing is light and billowy for the warm weather, they won't usually wear more layers than necessary. However, the Calamaran Empire is a wealthy nation, and this is commonly shown in the colours and quality of their cloth, even among the middle class.

Wide-brimmed hats are common in calamar, for both genders, to protect from the heat of the sun. The wealthy may adorn these with feathers or ornaments. Poorer folk may instead wear small headscarves or bandanas. Men will usually wear billowy shirts and trousers, while most women wear dresses. It is common among wealthy folk to wear a small mantle or cape, of a light cloth

Calamarans love to show off their wealth, but not in ways that are impractical or overly extravagant. They are more likely to simply wear cloth of a high quality and fine cut, perhaps with intricate patterns and embroidery. In terms of ornaments, perhaps a single brooch or pendant, usually a Navicistic symbol, a seashell, or a Calamaran national emblem. A wealthy Calamaran's clothing will often bear nautical patterns upon it, such as waves, or tentacles.

##### Things to Avoid

There are some aspects of the real-world nations we're drawing inspiration from that should not be drawn upon for Calamaran clothing; puffy striped sleeves may have been common in Europe but they are not in Calamar. The extravangant headwear of the Ottomans are to be avoided, and so are the various berets of Europe. Also to be avoided are any Christian or Islamic symbols, for obvious reasons.

Despite the richness of Calamar, there are some typically 'rich' fashion choices that should be avoided. Furs are never worn in Calamar, and ostentatious jewellery is uncommon; some minor gold embellishment on their clothing is the furthest that Calamarans will typically go.

Though typical sailor's clothing is a good choice for Calamarans most of the time, try to avoid going too close to English Navy clothes. Bicorns and Tricorns are usually avoided, Calamaran captains and admirals are more likely to wear armour than such clothing.