Look and Feel

Open Palms is firmly alt-history, set in an alternative version of the 1970s. The vibe is urban fantasy, with Cthulu mythos elements and a countercultural feel - long wool overcoats, leather jackets and flower power dresses are all applicable.

We will not be making judgements of historical accuracy, but we do have some guidelines to fit the vibes of the setting:

Inspirations:

Books:

• The Dresden Files
• Skulduggery Pleasant
• Bartimaeus YA series
• The Cthulu Mythos (Limited aspects)
• The Secret World

Fashion Icons

• David Bowie
• Tony Alva
• Tommy Chong
• Lou Reed
• The Ramones
• The Clash

In

For Anyone

By nature, occultism is at least a little bit countercultural; a basic look would be a short sleeved t-shirt and high waisted jeans, ideally with some kind of oversized jacket (leather, bomber, etc.)

A more wealthy or high-class individual might wear business clothing - white shirt, and tie, with a long overcoat to give it a countercultural twist. You can also replace the white shirt with a turtleneck.

For a more extreme counterculture look - goth and punk looks are both popular. Studs, safetypins and black jeans are all appropriate.

Personalisation and accessories are common, particularly leather, metal, and stone. Clothing modification- adding patches, badges, or painting clothing (especially outerwear) with occult symbols, club logos, or other memorabilia meaningful to your character is a good way to add personality.

Splashes of colour, and a strong emphasis on self-expression. David Bowie is in, but so is David Byrne.

By Career

Whilst there is no specific way that anyone in any of the potential careers dresses, all careers are affected by what they do day-to-day. This section is intended to give a baseline, and is not prescriptive.

Scholars

• Turtlenecks, polo shirts, or more formal business wear if desired
• Occult memorabilia should be in easy reach - pockets, belt pouches, or satchels
• Notebooks, small reference books etc. are commonly carried

Officials

• Typically the most mainstream looking - business attire, a clean, pressed, neat look
• Any occult accoutrements are typically subtle or well hidden
• Many officials carry a symbol of their authority - a badge of office for example
• Writs are typically kept in a designated folder, pouch etc, as are easy to reach writing implements

Occultists

• Typically lean towards the more extreme countercultures - more badges, more safety pins
• A more personal, edgy aesthetic - nothing neat, tidy or subtle
• Occult memorabilia should again be in easy reach - lots of pockets, belt pouches, or backpacks
• Occult symbols are typically obvious - they’re free advertising, after all

Wardens

• Functional and durable: leather, denim, canvas, and other thick fabrics.
• Belts, bandoliers, and other storage.
• Iconography more individual, but often iron bars, mechanical parts, and weapons.

By Affiliation

This section is if your character is affiliated with a particular faction or group, and is influenced by their look.

The Ministry

• Suits, ties, pinstripes, and long straight-cut dresses.
• Functional clothing: pockets!
• Iconography of the written word, particularly around the law.

MI-13

• Sunglasses
• Military greens and browns
• Functionality and practicality - hair tied back, no loose hanging sleeves or anything that might impede free movement

The New Hellfire Club

• Gaudy and showy.
• Flares, skirts, colourful tops, and jewellery.
• Iconography of flame, superstition, and luck.

Market Gardeners

• Rougher clothing, homemade and extensively repaired
• Patches and patchwork, with a more eclectic mix of parts
• Iconography of nature, bulldogs, and the Union Flags

The Underground

• Jeans, oversized tshirts
• Caps (modern or more Peaky Blinders style)
• Oversized plaid shirts

Out

• Plastics and mass-manufactured items. (Not everything needs to be homemade! Just avoid anything too ‘polished’.)
• Any use of active real world religious symbols as occult symbols - no use of crosses, khandas or stars of David for occult memorabilia. (Exceptions apply for items worn for OC personal reasons, if in doubt, please ask!)
• OC discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, religious discrimination, etc.) This is an OC welfare rule; we’re not using an IC justification because we don’t want it to be a “feature” of the setting. (IC feuds are still on the cards. You’re allowed to hate Steve because he’s made a deal with a devil; you can’t hate Steve because of where he’s from, unless it’s Hell.)