May 27, 2025
As a writer and author, I’ve been keenly interested in history from my early years. Not just the dates, wars and battles, but ‘why’ events happened and the ultimate results. As my knowledge base grows, I’ve developed a fascination with how one event affects other people or events, often in seemingly unlikely or unrelated ways. Aside from politics and action, I’ve deliberately chosen to place the fantasy world of Dragonshadowed firmly upon the basis of our own early medieval period in western Europe. The ‘Dark Ages’ of about 500 to 600 A.D. Unsuspecting readers will be introduced to real history in the course of following the adventures of my protagonists, even if in a realm replete with magic and fabulous creatures. As the culture is ‘western Europe’, there won’t be oriental or middle eastern elements in these stories. Likewise, none of the characters will run about in loincloths and chainmail bikinis. Movie romance aside, well toned skin provides no protection against lethal weaponry. And it’s too cold, even for barbarians. The countries of Valdain aren’t the familiar society of the 21 st century. Life is raw, and often violent and short. The environment is either relatively pristine or polluted. Law and justice are determined by whoever wields the strongest sword. Only the use of magic or divine intervention mitigates the harsh lives of all folk. What people wear is no different. Weapons, armor and tactics are decided by, and based upon, what was prevalent in the early medieval period. I add augmentation from magic and the talents of non-human folk to my descriptions and cultural foundation. The attire of small and great folk outside of the battlefield is similarly based upon what might be considered ‘jeans and a t-shirt’ or ‘ballroom style’ in our century. Garments are a clear signal of a person’s social status. This consideration isn’t arbitrary, as the way people dress affects their expectations, and what is considered ‘normal’ interactions. People act differently when addressing a laborer, merchant, knight or noble. In a medieval society, class distinctions are more marked, as a serf that disrespects a knight is likely to be punished or even killed. In Valdain, this is taken an extra step in that all persons of lesser social status must wait to be acknowledged, then addressed first, by their social superior before speaking. Clothing also affects day-to-day activities. As an example, no one had pockets in the middle ages. Money and valuables must be carried in external pouches suspended by strings, and are vulnerable to a thief’s knife blade. This small detail serves to launch major events in Dragon Hall, Book 6, of my series. Underwear and socks were unknown. Men had a piece of buttoned cloth over their privates that allowed them to relieve themselves without the necessity of lowering their breeches. Women might shift their stance to achieve the same relief beneath dresses, then move on with no one the wiser. Most garments were constructed of many pieces, unlike the shirts and trousers of our society. As an example, a shirt consisted of the main back and chest covering, with separate sleeves buttoned at the shoulder. Additional cuffs and collars might be added according to need and the wealth of the wearer. Aside from the practicality of discarding only whatever became worn-out, this allowed a person many opportunities to display a variety of ‘looks’. Accessories were important. Jewelry was often more than an expression of wealth. A brooch or pin might serve a practical function of fastening a cloak, a sash, or restraining the use of a weapon under a ‘peace bond’. It could be used to advertise nationality, marital status, interest, or even actively looking for a mate. Of course in Valdain, gems and jewels are often enchanted as they are durable and can hold spells or magical effects for extended periods of time. In Valdain, color choice is more than a reflection of available cloth. Colors are used to identify noble houses and territories, and are vital in a court setting. Knights display their colors and devices whenever possible, but will cover their colors and shields when unwilling or unable to accept challenges. Most knights accept this convention and won’t challenge another knight that covers their colors. For most persons, the idea of ‘fashion’ such as we know it today, doesn’t exist. As long as garments are functional, it’s much the same for everyone. At court, especially a royal court, it's different. Nobility in a court dresses according to the colors and choices of the most senior lord and lady, possibly swayed by an acknowledged dilettante. The colors chosen by others are a clear signal of open alliances, but must be considered in addition to body language, expressions, or gossip in a court. Medieval courts are rife with intrigue and deception. Readers of the Dragonshadowed series will be familiar with clothing choices made by the main characters throughout the initial novels. Future novels, starting with ‘Dragon Hall’ will pick up and expand upon this theme, to be further embellished in scenes within Books 8 and 9 – Dragon Court. I trust—with thanks—that you’ll be with me to follow the adventures of Tamsin, Gyrfalcon and their friends as I’m able to release future novels and novellas. I promise you’re in for quite a ride! Accompanying photo from pixabay.com: medieval-3061978_1280. Used without commercial intent.
