Men are somewhat expected to be proficient at physically demanding jobs and
skilled manual labour. They are overrepresented among builders, artisans,
attrapulsers, and Veil and Sky. As fathers, men are generally expected to
educate the children in academic, vocational and social skills. Men are
expected to maintain and fix things, especially buildings. Broadly, men are
somewhat expected to act as social peacekeepers and mediators. People in need
of equipment or repairs often find it reassuring to have a male artisan or
pulser.
Fashion
Long hair, usually in a ponytail or single braid. Can be very long, sometimes
bound with metal rings. Beards are common. Most men wear close fitting shirts
and a below-the-knee, pleated kilt, worn with a belt, and sometimes a leather
apron. Long, thick overcoats and thick socks or stockings are normal in cold
weather.
Large, thick belts with elaborate buckles are associated with craftmanship, and
many men pride themselves on having made their own belt buckles with rare or
valuable materials. Work or craft tools worn on the belt are associated with
masculinity. Heavy boots are associated with manual labour and have been
elevated to a masculine signifier in general fashion.
Women are somewhat expected to be organised and capable of directing a group of
people. They are overrepresented in administration and Citizen’s Union
positions, mixers, and doctors. As mothers, women are generally expected to
care for the physical health of the children, including diet and medical care.
Because medicine is primarily based in alchemy, mixing is associated with
motherhood (except in university research where it’s considered academic), and
there is a stereotype of older women knowing secret recipes and clever mixing
tricks to cure obscure ailments. People in need of medical attention often find
it reassuring to have a female doctor or mixer.
Fashion
Long hair, usually worn free at about shoulder length. Trousers are associated
with femininity and worn as pleated slacks with a crease, or tight-fit
stockings made of breathable fabric. Shirts are often puffy or frilly blouses,
worn under a long waistcoat that reaches below the hips. In cold weather, big
fluffy jumpers with tails and thick stockings are normal.
Scarves worn with one end wrapped and one end hanging long are associated with
leadership and are common for women in positions of authority or
administration. Shoes are usually colourful flats with decorative embroidery or
textures.
Young women will often decorate each other’s shoes as a bonding activity, and
finely decorated shoes are a signifier that one has a lot of friends. Decorated
shoes are worn with pride even well into adulthood. Popular styles involve
intricate embroidery with curling, organic filigree and floral motifs.