Synthetic Armour: Armed for the Future

Polyurethane Armour for LARP and Cosplay by Red Dragon

Let’s face it, when it comes to historical armour, few things offer greater protection than steel. The downsides of weight, inflexibility and the need for constant maintenance to protect against rust are more than offset by the superb protective qualities that it offers. However, in this day and age, unless you are on the re-enactment or SCA battlefield, you simply don’t need this level of protection that steel affords. The 21st century has seen many advances in plastic technology and these materials have now made their debut upon the world of historical armour.

To the eye, our range of polyurethane armours are near indistinguishable from their metallic counterparts. They are however much more comfortable to wear and can be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The flexible nature of this armour means that it can bend to the contours of your body in a way that rigid steel will not. Each part is typically a quarter of the weight of their steel equivalent, allowing for faster movement with less fatigue. Each piece is hand-painted with a durable acrylic finish and is detailed to look as realistic as possible. The maintenance-free finish will not rust like steel and can be worn in all weathers. Adjustable leather straps and the flexible nature of the armour allow it to be comfortably worn by most people.

Its versatile nature makes it perfect for a variety of uses such as LARP, cosplay, theatre, medieval banquets and weddings.

Bronze Hoplite

The Hoplites were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greece. The name Hoplite comes from the shield they used as soldiers. They were mainly free citizens such as farmers and artisans, as they were the only ones able to afford armour. Despite their limited military training, they made up the bulk of Ancient Greek armies. The use of the phalanx formation made them effective in battle even with fewer soldiers.

Upper-class Hoplites wore full bronze armour including cuirass, helmet, greaves and other pieces. This armour could weigh up to 32kg. They were also equipped with spears and shields. Equipment was often passed down through families due to the cost of manufacture.

Our Hoplite armour reflects that of the upper class, with full bronze armour and a Corinthian-style helmet, the first standardised style used by Hoplite armies.

Knight Errant

A Knight Errant refers to a figure in medieval chivalric literature who wanders the land seeking adventure to prove their virtue. The word “errant” means to wander or roam. These characters are driven by a desire to right wrongs and demonstrate their worth.

The concept appeared in literature during the late 12th century, with the term itself becoming common in the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Our Knight Errant armour reflects that of a typical medieval knight, featuring a sallet helmet and a simple metallic finish.

Huscarl

A Huscarl, or Housecarl, meaning “houseman”, was a household troop serving a Scandinavian lord or king, similar to a modern bodyguard.

These elite warriors also served in the English military. They were established by Canute the Great in the early 11th century and formed his personal army.

Each Huscarl was required to provide their own equipment, including a mail shirt, conical helmet, shield, sword, spear and axe. This meant they were typically wealthy individuals. Their weapons were often decorated with gold, symbolising their elite status.

Our LARP armour reflects this heritage with gold detailing and a traditional Anglo-Saxon nasal helm.

Dark Sentinel

The Dark Sentinel armour is inspired by medieval knight armour but based on a fictional character. The Dark Sentinel stands watch as midnight approaches, ready to face the terrors of the night. His armour is darkened to prevent reflection.

Unlike the Knight Errant, the Dark Sentinel does not seek adventure but waits for danger to come to him. This character exists not in fairytales but in darker, more ominous settings.

Dragon Slayer

They say there is a fine line between bravery and insanity. The Dragon Slayer embodies both. Completely fearless, he faces dangers that would terrify most warriors.

His armour, crafted in a forgotten age, combines steel and dragon skin, adorned with skull talismans said to bring good fortune in battle.

Citadel Guardian

Only a distinguished veteran, proven through countless battles, can earn a place among the elite Citadel Guard. Should the walls fall, these warriors stand as the final line of defence.

They wear the finest plate armour, forged by imperial smiths to protect them from the many dangers they face.

Horse Lord

The Horse Lord seeks neither wealth nor power. He lives for the glory or death that awaits him in battle. Riding alongside his brethren, their charge overwhelms all in their path.

His armour, crafted from a combination of steel and leather, is light yet durable and has remained unchanged through generations.

Adorn yourself with the armour of the future.