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There are no class distinctions in Rivan costume, but the nobles and
the wealthy wear slightly finer clothing. The standard is a tunic,
long-sleeved, belted and reaching to mid-thigh. Long, fairly wide
sleeves. Also leggings (wrappings) laced around with thongs or cord.
The standard grey cloak is a heavy' sleeveless mantle with a hood.
Rivan clothing is grey - undyed wool. Rivan sheep have a curious
grey color and extremely fine, thick wool.
On state or formal occasions a blue linen tunic with discreet silk
embroidery is worn by all ranks.
SHOES
A soft leather half-boot (felt in the winter)
ARMOR
Chain mail and pointed steel helmets
RANK
The distinction between noble and commons is generally indicated
in the weaponry The customary weapons of the Rivans are a
fourfoot broadsword and an 18 inch dagger. The sword-belts of the
nobility are gold or silver-studded. Those of the commons are plain.
WOMEN
Wear linen gowns, long sleeved and sober and decorous. Belting is a
concession to vanity and the gowns are cross-tied to accentuate the
bosom. The hair (usually blonde) is worn long and flowing with
elaborate braiding around the temples to give a coronet effect.
COMMERCE
Bread, again a standard, costs slightly more in Riva than in Tolnedra,
but the Rivans are thrifty and industrious so there is virtually no
poverty on the island. Fairs are held in the meadows along the River
of Veils behind the city of Riva and there is a great deal of barter as
opposed to cash transactions. Trade items - wool, sheep, a few cattle,
hogs, produce. Useful goods, shoes, pots, pans, etc.
RANK
THE WARDER
Selected by the nobility in conclave at Riva. Invested with the name
Brand and wears an iron circlet on state occasions.
THE-BARONS
20 only. Each represents a district in the city of Riva and is
responsible for its maintenance and defense. The residents of a district are
the Baron's men. Some Rivans live in the outlands - a few
shepherds, some farmers, etc. This is a largely self-contained society with
a remarkably stable population.
MODES OF ADDRESS
'My Lord Brand' to the Warder.
'Sir John' to the Barons.
'Friend John' to the commons - not unusual for a lower class Rivan to
call a Baron 'Friend John' as well.