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Old 05-06-2021, 06:39 AM   #678
jason taylor
 
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Default Re: 'Imperial Culture' (non-canonista)

Spacers carry a whole variety of arms for the purpose of self-defense on leave or holding their own in a brawl; these usually lean toward the less lethal to make it easier to negotiate with constabulary.

Aslan often find Fierahs useful for this as do others who trade with them. They have an old tradition and can have soft weights tied to them to "pack" a blow (actual hard weights like metal are not put in except when a deadly fight is anticipated).

One noticeable one is often associated with Reconciliationist spacers (adherents to the merger of the Latin and Greek Churches of Terra in the Great Compromise of the Second Empire Period). This is the "Maurice". It is essentially a Kara but marked to distinguish the religion of it's bearer. It bears the image of Maurice, the soldier-saint which is considered more appropriate for bellicose purposes than a Crucifix or Ichthys sign. Some models are made in animal hide or plastic for the purpose as again the original metal might cause more damage than is diplomatic. Other religions have similar traditions for this including Jews, Parsis, Maar Zon, etc; and the Sikh's who made it popular wear it plain or with the symbol of their religion. The popularity of the Maurice stems from the fact that it can be used both as a bracelet and a weapon.

A popular and simple one is a knotted rope. Some combine it with a cloak or similar tool for parrying.

Another one well known is a scrimshaw sap or nightstick. These can be carved out of raw faux-scrimshaw plastic or out of genuine animal bone or similar material as per the tradition. Some spacers actually use Kudy Horn for this and the lower grade of such is within reach of a common spacer if he has enough money.

A spacer's personal arms are a necessary part of his kit if he expects to go into port. Many are lovingly cared for with fine decoration and personal names. In some cultures handed down through families like many other spacer tools.

Hint: This was inspired by a photo I saw of a scrimshaw club at a museum inventory.
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Last edited by jason taylor; 05-28-2023 at 02:19 PM.
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