Tek-Baan is the capital of a very Rome-like empire that dominates a world. Because of the empire's size, military force has become a large part of it's culture. So, that's all normal. Now the weird part: The Tek-Baanik military has an obsession with skulls.

It works like this: The high commander has the privilege of wearing a helmet made of a dragon skull. This is assuming that he has killed and carved the dragon himself.

Next, officers get to wear the skulls of a large, Ox-like creature. This creature is difficult to kill, and thus the helmet symbolizes the strength of it's wearer.

Average soldiers wear the skulls of smaller animals, generally based on their personal preference.

So, is this a little too weird, or perhaps not original enough?

I think it sounds like a pretty good idea.
The skulls are kind of a symbol of power. The larger the skull, the larger the animal that was killed, and the more respect that person might get.

It's kind of creepy, but I think it's a good idea.
Is Tek-baan an evil city (or an evil military), or does it just have an obsession with skulls?

You do have a point. Skulls normally mean the person is evil, at least in manga. Although they could just be using the skulls as a sort of ranking device, without being evil.

As long as the whole city doesn't have obsession with skulls, I think it would work.

I, personally, like it a lot. I think that it should be a recurring theme, but not so recurring that it becomes clunky (the Veggietales Nineveh fish theme in the architecture and etc. was pretty good). Skill, tact, and craft are necessary, but it is not too hard to do. It sounds like you have the knack for it.

I think that it should be even more prevalent than just the city (to contradict PrincessoftheKing ). I have a preoccupation with wanderers, clans, and creeds, and so I think the skull predominance should be reflected in the followers of the cult/creed of the city (which, of course, you definitely need). These can be recognized as they travel far from their walls by their insignia/emblazon on their hilt, pendant, etc. Make sense?

Tek-Baan is an evil City-State (like Rome), which currently controls most of the known world.

Originally, the thinking behind the idea was that Tek-Baan is the center of the Empire's military hierarchy, and thus the source of large quantities of military stratagem. The plan behind the skulls what that they a) provide incentive for advancement and great deeds (the slaying of large creature) b) provide strong symbolism (Think of the roman eagle and red uniforms) and c) will allow for easy recognition by friend and foe.

The skull, however, cannot be the symbol of the city. The city is considered the center of reason and enlightenment, and therefor would be better represented by something other than a skull. The scholars feel that the skull is fitting for the military force, but not the city as a whole.

The 'cult/creed' of the city is emperor worship, and the worship of reason. Tek-Baan was greatly inspired by Rome, although I do raise some great difference, including the nature of Emperor Baan. I think, therefor, that a better symbol for the city is one that represents the emperor.

That sounds better. Just needed some clarification.

I like it. It's rather creepy - but in a good kind of way .

Very fascinating, I love it. I think the skulls are a great symbol for an military which stands for death and decay (provided I read it right). I think this sounds very creative, in a good sort of way.

Interesting, very interesting. Perhaps a punishment and insult could be the destruction of the skull worn?

Maybe, since the military is obviously stronger than the scholars in the culture, maybe they could 'force' the skull onto the city's emblem...like maybe a skull with a feather pen through one eye or something. Or maybe the military could themselves be great scholars and put the 'scholar' mark on the emblem independently, without pressure from the scholars since they themselves are scholars. I don't know.

eruheran

I'd be interested in learning their tactics and strategies.

Actually, it's the scholarly nature of the city that causes the military to choose the symbol of the skull.

You see, the scholars understood that a military needs to things above all else to prosper: a central symbol around which they could unite, and a demoralized enemy. The skull is a help in both departments. Nothing is more appropriate than a skull, it's fearsome, and it's simple.

That makes sense now.

eruheran