The Wanderer’s look and feel guide

Overview

Rugged, Wilderness, Adaptable, Independent, Resourceful, Survival, Self-sufficiency

The Wanderers are a diverse and resourceful group of individuals who live outside the boundaries of society, whether by choice or necessity. They are a rugged people, as varied as the landscapes they roam. What unites them is their adaptability and their ability to survive in the wilds of Saxum, living by their wits and the skills they have honed over years of living on the move.

Wanderers come in many forms—Carnival folk who travel from place to place, performing and entertaining; Hobos who travel the railways of Saxum in search of work; Woods-folk who prefer to live off the land away from the government’s rules; and Outlaws who reject the law and live by their own codes. Regardless of their background, all share a common connection to the wilderness and a deep-seated independence.

We also have a Pinterest to give a visual aid to the themes of The Wanderers clothing:

Click Here For Pictures

Materials

Linen, suede, Fur, corduroy and anything else they can get their hands on. Performers and con artists might require finer materials, those that live a rougher life more hard wearing.

Influences

Davy Crockett, Grizzly Adams, Paul Bunyan, Wilderness hunters, Religious cults, Appalachian people, carnival folk, hobos, bandits, moonshiners

Clothing

Clothing among the Wanderers is as diverse as the people themselves but remains practical, durable, and adaptable to the ever-changing environment they live in. Wanderers are not concerned with the latest fashions of the major cities; instead, they dress for survival and comfort. Their clothing is often worn, patched, and tailored for functionality. It reflects the necessity of living in the wilds, where clothes are tools to protect, conceal, and help them get through the harsh elements.

Wanderers tend to wear layered, practical garments suited to the weather conditions they are constantly exposed to. Heavy wool coats or jackets, sometimes reinforced with leather or fur, are common in colder regions. These garments offer warmth and protection while remaining durable. Leather pants or trousers, often worn for added protection against the rough terrain, are a popular choice. They are easy to repair and hold up well under tough conditions.

For Outlaws, clothing often reflects a more rugged, rebellious nature. Their clothes are often worn in a way that suits their need to move quickly and with minimal fuss. They may wear darker clothing, long coats or vests, often decorated with practical embellishments like pockets for weapons or tools. Carnival folk, on the other hand, may display more vibrant colors, especially when performing, yet they still ensure their clothing is tough enough to endure long travels.

Accessories are functional and serve practical purposes. Many Wanderers wear scarves or bandanas, both to keep the dust out and to offer some warmth. Simple leather belts, sometimes with tools or weapons attached, are common. For those who live in more permanent camps or settle in one place for a while, simple jewelry made from natural materials or passed down through generations may also be worn as a symbol of family or tradition.

The overall aesthetic of Wanderer clothing is rugged and well-worn, but it also carries an understated freedom. It may show the marks of a hard life spent moving from one place to another, but that is part of the beauty. Wanderers don’t need to conform to city standards or trends, they wear what they need to survive—and sometimes, what they wear tells the story of the long journey they have undertaken.

Jewellery and Decoration

Jewelry among Wanderers is often minimal and functional, but for some, it is an important part of their identity. The majority of Wanderers favour practicality, but there are those who wear more ornate adornments, often as a symbol of their experiences, travels, or community ties.

For most, jewelry has personal or sentimental value rather than being purely decorative. Beaded necklaces and bracelets made from materials such as bone, wood, stone, or shells are common. These items are often handcrafted and passed down through generations, signifying important life events or milestones. Some Wanderers wear talismans or charms believed to offer protection or bring good fortune, often fashioned from animal teeth, bones, feathers, or pieces of metal and wood.

However, there are those Wanderers who wear a great deal of jewelry. These individuals often adorn themselves with multiple rings, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces, creating a rich display of personal history and pride. The jewelry may be made from a mix of natural materials and salvaged items, such as coins, scrap metal, and beads collected from their travels. The style can be flamboyant, sometimes layered and stacked, forming a visual representation of their individuality and free spirit. For outlaws or those with strong ties to a particular community, jewelry may also function as a marker of identity. Simple rings, pendants, or brooches may signify belonging to a group or serve as a badge of honour earned through acts of rebellion or survival.

While precious metals and gems are rare among Wanderers, the jewelry they wear tells the story of their journey, their connections, and their unique way of life. Whether simple or elaborate, each piece carries personal meaning, often tied to the land, the people, and the freedom that defines the Wanderer lifestyle.

Less Appropriate

While Wanderers have a broad and varied range of clothing styles, there are some representations that should be avoided to ensure a respectful and accurate portrayal of their diverse culture. Stereotypical hillbilly and redneck tropes should not be used. These caricatures often oversimplify or misrepresent the lifestyle of individuals who live outside conventional society. Wanderers, regardless of their background, are hardworking, adaptable people with rich histories, and their clothing should reflect that complexity rather than reduced, simplistic stereotypes.

Another key consideration is the portrayal of hobos. While hobos traveled the railroads in search of work, often facing hardship, it is essential to approach their portrayal with respect. They took pride in their appearance, as their clothing often played a key role in improving their chances of gaining employment. The stereotypical "hobo" imagery of ragged clothing, unkempt beards, and signs of extreme destitution should not dominate. Instead, focus on the practical clothing choices that allowed them to survive and adapt as they traveled, as well as the resilience they embodied.

This is not America, but a made-up world, and depictions of Native American clothing and culture are not appropriate for this setting. By avoiding these inaccurate, disrespectful tropes, you will ensure a more nuanced and genuine portrayal of The Wanderers—one that reflects their strength, resourcefulness, and dignity.

Further Inspiration

While this guide provides a solid foundation for understanding the look and feel of Wanderers, players are encouraged to explore additional sources for more inspiration. Historical references, films, and art can all offer valuable insights into the clothing and culture of individuals who live outside conventional society. The following sources can help develop a more authentic and immersive aesthetic:

• Hoboing in the 1860s – During the 1860s, the rise of railroad travel saw many men and women becoming "hobos"—those who travelled across the country looking for work. Hobos were known for their adaptability, often piecing together mismatched clothes from discarded materials, and maintaining a sense of pride in their appearance to improve their chances of employment. Works like "Riding the Rails" and Hobo Life articles from the period can offer insight into the practical clothing choices of these individuals.
• The Ballad of Little Jo (1993) – This film portrays the life of a woman who adopts the life of a cowboy in the American West, showcasing rugged, practical clothing and survivalism.
• Carnival Folk – The traveling circus and carnival folk of the 19th century were a distinct group, often roaming from town to town. Films like "Water for Elephants" (2011) or "The Greatest Showman" (2017) capture some of the vibrant, eclectic, and sometimes worn-in clothing associated with carnival folk. These individuals often wore layered costumes, some practical, some flamboyant, reflecting both their role in the carnival and their transient lifestyle.
• Bandits and Outlaws – The outlaws and bandits of the era often had a rugged and utilitarian look, with clothing that suited their harsh lifestyle. Movies like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (2007) show bandits dressed in a mixture of practical and stylised clothes, often with an emphasis on freedom and rebellion. Their attire was practical for living in the wild, yet marked by personal flourishes or signs of rebellion against society.
• Snake Oil Salesmen – Snake oil salesmen, those traveling quacks of the 19th century, often had a distinct, showy style, designed to attract attention and appear trustworthy to their gullible audiences. Films like "The Sisters" (1938) and even the character types in "Gangs of New York" (2002) can offer some insight into how a snake oil salesman might dress, blending flamboyance with practical elements to appear both professional and appealing.
• Into the Wild (2007) – A modern take on the nomadic lifestyle, highlighting the resilience of those living off the land with minimal resources.
• The Revenant (2015) – Set in the 1820s frontier, this film provides insight into survivalist clothing in harsh wilderness environments, with layers of fur and practical garments designed to protect from the elements.
• American Civil War Paintings – Several period paintings offer insights into how people on the move might have dressed during the 19th century, from soldiers to civilians and those living in frontier conditions.