Bathing

Bathing in the Alliance

Alliance society may like to bathe more than one might expect. However, this is not always an easy process. Rich people do their own bathing at home, most likely in their bedroom, as 'bath' rooms are not common. Bathing is done in large, wooden tubs, sometimes with a linen cloth laid in it to protect the bather from splinters. Alliance castle residents use water heated from the fire in the great hall. In good weather, the tub might be placed out in the garden. Lords often employ a person whose sole responsibility is preparing baths for the family. This person often travels with the family.

In areas or seasons where linen is worn more commonly than wool, bathing tends to be less frequent. The reason for this is the idea in some Alliance societies that a person's appearance reflects their personal or social status. Linen clothing is much easier to clean and maintain than wool. Clean linen shirts or blouses allow people who haven't bathed to appear clean and well groomed. The possession of a large quantity of clean linen clothing is a sign of social status. Thus, appearance is here more important than personal hygiene.

Hot baths are very popular and most towns have public bathhouses. Wood fires heat the water, but this poses two problems. First, out-of-control fires can consume several blocks of buildings. And as nearby forests are depleted, firewood becomes expensive and the rising costs of heating the water sometimes forces bathhouses to close, if they are unable to relocate.

In some areas, only the very wealthy can afford firewood for hot water in the winter. The rest of the population is forced to be dirty most of the time. Barrels are often used as baths, with entire families sharing the same water.

In areas fortunate enough to have access to Dwarven plumbing methods, large amounts of water can be heated in a central location, and then distributed to homes via the plumbing system.

Those who can afford and have access to magic for cleaning naturally do not have to contend with these issues, but magic use within populated areas comes with its own economic and social issues.