Pyre Veil

Traditionally worn by mourning widows of the Ember Isles, the Pyre Veil is a type of decorative headpiece with a translucent veil of blackened silk covering a large fraction of the wearer's face.   The accessory is proving extremely popular with the Malvarri nobility at present, and according to the most talented tailors in Malvarron, any-woman who's any-woman needs to be wearing one this banquet season...  

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A decorative showstopper

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  A Pyre Veil is a two-part headpiece featuring a towering asymmetrical fascinator crafted from a variety of luxurious materials, and a half-face covering made from translucent, dark silk.   Worn at swanky balls and banquets in upper Malvarron, the wearer commands attention with the piece's dazzling height and rare ornamental materials forming quite the spectacle. In fact, an unspoken competition is forming at Malvari Court over who can source the most lavish and outlandish Pyre Veil.   Meanwhile, the half-shroud falling delicately across one's face is proving effective at concealing forbidden glances or masking misplaced smirks, making socialising more intriguing in Malvarri high society.   Despite their (ever increasing) height, each headpiece is designed to be as lightweight as possible to avoid neck strain for the wearer. The fascinator is primarily built up in a subtle lattice to allow airflow and prevent overheating during hours of dancing and frivolity.   The piece's balance can be precarious, adding a layer of drama to courtly proceedings. It is extremely important, therefore, to maintain good posture and move with grace to avoid committing a needless faux pas.  

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Expensive materials

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  Decorations used for the Pyre Veil are becoming more and more elaborate, but here is a list of common suggestions for fixing up both your fascinator and veil...  

Lava glass shards

  A rare volcanic crystal found in the Dragonsback Mountains of the Ember Isles, Lava Glass is so-named because of its molten hues of amber, copper and deep indigo. The shards shift under flickering light, offering a dynamic element to the piece.  

Scorched Oyster Shells and Pearls

  The Scorched Oyster consists of luminous, lightweight shells and exquisite rose-gold pearls, all harvested from the searing ocean vents dotted along the Embari shore.   These are difficult to farm as the oysters have to be collected by specialist divers. However, because of the harsh environment, even the most knowledgeable of divers can suffer injuries, and sometimes even death. There have even been cases where the diver's body has been sucked through tiny holes in the vents due to unprecedented pressure shifts. A risky way to make a livelihood, which is why the oysters and their shells are so unbelievably expensive.   The shells are often broken up and formed into patterns for the headpiece but they can also be left whole and arranged ornamentally for that wow-factor.  

Dark gemstones

  Though the type and colour of decorative gemstones used are down to individual choice, gemstones such as black onyx or smouldering opals are always in fashion in Malvarron due to Emperor Lucianno's own personal style. These can be found at any good jeweller in the artisan quarter of any major city.  

Ashfeathers

  Feathers from the Cinder Hawk, a bird native to the Ember Isles. The grey, charcoal and muted silver plumes prove an exquisite addition, adding a touch of drama to the Pyre Veil.  

Beads of precious metal

  Gold, silver, and bronze beads of excellent quality are commonly used to adorn the veil section of the piece, as well as inlays which sculpt the shape of the silken fabric.

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