Scholar's Robes

The garment that would become recognized as the Scholar’s Robes began as a staple piece of attire worn in Afallon, especially by the Desertfolk who were not allowed in the Cabalite’s cities or Oases. It began in the distant past as pelts of wool worn around the shoulders like a shawl, until different desert tribes came up with the designs to spin the wool finer, and sew the fabric into the simple yet effective shape. More often than not, the wool would be dyed a darker color to absorb the heat better, but just as often it would be left the off-white or beige color that is typical for Desert Yaks, the primary wool creating creature for the Desertfolk.

Shortly post-Three Kingdoms Alliance, the Cabal placed a greater emphasis on missions and expansion, and so the Cabalites took the concept of the robes and incorporated it into the common garb and social image. While it was treated as the Cabalites invention at first, modern days and reparations for the Desertfolk have brought its true origins to light, although it’s far from the biggest issue for the oft maligned culture.

The concept of using color and accessories to denote status and patron didn’t show up until the dawn of the Eternal Era. Before, a wandering Seer would typically have some manner of holy item visible on their person, but as the Sect of Humility rose in popularity among the wandering population, ostentatious symbols, staves, or holy books were seen as gauche and unnecessary, on top of providing greater risk of drawing the attention of opportunistic raiders.

Back then, the color would be marked with a sash or piece of ribbon tied around the waist, head, or limbs, and a symbol of a particular deity sewn or painted onto the back of the robe. This eventually turned into the robes being dyed entirely, or having sections such as along the sleeves or down the back being dyed the relevant color, with a small holy symbol being sewn into the breast of the outfit.

In the modern day, while the use of color and design of the robe can vary for an individual Cabalite, many prefer the standard styles, especially when they’re just beginning their journey in the faith,

While the robe itself has gained several meanings to the Cabal of the Night Sky, mainly a symbolic protection from harm and the evils of the world, the way the Scholar’s Robes are designed can also denote something about the wearer, outside of the color and adornment.

If the sleeves are long and wide, enough to cover the hands, then it might belong to a spellcaster who wants to keep their movements hidden. If the sleeves taper in instead of billowing out, then the wearer is likely someone who uses weaponry or hands-on devices, and don’t want the fabric getting in their way. If the robe doesn’t go to their feet, or has cuts towards the bottom, then it most likely belongs to a scout or someone who needs to move quickly. Other options and styles exist, but those are noticeable trends in design for certain groups of Seers.

For some people, the Scholar’s Robes take on another piece of significance, not always in a positive way. It’s a symbol of what the elitist culture of the Cabal and the Scholarly Afallonians have taken and appropriated from the same Desertfolk they deride and oppress, even though they are all children of the sands of Afallon at the end of the day, and require the same things to survive.