Soldier's Gorget

Simple Design, Great Protection

Epic Armoury’s Soldier Gorget is designed to sit around the neck, providing protection to the thorax and shoulders. Handmade and molded to sit comfortably on the shoulders, this gorget offers some of the best protection for the battlefield without being overly ornate. This design makes for a practical look, easily transferred between multiple costumes or to fit a simple medieval soldier.

The Soldier’s Gorget is made from two pieces, one side secured with a bolt and the other closed with an adjustable leather strap. Attach it to your gambeson by threading canvas ties through the leather shoulder plates. With regular leather and metal care you can expect this quality made armour to last for a long time!

Inspired by Renaissance History

• Also referred to as a gorget, which means throat
• Early versions were typically worn under the breastplate and backplate to support the weight of the heavier plate armour
• Later versions were larger and designed to be worn over clothing

There is a price to pay for armour. Armour protects your precious body - your one and only - but it has great weight and great material cost. No normal person can afford the blacksmith when desiring a suit of full plate. Thankfully, while your pocket is not deep, your skills are many.

You wear your minimal Soldier Belt Shields when you fight, because it doesn’t weigh you down. You are faster than your opponents...but also not so dumb as to go into a fight completely unprotected.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Soldier Belt Shields are two plates designed to protect the thighs. These rolled edge steel plates hang from your own belt to cover the outer thighs, sliding into place using brown leather loops securely fastened with rivets. Each plate is 25cm long and 21cm wide, with two 24cm folded leather loops.

The Soldier Belt Shields armour features a curved edge and overlapping welded plates, influenced by the look of classic tassets that can be paired with a multitude of styles. This armour does not require assistance to equip, because it is very easy to put on and take off. Made of 1 mm thick galvanized mild steel and top-grain leather straps and fittings, this armour piece is built to withstand the abuse of a LARP or reenactment with regular leather and metal armour care.

HISTORY

• Plate armour became more popular as firearm technology became more prevalent during the 13th century
• Historically designed with sculpted ridges and overlapping plates to provide reinforced protection and to deflect attacks on a chaotic battlefield

N.B.: Gorget / mounting point sold separately 

There isn’t time to slow down. The life of a fighter is fast. You move fast, fight fast, and even stand fast. It is also usually true that fighters are quick to fall. The battlefield is a place of chaos and violence, and you cannot afford to be held back by your armour--or this fight will be your last.

You wear your Soldier armour because it is practical and sturdy. Your Soldier Shoulders has taken numerous hits and never failed you. So, no matter the speed and the insanity, you can keep pace with the best of them.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Soldier Shoulder is a set of two shoulder guards with spaulders and pauldrons. The spaulder is made from a single plate, shaped to provide protection to the upper arm. The large pauldrons are also made from one plate, curved to sit over the shoulders and overlap the breastplate. This design offers more protection to the otherwise vulnerable armpit. The shoulderplates are fastened with leather straps around the biceps and at the shoulder, tying to a breast- and backplate with an adjustable leather shoulder piece. Epic Armoury breast- and backplates can be purchased separately and have fittings for mounting the shoulders.

The Soldiers Shoulder has a neutral and simple style that easily matches other Epic Armoury metal products, giving you the freedom to customize your character’s costume. Made of 1 mm thick mild steel and chrome leather straps and fittings, this armour piece is built to withstand the abuse of a LARP or reenactment with regular leather and metal armour care.

HISTORY

• Historically designed with sculpted ridges and overlapping plates to provide reinforced protection and to deflect attacks on a chaotic battlefield
• Plate armour became more popular as firearm technology became more prevalent during the 13th century

One, Two, Buckle my Arm;

Three, Four, Protect me from Harm;

Practical Protection for the Arms

Epic Armoury’s Soldier Arm Protection is a complete set of vambraces, rerebraces, and elbow cups. Designed to protect the outside of the entire arm, this handmade armour is made from 1mm steel and connected by chrome leather straps and strong rivets. The elbow cups--also known as couters--protect the elbow joint thanks to its rounded shape and reinforced ridges. The inside of the elbow features a cupped flange to deflect blows. The upper arm is protected by the half-rerebrace, while the lower arm is protected by the vambrace.

The Soldier’s Arm Protection has rolled edges that form ridges around the rims. Three chrome leather straps are used to secure the armour to your arm, and the top of the rerebrace is attached to the gambeson using canvas ties through a leather plate. With regular leather and metal care you can expect this quality made armour to last for a long time!

Inspired by Renaissance History

• 15th- and 16th-century European plate armour was attached to gambesons using arming points, which are utilized in this product’s design
• Plate armour became more popular as firearm technology became more prevalent during the 13th century
• The elbow cup is referred to as a couter or an elbow cop

You look upon your leading officer as he makes his way down the line of your fellow soldiers. Your fate and the fate of your entire unit is dependent on this veteran’s word, and you find yourself relieved not to shoulder such a heavy burden.

“We must fight!” your officer shouts for all to hear. You adjust your Soldier Armour, double checking the buckles as you listen to him continue. “For our homes and for our families, we will fight until we can fight no more!” With a resounding cheer, your fellow soldiers ready themselves for the charge. You withdraw your weapon, swallowing back your fear.

The battle has begun.

DETAILS

The bestselling Epic Armoury Soldier Armour is a handsome leather cuirass designed to protect the whole torso. Secure this armour tight over the chest and abdomen using four sturdy leather straps and brass buckles, with further adjustments available along the flanks by tightening strong leather cords for a perfect fit.

This cuirass is crafted to be especially hardy by stitching overlapping full-grain leather secured with shiny brass studs. At the neck, an additional leather plate serves as a gorget. Along the rims of the armour, the edges are bound with flattened leather cords. The effect is a solid piece of armour with lines suggesting a slim waist and broad shoulders.

Epic Armoury's Soldier Armour is compatible with all other Epic Armoury leathers and metal works, and is designed to fit various character types.

HISTORY

• Historically looked down upon as a form of armor
• Finely crafted leather cuirasses were often worn by high-ranking officers and officials, including several Roman Emperors

On the tenth night of the siege, the attackers revealed their true colours. Until now, they had attacked only in small skirmishes, climbing walls at various points to test the defenders' numbers and to spot any weakness. But on that fateful night, they unleashed a full-scale assault, showing to the castle inhabitants that they had colluded with a goblin horde to flesh out their army before the attack. Using goblin mercenaries was a clear sign of infamy, for the nasty little creatures were known cannibals, and thus would often deny an honourable surrender to the defenders. By hiring them, the attackers were aiming for a quick victory, the monster providing a clear numerical advantage, and the useful capacity to climb stone walls without any siege equipment. However, their plan backfired horribly.

At the first sight of the goblins, panic quickly spread among the denizens of Castle Valdemar. Everyone knew such a horde meant assured death for them all... if they managed to take the castle. As the walls were getting overwhelmed and breached at many points by the green tide, a mismatched troop of stalwart defenders emerged from the lord's armoury, clad in ill-sized armors and wielding mass-produced swords meant for levied troops. They were blacksmiths, stonemasons, apprentices, stable boys, maids, even scribes. Many had seen too many seasons, or too few, but spurred on by desperation, the brave mob swarmed across the wavering defences, helping the struggling guards and knights fend off the attack. By the next morning, the humiliated goblin horde, untrustworthy at their best, had abandoned the enemy camp, leaving with all their employer's supplies in the process. The siege was over. won by the valiant effort of those who picked up a sword and fought for survival.

The soldier sword is a versatile weapon that can suit a large array of fantasy characters in LARP. Its classic medieval design makes it a great choice for a first purchase, as it can be used for many themes, but its dark color can also make it a good pick for more sinister concepts. This longsword will be best used for more humble characters in low fantasy LARP settings, such as guards, men-at-arms, mercenaries, or simple infantrymen. Its dark color can also make it a suitable weapon for dark elves, demons, and undead characters.

As with all of Athena products, this model includes:

• A soft and robust reinforced point designed for the estoc;
• A solid structure ready to parry
• A counterweight in the handle for unparalleled maneuverability;
• A 2 year warranty 
• LATEX-FREE and waterproof varnish
• Safe foam fake weapon designed for LARP combat, cosplay, theater and film.

 Product may differ slightly from the selected image.

The Athena line, from Nemesis Workshops, is a mass produced line of high quality LARP weapons.

Athena is a new thermoforming manufacturing process that we have developed in order to offer high quality products at the cutting edge of technology. 

Thanks to this new process, Nemesis has taken the quality of their products to a higher level. Safer due to reinforced tips, durable due to quality materials and foam fusion during thermoforming, incredible balance due to the weighting system in the handles, flawless blades due to high precision molds, and daggers ready to parry due to a more robust fiberglass rod.

The Soldier Chainmail is made of 1mm mild steel linked chain rings. For the riveted version, please see the Royal Soldier Chainmail design.

Epic Armoury metal works products should be treated with a wax or quality acid-free vegetable oil and kept in dry storage. Metal armour containing leather parts would needs a separate maintenance for the leather. Please read the "Leather Straps and Fittings" section below for leather cleaning and maintenance using leather-care products.

Degreasing and preparing your armour for use

When you open your armour, you may be overwhelmed by the smell of grease and oil. The oil has been applied to protect your armour during storage and transport. Use a degreasing product or mineral spirits and a dry cloth or paper towels to remove all the oil from your plate armour parts. Chainmail is a bit harder to remove all the oil from the links, but it can be done in much the same way. Wipe off as much as you can with a dry cloth, and with the remaining oil, you can remove the grease from the chainmail with mineral spirits or another solvent by spraying it on the links. You can also choose to fully submerge your chainmail in a degreasing product and use your hands to agitate the metal in the solution, this will completely remove all oil and grease from your links. After removal of the oil, make sure to dry your armour thoroughly. Strong, warm sunlight is great for drying your armour, but you can also use a hairdryer or a heat gun to speed up the process. Be careful not to overheat any leather parts when using a heat gun.

Cleaning

Moisture is the enemy of armour and chainmail. If your armour does get wet, it is important that you dry it thoroughly as soon as possible. After handling, wearing, or after six months of storage or display, all metal should be wiped with a clean cloth. Lightly oil the clean surface with a quality acid-free vegetable oil. Alternatively, you can apply a coating of wax to the entire surface of the exposed metal. Allow the wax to dry for a couple of hours and then buff it lightly with a soft cloth.

Rust-Prevention and Removal

Store your armour is a dry place and check it every couple of months for signs of rust. If any is found, remove it by gently rubbing the affected spot with a mildly abrasive pad dipped in wax or quality acid-free vegetable oil. Epic Dark products are specially treated to resist rust, but should still be treated with oil and kept in dry storage.

Leather Straps and Fittings

Clean by removing dirt with a hard brush, then gently rub on leather soap with a clean, damp cloth until the leather appears clean. Remove soap with a separate damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue and then use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining water from the leather.

You should always condition leather after cleaning, since the soap will have removed some of its natural oils. Treat the leather with mink oil, olive oil, or beeswax polish with a clean cloth, gently rubbing a small amount of oil or polish in circles into the leather. Allow the leather to soak in the oil before wiping the leather with a final clean cloth to remove any excess residue.

The "Mina" line was made as an armour for women, drawing from historical and fantasy sources for inspiration.
The gorget is, just like the entire "Mina" series, built similary to the "Balthasar" series: decorations with rivets along the edge beading are a returning design element in both armours. Both armour series can easily be combined with each other. A slim built and swung lines provide a delicate shape to this gorget. It does not overlap with the chest plate or spaulders, so that you can use the space for creative costume pieces. It also offers more movability to this area. The gorget is being closed with a brass pin and a leather strap.

Our "Lena" armour series was especially designed for warrior princesses and shield maidens alike. We distanced from historical patterns and steped closer to a rather fantastic shape. The outcome was a not only a long awaited womens armour, but also a costume set of in the form of a worthy armour set. Be it an Amazone, a warrior princess or an exalted priestess - all of them are possible by combining the armour with the right clothing pieces...
Only your imagination limits the possibilities.

The "Lena" series gorget appears smaller and more delicate than most other plate metal gorgets. despite of this, it works just as good as a plate spaulder carrier with the two buckle/straps on the sides. It is being closed with a simple strap and can be closed by the wearer when fully armed.
You can wear all our spaulders from all series in combination with this gorget.
Younger heroes, kids and smaller persons can wear this gorget in a combination with the small spaulders from the "Adam", "Balthasar" and "Markward" series.

If your costume creation allows a padded gorget - we suggest to wear padding underneath all metal armour pieces, as this prevents bruises and scratches when being armed.

This small gorget was designed for young heroes and ladies - bigger necks will have difficulties fitting in there.

The gorget is being closed with a buckle on the right shoulder and opened on the left one. It is made with a short "turtle neck", having a completly different appearance as any other gorget on the market. There are no fixpoints for spaulders attached on this gorget.

The gorget of our “Lambert” series stands out through its curved shape. A flexibly mounted neck segment allows comfortably adjusting the size of the neck cutout. That means you can make sure the gorget won’t fit uncomfortable or chafe your skin. Additionally, the two-part gorget was joined movably in the nape area, which also contributes to a significantly increased wearing comfort. The gorget “Lambert” is a great choice for all wearers of armour that value functionality and wearing comfort.

We recommend wearing a gambeson jacket or padded collar underneath the gorget to avoid bruises and abrasions.

Material: steel, leather
Width: 40cm
Weight: approx. 1kg

Material: steel, leather
Width: 40cm
Weight: approx. 1kg

SAVE YOUR NECK!

The mercenary roared in pain as my rapier found a weak spot in his armour. In a last effort of fearful rage, he drew his rondel dagger and made a forceful thrust. In a fraction of the following moment, I felt the blade sing as my gorget reflected the blade. A scratched armour is better than a fatal wound, I thought, as the fight continued.

The Captain Gorget is a minor but essential armour piece, available in glorious Polished Steel and grim Epic Dark. It is fitted with strings designed to attach the Captain Pauldrons or other tie-on armour shoulder pieces. The Captain Gorget is part of the Captain Armour Complete Set and is intended to pair with the Captain Cuirass, Captain Pauldrons, Captain Arm Protection, Captain Belt Shields and Captain Greaves.

Your squire buckles the straps of your custom-fit Gothic Armour, adjusting it to be comfortable and snug over your gambeson. You paid top coin for this suit of plate, and you expect people will be impressed when they see how it shines on the battlefield.

Your blacksmith assured you that the Gothic Armour design was the latest in technology, able to withstand and deflect attacks--even arrows from the enemy’s bows. You are a mighty warrior, indeed, to be the owner of such fine craftsmanship. A fitting symbol of your godly-given status.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Gothic Gorget & Shoulders is fully articulated and designed to provide protection for the throat, neck and shoulders while minimizing the exposure of weak-spots. The armour is a four-piece set: a two piece gorget and two shoulders. The gorget covers the thorax to the sternum and is furnished with several ridges and two large octagonal besagues (round metal shields) to protect the notoriously under-armoured armpits from arrow-strikes. The two parts are fitted together with vegetable tanned top-grain leather straps. The gorget also provides fastenings for the shoulders. The shoulders are composed of articulated spaulders covering the shoulder-joint and upper arms, reinforced with large pauldrons sculpted to look like dragon’s wings to further protect the armpits. The shoulder plates are strapped on at the gorget and around the upper arms.

The Gothic Arm Protection is made from mild steel with rolled edges that form ridges around the rims. The design is historically inspired by the renaissance, but the style and functionality is fully interchangeable with other Epic Armoury armours, allowing freedom to combine armours and customize a character’s looks to fit your needs.

HISTORY

• Gothic style historically developed in the 1420-1440s thanks to technological advances
• Characterized by the curves, flutes and ridges, which strengthened the armour and deflected projectiles

Intimidation. It’s your main form of weaponry while facing the heroes, because it gives you full control. When your enemies fear you, they are more likely to make fatal mistakes.

Your Dark Drake Armour is as dark as your intentions, hardened by the evil magic your subjects provide. As you withdraw your sword, sizing up the quivering soldier who feels brave enough to stand against you, you begin to laugh. This will be a very brief fight--if you can even call it that. The little man looks barely strong enough to hold up his hammer.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Neck Plate Dark Drake is a gorget designed to sit around the neck and give additional protection to the vitals of throat and thorax. An elongated front piece and shorter back piece are decorated with rivets, and can be attached to a breast and backplate using its sturdy top-grain leather straps. Although the armour is designed to match Epic Armoury’s ‘Dark Drake’ set, it is fully interchangeable with other Epic Armoury armours in order to fully customize your character’s look.

Secure the Neck Plate Dark Drake by tightening the leather straps across the shoulders, adjusting so that the armour sits comfortably around the neck. Made of 1 mm thick galvanized mild steel and top-grain leather straps and fittings, this armour piece is built to withstand the abuse of a LARP or reenactment with regular leather and metal armour care.

HISTORY

• Also referred to as a gorget, which means throat
• Early versions were typically worn under the breastplate and backplate to support the weight of the heavier plate armour
• Later versions were larger and designed to be worn over clothing

You look upon your leading officer as he makes his way down the line of your fellow soldiers. Your fate and the fate of your entire unit is dependent on this veteran’s word, and you find yourself relieved not to shoulder such a heavy burden.

“We must fight!” your officer shouts for all to hear. You adjust your Neck Plate Warrior armour, double checking the buckles as you listen to him continue. “For our homes and for our families, we will fight until we can fight no more!” With a resounding cheer, your fellow soldiers ready themselves for the charge. You withdraw your weapon, eager and afraid all at once.

The battle has begun.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Neck Plate Warrior is a gorget designed to sit around the neck and give additional protection to the throat. An elongated front piece and shorter back piece are decorated with rivets, and can be attached to shoulderguards using sturdy top-grain leather straps. Although the armour is designed to match Epic Armoury’s ‘Warrior’ set, it is fully interchangeable with other Epic Armoury armours in order to fully customize your character’s look.

Secure the Neck Plate Warrior by tightening the leather straps across the shoulders, adjusting so that the armour sits comfortably around the neck. Made of 1 mm thick mild steel and top-grain leather straps and fittings, this armour piece is built to withstand the abuse of a LARP or historical reenactment with regular leather and metal armour care.

HISTORY

• Also referred to as a gorget, which means throat
• Early versions during medieval times were typically worn under the breastplate and backplate to support the weight of the heavier plate armour
• Later versions were larger and designed to be worn over clothing