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Andy, Heather, Julie and Richard

Archipelago - Costume Examples

The islands forming Archipelago are homes to many different people, each with their own unique cultures and style of dress. To help those new to Shards, we've pulled together a few examples of costumes worn by players past and present for characters originating from Archipelago. This is intended as a guide and a starting point only, to inspire you to create your own character's look.

Archipelago, as the name suggests is a region made up of a range of small islands, with one of the larger collection of isles being The Confederacy. A constant thorn in the Confederacy's side is the Rat Run, a haven for Pirates, named for its difficult waters which make it difficult to navigate and fatal during the winter. At the end of the Rat Run is Whitewater Isle, the site of a Pirate Town, currently the domain of the Crimson Brotherhood and the Triads. Heading North, you will find the remains of the Fenris Isles and a few scattered remnants of islands once part of the proud Jade Empire, nestled up against the vast continent of Union. The Court of the Water Dragon can be found here, pulling together the resources of the former Jade Empire, refugees from Whitewater, the Five Thunders and anyone interested in free commerce.

Pirates, Whitewater and the Rat Run

The 'Pirate' look is universal and of course, those who are dressed in a typically piratical fashion are not necessarily 'pirates' in the true sense of the word. Those who might dress in a style reminiscent of pirates are often legitimate merchant sailors, privateers and self made men as well as genuine Pirates.

A couple of pictures of typical Pirates are illustrated below. At its most basic, a pair of loose trousers or breeches, a large oversize shirt and a sock hat or bandanna will give you the proper nautical look. From there you can add a tri-corn hat, eye patch, frock coat, bucket boots, long waistcoat, lots of black powder pistols, cutlass, frilly shirt, hook, peg leg and even a parrot - provided you have a suitable physrep of course.

Photos from left to right: Pirate Captain, Pirates Mates, Privateer Captain.


The Confederacy Isles, Port Rabel, Port of Saints
The Confederacy Isles are and always have been a bastion of commerce and trade, with each island having a Governor who together co-operate to form the Confederacy. The capital of the Confederacy is Port Rabel, with another well known port being the Port of Saints. Costume is typified by late 18th Century European fashions, but ex-patriots of other Shards can also be found here, drawn by the opportunities presented by the Conferacy's bustling shipping network.

Fashions currently favoured vary widely, but appearance is governed by chosen profession and background. Typically, those who can afford it would opt for frilly, ostentatious shirts, coats dripping buttons, piping and trim and full length, fitted dresses for ladies of fashion. Wigs are always an option for formal occasions, whilst breeches and stockings are still popular amongst some islands gentlemen. The common man or soldier might favour trousers or perhaps a Napoleonic style jacket if they can afford it. The lowest classes and working folk will of course wear whatever they can lay their hands on.

Photo's below left to right: Rich Merchant, Noble Lady, Noble Adventurer.

Soldiers, Military, and others from the Confedaracy
Photo's from left right, Soldier, Major, Naval Officer, Navigator



Fenris Isles
The Fenris Isles were lost along with their entire populations over fourteen years ago (Shards Time) and those that remain have relocated to the islands closest to Union or are seeking what fortune they can on the high seas. The people of the Fenris Isles and their remaining displaced population are not dissimilar to Vikings or ancient Norse of Earth history. Their menfolk typically favour big beards, furs, pelts, belts, pouches, drinking horns, coloured shirts, cross-strapped leggings or trews with leather vambraces and armour when combat is expected. Their weapons of choice are axes, spears and large round or oval shields. Women favour loose fitting dresses or long tunics worn over trews and belted at the waist.



The Court of the Water Dragon
The Court of the Water Dragon is another center for free commerce, where people from all Shards can come together to make a profit with minimal interference from the authorities or the ubiquitous red tape seen in either Guild Towns or the Conferacy Isles. There is a heavy Thunders influence within the Court, with Triad links rumoured, but provided you bring in a profit, people of all races and Shardic origins are welcome here.

The Oriental peoples who have set up home here dress in style of historical Chinese peasants, loose fitting Mandarin style jackets, kimono’s, karate Gi, pajama style trousers with Chinese style peasant straw hats.


For more photographs of character costume past and present, please visit the Shards wiki.

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