Sumptuary Laws

The Sumptuary Laws, historically passed from 1300 to 1700 A.D., were designed to restrict the import of foreign goods, and, more importantly, to maintain a social class structure by permitting only members of a certain class level and position to wear specific garments, fabrics and styles. For example, at one time, the most important indication of one's status within the upper class was the type of fur that lined the edges of garments. Furs permitted only to the aristocracy included marten, vair, and ermine. In descending social importance order, other furs were otter, fox, beaver, lamb, goat, and wolf. Any commoner wearing restricted materials was subject to harsh punishment.

Another example of a Sumptuary Law is the reservation of the color purple for persons of royalty. Specific purple dyes are made available only to the tailors of the aristocracy.

At the DM's option, sumptuary laws might be created for certain cities, provinces, or countries. Therefore, specific materials may be hard for the adventurer to find for sale in the open market. Such laws will undoubtedly add flavor and color to role-playing and may provide the basis for unusual adventures.

Adventurers traveling from one kingdom to another could easily and unknowingly offend the local aristocracy by wearing a forbidden color or material. Common punishments include a specified term of hard labor, a whipping, or imprisonment. The severity of the punishment varies widely, depending on the kingdom and other factors.

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