What do I need?
When you’re starting out at Stormglow, you don’t need a full medieval costume. For your first few games, all you need is a large, plain (logo-free) t-shirt worn like a tunic, tied at the waist with a belt, along with plain black track pants or loose-fitting pants, and enclosed shoes like boots or sneakers.
This setup is called your soft kit.
After a few weeks, you might want to upgrade your kit with basic medieval-style clothing.
Popular options include a tunic and breeches or a shirt and tabard — the style you choose might depend on the warband you join.
Soft kit can be handmade, bought online, or traded with other players. Second-hand stores are great for finding affordable items like belts, gloves, bags, and other accessories.
A good general rule: if your outfit looks believable from 3 metres away in dim lighting, it’s probably good enough.
Stormglow has a fantasy element too, so feel free to get creative with your look. Talk to other players, browse the internet for ideas, and make your character your own. If you need help putting your kit together, feel free to ask other members or speak with an official.
Joshua Gordon in standard soft kit
Bill Ward posing in full soft kit, armour, weaponry and accessories
Armour
As you develop your character, you can choose whether or not to wear armour.
There are three categories of armour:
Light Armour: Includes padded gambesons or leather that’s at least 4mm thick.
Grants up to 4 HP based on coverage.Medium Armour: Includes steel chainmail, coat of plates, and cuirboilli (boiled leather).
Grants up to 8 HP.Heavy Armour: Includes full steel plate.
Grants up to 13 HP when fully covered.
You can only gain stacked HP on your torso by wearing up to two layers of valid armour, and both layers must be visible and meet the material and coverage requirements. In all other zones, only the highest-rated armour counts.
If you’re unsure about your gear or what counts for HP, speak with the Equipment Desk. They’ll help you get set up correctly and safely.
Weaponry
Choosing a weapon is an important and enjoyable part of playing. There are two main categories:
Hand Weapons: Includes swords, axes, spears, hammers, staves, flails, and more.
Missile Weapons: Includes bows, band weapons (mock firearms or wands), and throwing weapons (e.g. spell balls, daggers).
Damage rules:
3 HP is dealt for torso hits
1 HP for limb hits
Thrown weapons deal 1 HP only if the area hit is not protected by medium or heavy armour
If the hit zone is covered in medium or heavy armour, thrown weapons do no damage
All players must be certified as safe before using any weapon other than a basic sword. This ensures safety for everyone. Certification and training are free and handled by approved trainers.
Remember, we’re here to kill our friends, not hurt them!
Looking to purchase equipment?
Looking to build your kit? Whether you’re after foam weapons, leather armour, or other fantasy gear, below is a list of trusted suppliers to help you get started, you’ll find everything you need to suit up and stand out on the battlefield with the sites below.
Damien Yearbury using a wavy flamberge two-handed sword while also carrying a small hammer belted at his hip