Something that's always bugged me quite a bit is how some folks seem to go everywhere with their armor on. Standing around in a tavern? Armor. Playing games during festivals? Armor. Listening to a lecture? Armor.
Armor all the time.
How do you seriously expect anyone to appreciate your attire when you bury it under hundreds of stones of bone, leather, chain, or plate armor? Simply put, they can't. More to the point, do you really think that strapping a shield and parry stick to your arms to carry around every waking moment is doing anything for your fashion? I can tell you now that it is not.
Now, I can understand if you're a member of the Paladin's Guild. I mean, armor is your life in that guild, and many of it's members go to great lengths to find the very best they can. I can also understand armor for ceremonial matters.But, really, armor just for collecting rocks? Is that really needed?
To be quite honest, armor is filthy. You adorn yourself with it to go out and fight. It gets dirty, blood-soaked, dripping with sweat and, for the metal types, either reeking of polish or flaking with rust. It's just inappropriate for every single occasion.
So, do yourself a favor and remove the offensive thing or invest in something that will hide it with magic if you must. Or, do as I have, and have your armor turned into fashionable garments that disguise their martial uses.
You'll be better for it in the long run. I assure you.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Malakye's Rule of Three
Over the years, I've been blessed to help a number of folks with adjustments to their treasured things. Sometimes weapons but most often garments. They buy a cloak or what-have-you and while they enjoy it, they also find that it could be better in some regards. This is where imagination puts in its daily work and we dream up all the things the cloak could be instead of what it currently is.
Now, in addition to helping put someone's ideas into reality, I've also done some consulting work. This is where they already have a firm idea of what they want, they just need someone to hear them out and make sure it sounds halfway reasonable and decent. During these sessions, I've been driven to near insanity with some of the things people desire to adorn themselves with. The constant inclusion of rare materials on top of rare materials inlaid with rare materials and overlain atop rare materials just causes my brain to go into a catatonic state where I can no longer process information in a rational manner.
So, thus, I bring you one of my own personal rules: The Rule of Three.
At any given time and for any given item, three is the most amount of materials you should need to accomplish what you're seeking to have done. You can split them up any way you like, have them used however you like, but most folks will agree that anything more than three and the viewer loses all sense of what you've just shown them.
You should endeavor to live by the credo that "less is more" instead of by the "more is more too" line of thinking. The more you include, the more that is lost and the more lost the viewer becomes when you attempt to brag by showing them the ostentatious creation you had made.
As such, I have provided some examples below for you to use when you're aiming to have something made special for yourself.
* shirts, blouses, tunics, jackets, etc. - You really only need two materials for this, the cloth and the buttons or other fasteners. Stone, bone, metal or wood are all acceptable as buttons. If you wanted to push the limits, you could inlay your clasps with another material. Though, this isn't always needed.
* pants, trousers, skirts, etc. - Same as above, you really only need two materials. For pant-like garments this is generally the major material (either leather or cloth) and a secondary material for fasteners. One could also choose a lining if the major material is something coarse or rough to the touch. Skirts, on the other hand, tend to be a major material and a supporting material underneath or even trimming the hem. Some folks like to bead skirts and pants with a tertiary material like gemstones, though it's not really suited for all garments.
* jewelry - This is a much easier subject for the rule of three apply to because things often jive so well. What I find looks best is to have the major material that the item is mostly made of, some sort of inlay added to the base, and then the tertiary material would be a gemstone that serves as the focus for the item in question. This works with all jewelry, from rings to necklaces to armbands.
* weapons - The construction of most weapons is a simple matter. You have the part you hold and the part that does damage. Nothing to it, right? Well, you'd think so, but you'd be surprised at how often this is fouled up with all sorts of unnecessary additions. I find it best for the business end to be of one type, and the part you hold to be of something else which is suited for the work of swinging deadly implements. If you simply must, you could hilt or haft the thing in some nice metal or wood and construct a grip of nice leather. And, really, including one or two gemstones isn't the end of the world so long as they are the same type.
Those are just simple guidelines, there is so much more to it than that. But, whatever you do, do not try to come at me with something like:
a deep reddish-black silverweave fashionista's frock coat bearing orichalcum-inlaid silversteel epaulettes
Polished silversteel epaulettes inlaid with mixed orichalcum and tyrium arabesque patterns adorn the rich korograth-hide-covered shoulders of this aesthetically pleasing clothing. Hidden between the heavy layers, a mesh of damite ringmail provides form and function from its resting place between the garment's exterior and the Velakan linen lining the interior, a statement to the dangers of everyday life when attempting to be the most fashionable person in the world. A thin belt of finely braided westan wool and spun glitter encircles the high waist and is fastened by a thick kadepa buckle set with a massive blood ruby carved into a bleeding heart.
I may not be very strong, but I will find a way to kill you for offending myself and the rest of the world with your poor taste and horrid view of stylish fashion.
Trust me.
I know people who know people who get their hands dirty with the blood of other people.
Now, in addition to helping put someone's ideas into reality, I've also done some consulting work. This is where they already have a firm idea of what they want, they just need someone to hear them out and make sure it sounds halfway reasonable and decent. During these sessions, I've been driven to near insanity with some of the things people desire to adorn themselves with. The constant inclusion of rare materials on top of rare materials inlaid with rare materials and overlain atop rare materials just causes my brain to go into a catatonic state where I can no longer process information in a rational manner.
So, thus, I bring you one of my own personal rules: The Rule of Three.
At any given time and for any given item, three is the most amount of materials you should need to accomplish what you're seeking to have done. You can split them up any way you like, have them used however you like, but most folks will agree that anything more than three and the viewer loses all sense of what you've just shown them.
You should endeavor to live by the credo that "less is more" instead of by the "more is more too" line of thinking. The more you include, the more that is lost and the more lost the viewer becomes when you attempt to brag by showing them the ostentatious creation you had made.
As such, I have provided some examples below for you to use when you're aiming to have something made special for yourself.
* shirts, blouses, tunics, jackets, etc. - You really only need two materials for this, the cloth and the buttons or other fasteners. Stone, bone, metal or wood are all acceptable as buttons. If you wanted to push the limits, you could inlay your clasps with another material. Though, this isn't always needed.
* pants, trousers, skirts, etc. - Same as above, you really only need two materials. For pant-like garments this is generally the major material (either leather or cloth) and a secondary material for fasteners. One could also choose a lining if the major material is something coarse or rough to the touch. Skirts, on the other hand, tend to be a major material and a supporting material underneath or even trimming the hem. Some folks like to bead skirts and pants with a tertiary material like gemstones, though it's not really suited for all garments.
* jewelry - This is a much easier subject for the rule of three apply to because things often jive so well. What I find looks best is to have the major material that the item is mostly made of, some sort of inlay added to the base, and then the tertiary material would be a gemstone that serves as the focus for the item in question. This works with all jewelry, from rings to necklaces to armbands.
* weapons - The construction of most weapons is a simple matter. You have the part you hold and the part that does damage. Nothing to it, right? Well, you'd think so, but you'd be surprised at how often this is fouled up with all sorts of unnecessary additions. I find it best for the business end to be of one type, and the part you hold to be of something else which is suited for the work of swinging deadly implements. If you simply must, you could hilt or haft the thing in some nice metal or wood and construct a grip of nice leather. And, really, including one or two gemstones isn't the end of the world so long as they are the same type.
Those are just simple guidelines, there is so much more to it than that. But, whatever you do, do not try to come at me with something like:
a deep reddish-black silverweave fashionista's frock coat bearing orichalcum-inlaid silversteel epaulettes
Polished silversteel epaulettes inlaid with mixed orichalcum and tyrium arabesque patterns adorn the rich korograth-hide-covered shoulders of this aesthetically pleasing clothing. Hidden between the heavy layers, a mesh of damite ringmail provides form and function from its resting place between the garment's exterior and the Velakan linen lining the interior, a statement to the dangers of everyday life when attempting to be the most fashionable person in the world. A thin belt of finely braided westan wool and spun glitter encircles the high waist and is fastened by a thick kadepa buckle set with a massive blood ruby carved into a bleeding heart.
I may not be very strong, but I will find a way to kill you for offending myself and the rest of the world with your poor taste and horrid view of stylish fashion.
Trust me.
I know people who know people who get their hands dirty with the blood of other people.
Monday, November 9, 2015
So What if This Metal Makes a Good Weapon?
Something I've noticed as of late with the rising popularity of rare materials is folks who look upon you with scorn for not using said material in what they deem to be the proper manner. This is something I've personally experienced through use of my very handy and much-needed orichalcum back scratcher. Yes, you read that right. I forged a back scratcher from orichalcum.
While things like this can earn you a measure of infamy among some circles due to what they perceive to be a waste of a valuable resource. To them, I counter with the fact that nothing is more valuable than the happiness one feels when they are being fashionable.
Yes, I know what silversteel is and how it can make excellent tools or armor. But, did you know that it will also make a sturdy buckle or clasp that could withstand any abuse that you may put it through? Which do you think would wear out first, the buttons you had cast from the prized metal or the wool jacket you affixed them to? The answer should be obvious.
And don't even get me started on the frequent rage some folks feel over tyirum. The simple fact is that purple in of itself is a lovely color and having metal which is naturally like that can be a blessing for many outfits or jewelry. Like, have you ever seen how beautiful tyrium is when paired with gold? It's truly harmonious in every way.
Now, as said before when speaking of diamond-hide, it's obvious why many of these things have become trendy in our current society. They are not only coveted for their inherent qualities, but also for their basic features. While some may not be as desirable, such as darkstone, they each have their own place within the world of high fashion.
So, before you glare angrily at that fellow with his icesteel-inlaid earring, take a moment and think about just how wonderful it looks. Remember to set aside your jealousy over not having such fine things yourself and appreciate that others are made all the more happy by using them for what they think will suit them best.
Now, whether or not it really does suit them...
That's a question for another day.
While things like this can earn you a measure of infamy among some circles due to what they perceive to be a waste of a valuable resource. To them, I counter with the fact that nothing is more valuable than the happiness one feels when they are being fashionable.
Yes, I know what silversteel is and how it can make excellent tools or armor. But, did you know that it will also make a sturdy buckle or clasp that could withstand any abuse that you may put it through? Which do you think would wear out first, the buttons you had cast from the prized metal or the wool jacket you affixed them to? The answer should be obvious.
And don't even get me started on the frequent rage some folks feel over tyirum. The simple fact is that purple in of itself is a lovely color and having metal which is naturally like that can be a blessing for many outfits or jewelry. Like, have you ever seen how beautiful tyrium is when paired with gold? It's truly harmonious in every way.
Now, as said before when speaking of diamond-hide, it's obvious why many of these things have become trendy in our current society. They are not only coveted for their inherent qualities, but also for their basic features. While some may not be as desirable, such as darkstone, they each have their own place within the world of high fashion.
So, before you glare angrily at that fellow with his icesteel-inlaid earring, take a moment and think about just how wonderful it looks. Remember to set aside your jealousy over not having such fine things yourself and appreciate that others are made all the more happy by using them for what they think will suit them best.
Now, whether or not it really does suit them...
That's a question for another day.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Skulls Are So 382 A.V.
For many people, the macabre is not just a hobby but it is also a way of life.
This choice in lifestyle obviously has an impact on other choices they make, like fashion. Garish bones from slain creatures. Yellowing teeth and claws. But the worst of all is the constant need to adorn one's person with skulls. Regardless if they are real or simply constructed to appear as such, these deplorable things have no place in refined society.
But, you might ask, what about skins and hides and leather. Well, those things all have their place in these realms. They provide a much-needed duty to assist with those items which cloth could not simply handle alone. They do not simply exist for the sake of the "shock value" they carry when onlookers view you as wearing them.
In addition to their utility use, leather materials also can serve a function for high fashion. Take the diamond-hide for example, while it has become incredibly trendy for folks to have boots or belts or what-have-you made from the stuff; One cannot deny that it also very pleasing to the eye. Much of the increased desire for attire that makes use of diamond-hide is likely due to the fact that it fulfills both form and function. Being both pleasing to view and practical to use for it's natural qualities.
I know a certain sailor who adorns himself with sealskin for crying out loud. While I, personally, would never consider it worthy of my own spectacular form; I can see why someone who is far more in tune with the needs of seaworthy fashion might. It does have wonderful qualities for shedding water, so it's a very understandable choice for rough weather or frequent storms.
But, back to the use of skulls.
They serve no real function.
None.
So you want to look imposing, frightening, dark, whatever... Try using a bit more imagination instead of going with something that a child might be scared of. Do you think that Dragon Priest that is attacking you would give one care that you have a skull on your helm or plates of mouldy bone on your gloves? No. They likely have had far more dealings with that sort of gore and grisly attire than you could ever hope to.
Do you seriously want to truly frighten someone? Wear some tyrium spun glitter tights bedazzled with clown-shaped haze sapphires.
You'll frighten me.
I guarantee that.
This choice in lifestyle obviously has an impact on other choices they make, like fashion. Garish bones from slain creatures. Yellowing teeth and claws. But the worst of all is the constant need to adorn one's person with skulls. Regardless if they are real or simply constructed to appear as such, these deplorable things have no place in refined society.
But, you might ask, what about skins and hides and leather. Well, those things all have their place in these realms. They provide a much-needed duty to assist with those items which cloth could not simply handle alone. They do not simply exist for the sake of the "shock value" they carry when onlookers view you as wearing them.
In addition to their utility use, leather materials also can serve a function for high fashion. Take the diamond-hide for example, while it has become incredibly trendy for folks to have boots or belts or what-have-you made from the stuff; One cannot deny that it also very pleasing to the eye. Much of the increased desire for attire that makes use of diamond-hide is likely due to the fact that it fulfills both form and function. Being both pleasing to view and practical to use for it's natural qualities.
I know a certain sailor who adorns himself with sealskin for crying out loud. While I, personally, would never consider it worthy of my own spectacular form; I can see why someone who is far more in tune with the needs of seaworthy fashion might. It does have wonderful qualities for shedding water, so it's a very understandable choice for rough weather or frequent storms.
But, back to the use of skulls.
They serve no real function.
None.
So you want to look imposing, frightening, dark, whatever... Try using a bit more imagination instead of going with something that a child might be scared of. Do you think that Dragon Priest that is attacking you would give one care that you have a skull on your helm or plates of mouldy bone on your gloves? No. They likely have had far more dealings with that sort of gore and grisly attire than you could ever hope to.
Do you seriously want to truly frighten someone? Wear some tyrium spun glitter tights bedazzled with clown-shaped haze sapphires.
You'll frighten me.
I guarantee that.
Friday, November 6, 2015
The Horror Known as the Bodysuit
Bodysuits.
Just the mere word itself causes me to shudder in disgust. For those unaware, they are akin to one-piece pajamas only they lack the flap along the back which allows one to do their business without removing the entire garment. I, personally, liken them to something one would place on an infant to keep their soft skin from facing the harshness of the elements. So, when I see someone wearing one in public, I either think of them as childish or too lazy to dress properly.
While I can understand how they would have some use in performing circles, serving as costumes for acrobats or flashy attire for presentations. I would argue that they simply have no use in refined society and are best left to activities involving showmanship.
I am often taken aback by some people's inability to correctly dress themselves, a fact proven time and time again whenever myself and my partner in fashion, Miss Sendithu, operate in the market tents of Crossings. So many needing our help flood in, at times it seems almost endless. Sadly, though, the ones most needing the help are strangely absent from these little sessions we hold.
Still, I fear the day that someone comes to me wearing a bodysuit. Hopefully, they will be accepting of my advice to replace the offensive thing and go with something far more appropriate instead.
Time will tell.
Just the mere word itself causes me to shudder in disgust. For those unaware, they are akin to one-piece pajamas only they lack the flap along the back which allows one to do their business without removing the entire garment. I, personally, liken them to something one would place on an infant to keep their soft skin from facing the harshness of the elements. So, when I see someone wearing one in public, I either think of them as childish or too lazy to dress properly.
While I can understand how they would have some use in performing circles, serving as costumes for acrobats or flashy attire for presentations. I would argue that they simply have no use in refined society and are best left to activities involving showmanship.
I am often taken aback by some people's inability to correctly dress themselves, a fact proven time and time again whenever myself and my partner in fashion, Miss Sendithu, operate in the market tents of Crossings. So many needing our help flood in, at times it seems almost endless. Sadly, though, the ones most needing the help are strangely absent from these little sessions we hold.
Still, I fear the day that someone comes to me wearing a bodysuit. Hopefully, they will be accepting of my advice to replace the offensive thing and go with something far more appropriate instead.
Time will tell.
Elves and Elven Things
Elves.
While their attitude can be off-putting even in the best of times, I cannot help but respect the years of life poured into even the most simple of things that they produce. I've had the pleasure of working with their materials on a number of occasions and I have to admit, they've created some very fine cloths. Elven silk and Elven wool are a joy to place my hands on, the countless years of work put into perfecting the process which they make the textiles showing through in every aspect.
However.
I find that some Elves, in their desire to only surround themselves with that which they know to be well made has been a frequent headache and eyesore. I have come across many of their number only interested in things which have been created using the skills of their people. It's really quite dull and boring.
I can understand a measure of pride concerning the efforts of your own people, even I frequently extol upon the virtues of Rakash ingenuity and ability. With our rather short lifespan, in comparison to many of the other races which populate this world, we have made the most of our time and created some truly wonderous things. Despite my love for my own people, I cannot deny that there are many aspects of life that have been done better by others.
Many Elves cannot admit this.
One particular subject, whom I see and deal with somewhat frequently, seeks to only clothe and adorn herself in the trappings of Elven methods. She does this so much, that she has become quite infamous for the manner in which she presents herself to others. Not infamous in the good way, either. In fact, among many fashion circles she is treated as a joke and looked upon as one would look upon a child who has no idea what they are doing.
The importance of fashion is to make your external qualities match those which you hold in your heart and soul. It is a balancing act of both enhancement and function, leading to an overall representation of you. The person. It is with this in mind that I have created my own attire, balancing that which is common with that which is uncommon or unique. Though, I will admit to a small measure of extravagance due to my chosen profession and those whom I commonly deal with.
Still, the fashion of this Elf whom I speak of causes me a deal of frustration.
I have done what I can to convey this mentality to them, though, I fear my words have fallen on deaf ears. Odd, that ears could be so pronounced and still not hear what is said to them. Perhaps, in time, they will come to understand the image they project and find it as distasteful as I and others do.
Though, probably not.
Regardless, I shall continue to watch the progress. I find it hard to give up hope on anyone, even one who does not listen to reasonable suggestions. Though, my hope does not prevent the annoyance I feel when I see yet another "Elven wool thing with Elven ivy made of Elven snowlace threaded with Elven gold and supporting some Elven silk Elf flowers."
Ugh.
Just writing that gave me a bit of a headache, so I will end this journal entry here.
While their attitude can be off-putting even in the best of times, I cannot help but respect the years of life poured into even the most simple of things that they produce. I've had the pleasure of working with their materials on a number of occasions and I have to admit, they've created some very fine cloths. Elven silk and Elven wool are a joy to place my hands on, the countless years of work put into perfecting the process which they make the textiles showing through in every aspect.
However.
I find that some Elves, in their desire to only surround themselves with that which they know to be well made has been a frequent headache and eyesore. I have come across many of their number only interested in things which have been created using the skills of their people. It's really quite dull and boring.
I can understand a measure of pride concerning the efforts of your own people, even I frequently extol upon the virtues of Rakash ingenuity and ability. With our rather short lifespan, in comparison to many of the other races which populate this world, we have made the most of our time and created some truly wonderous things. Despite my love for my own people, I cannot deny that there are many aspects of life that have been done better by others.
Many Elves cannot admit this.
One particular subject, whom I see and deal with somewhat frequently, seeks to only clothe and adorn herself in the trappings of Elven methods. She does this so much, that she has become quite infamous for the manner in which she presents herself to others. Not infamous in the good way, either. In fact, among many fashion circles she is treated as a joke and looked upon as one would look upon a child who has no idea what they are doing.
The importance of fashion is to make your external qualities match those which you hold in your heart and soul. It is a balancing act of both enhancement and function, leading to an overall representation of you. The person. It is with this in mind that I have created my own attire, balancing that which is common with that which is uncommon or unique. Though, I will admit to a small measure of extravagance due to my chosen profession and those whom I commonly deal with.
Still, the fashion of this Elf whom I speak of causes me a deal of frustration.
I have done what I can to convey this mentality to them, though, I fear my words have fallen on deaf ears. Odd, that ears could be so pronounced and still not hear what is said to them. Perhaps, in time, they will come to understand the image they project and find it as distasteful as I and others do.
Though, probably not.
Regardless, I shall continue to watch the progress. I find it hard to give up hope on anyone, even one who does not listen to reasonable suggestions. Though, my hope does not prevent the annoyance I feel when I see yet another "Elven wool thing with Elven ivy made of Elven snowlace threaded with Elven gold and supporting some Elven silk Elf flowers."
Ugh.
Just writing that gave me a bit of a headache, so I will end this journal entry here.
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