Fantasy Medieval Armour

What kind of armour is available in fantasy medieval worlds? Can this armour benefit your character style? Here is a handy guide on the types and styles of armour. Some armour options are available in the Blacksmith who is working hard on increasing their stock.

There are 4 main types of armour that feature in medieval stories. Light, Medium and Heavy focus on the armour quality and weight. The 4th category would be Robes or no armour.

• Light Armour is largely designed for movement with minor protection. It will protect from blunt damage but excessive force will likely pierce light armour. Majority of light armour is leather made though more rustic, cheaper varieties can be crafted from animal fur. Expensive varieties may be embellished with studs, brooches or embroidery. Light armour benefits archers, assassins, thieves and agile fighters. It makes the least noise when moving and allows for more fluid motions.
• Medium Armour is mildly heavier, usually combining elements of light and heavy armour. A leather armour over chain mail is a strong example of medium armour. The chains add extra protection against attack while movement is not entirely hindered. Medium armour is often more affordable to craft and used en masse in armies.
• Heavy Armour is focused on protection over movement. The armour is made primarily from metals like iron and steel which can weigh down the wearer. The metal can be crafted in plate, scale or chain styles. Heavy armour wearers need decent physical strength to wear it without being entirely encumbered by the weight. It is a typical armour for greatsword wielders or shield defence. Most heavy armour is quite noisy and not ideal for situations of stealth and dexterity.
• No Armour / Robes are the primary "armour" for magic users. Magic usually benefits from a lack of armour, allowing the body to move as freely as possible. Many magic users learn Abjuration, the ability to magically coat oneself in armour or conjure shields.

In many fantasy medieval worlds, it is common to feature weapons or armour unique to that world. Quite often they create one or two prized minerals that are rare to come by. These minerals become a foundation for stronger armour and weapons or the only item that can truly defeat the enemy of the story.

• Elder Scrolls - The Elder Scrolls video games are notorious for inventing minerals for their armours. Some use real world stones and other materials that wouldn’t typically make a useful armour piece. Malachite, Moonstone and Ebony are some very notable ores found in the world. These create Glass, Elven and Ebony armour. Ebony is one of the strongest armours in the game, but in the real world, Ebony is a type of wood. Some armour types are crafted from magical creatures like dragons, or gifted by otherworldly beings.
• A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) - Valyrian Steel is a specialised blacksmithing craft in the popular book and tv series. It was once forged for weapons (and possibly armour) back in the days of the Valyrian Freehold. The art was largely lost, suspected to be forged via dragonfire and magic. An additional material found in the series was dragonglass. Both materials were the only known weapons capable of vanquishing White Walkers.
• Black Desert - As with many medieval video games, Black Desert features base materials like iron and steel and simple armour. Growing in strength and funds, one can acquire unique armour usually from otherworldly and ancient materials. A highly prized armour are Blackstar and Fallen God. Blackstar armour is imbued with ancient magic of Ator. Fallen God armour stems from the defeated god once trapped within the Blackstar.
• Dungeons and Dragons - The tabletop game largely doesn't detail unique materials for armour but it's certain that rare and legendary armours do exist, often enchanted with powerful buffs for characters of specific classes. There are armours that boost strength, stealth, melee combat, weaponless combat, and magic qualities for clerics, paladins and druids.
• World of Legends - We are continuously expanding our merchants stock after the Great War. Unique armours such as Asmundis' Crown and Griptide will appear throughout deity events and special occasions.