Fashion in the Charalin Plains

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In dress, Charali are the most practically clothed, using indigenous materials, which include a wide variety of leathers and simply made cloth of felt. Because of this emphasis on practicality, men and women both wear pants or breeches, especially when hunting. On special occasions, men and women wear a long tunic-dress with side slits in place of the more practical tunic. During winters, felt is made in abundance and this is the only time sleeved-garments are worn. Although somewhat limited in style and cut, Charali clothing is a strong identifying mark by showing sub-regional, tribal, and personal affiliations. Such markings frequently occur in patterns of paint on leather, fringe, bonework, beadwork, as well as the occasional (and highly prized) feather or shell.


Basic Elements

Tunic: The basic tunic is made of felt, usually of natural or muted colors. Without sleeves, the tunic is ultimately practical and plain, lacking a collar. Wealthy or influential Charali men and women wear colorful and stylized vests of felt, often with complicated designs or applique patterns. The Charali tend towards more geometric than scenic patterns in their clothing, though sometimes they depict animals on garments and bags.

Headbands: The Charali wear their hair very long, and it's almost always exceedingly thick and straight. Men and women may tie it back for hunting, but typically they wear only a leather or beaded headband. Whether leather or beadwork, the headband is of bright, beautiful pattern.

Jewelry: Made of bone and leather, the typical Charali rarely has metal jewelry, though tribal leaders and their close family may wear bronze.

Bracers and wristbands: The Charali all wear bracers and wristbands. In rough order, felt bands about the wrist, painted, beaded, fringed, boned or a combination thereof speaks of a common tribesman. Wisdoms (those over the age of 40) typically wear leather, and tribal leaders or distinguished hunters wear bronze bands.

Status: Charali fashion clearly communicates status and affiliations. The primary place for these identifying marks is through the headband and wrist bracer/bands. The most powerful person in a tribe is the most senior woman, and she sets herself apart with a colorfully beaded headband trailing dyed black feathers from a bird of prey.

Armor: When it comes to warfare, the gear that the Charali use is limited. Armor is not a large priority, and metal armors carry something of a religious stigma. The sheer amount of weight also eliminates it from the nomadic culture as it is not an everyday item. Their normal clothing is often what they wear to war. Depending on the season and the reason for the conflict, they may not wear much at all. Paint may be made from dyes and animal fat may be used, including ash, to decorate the body.

Weapons: Most of these are inherited as well. Metalworking is not a common trade among the Charali because of limited resource and the need for a stationary forge. Most of the blades or heads that the Charali have will have been acquired in trade. The most common melee weapons would be knives, spears, clubs, and axes. For range, the Charali rider would use their bows.