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== Overview ==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Start of the Procession.jpg|align=left|width=600}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=HighGuard.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
The Highborn look is generally practical and restrained. Its beauty is in both the small touches – the geometric trim on the robes, the exquisite jewelry. Colours are deliberately stark and contrasting, and outfits in black and white are commonplace. Many members of a chapter choose to adopt similar garb, with the symbol of their chapter displayed prominently on the chest, shoulders, or at the breast. This is particularly true for Highborn warriors who show their solidarity and loyalty with their fellows by marching into battle decked in identical garb. Of all the nations of the Empire, the Highborn are the most inclined to uniformity, a visible display of their inner commitment to their shared faith and destiny.
'''Regal, confident, righteous, stark, traditional, disciplined, militant, uncompromising.'''<br>
The Highborn look is generally practical and restrained. Its beauty is in the small touches – the geometric trim on the robes, the exquisite jewellery. Colours are deliberately stark and contrasting, and outfits in black and white are commonplace. Many members of a chapter choose to adopt similar garb, with the symbol of their chapter displayed prominently on the chest, shoulders, or at the breast. This is particularly true for Highborn warriors who show their solidarity and loyalty with their fellows by marching into battle decked in identical garb. Of all the nations of the Empire, the Highborn are the most inclined to uniformity, a visible display of their inner commitment to their shared faith and destiny.


== Breakdown ==
Rather than displaying impractical frivolity in the cut of their garments, Highborn show their taste and wealth in jewellery, and the decoration of cloth. Jewelled and embellished trims at the hems of garments are popular, as is the intricate braiding of hair and heavy, elaborate jewellery.
===Influences===
 
''Also see [[Highguard costumes]] and [[Highguard culture and customs#Icons and Artistry|icons and artistry]].''
 
==Breakdown==
<big>'''Influences</big><br>
Gondor, Crusader Knights
Gondor, Crusader Knights
===Materials===
 
Highborn materials are usually processed, such as wool, cotton, silk and velvet. They are typically solid and of the highest quality available as befits the rank of the wearer.
<big>'''Materials</big><br>
===Colours===
Highborn materials are usually processed, such as wool, cotton, silk and velvet. They are typically solid and of the highest quality available as befits the rank of the wearer.
Black with a white contrast is most common but where there is colour, it is likely to be dark - bottle green, charcoal and midnight blue.
 
===Clothing===
<big>'''Colours</big><br>
{{CaptionedImage|file=HighWoman.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
Black with a white contrast is most common but where there is colour, it is likely to be dark - bottle green, red, charcoal and midnight blue - and always set against the contrast of white or cream.
 
==Clothing==
The Highborn dress in simple, practical lines – wearing long, layered robes and tunics in starkly contrasting colours, most often simple layers of black and white or sometimes using black or white as a contrast to different colours. Decorative mosaics and fabrics with complex geometric patterns are popular.
The Highborn dress in simple, practical lines – wearing long, layered robes and tunics in starkly contrasting colours, most often simple layers of black and white or sometimes using black or white as a contrast to different colours. Decorative mosaics and fabrics with complex geometric patterns are popular.


Highborn women may choose to wear a dress rather than a robe. Highguard dresses are constructed along simple but formal lines in dark fabrics. They often have a high neckline or standing collar, lengthwise they always come at least to the ankle.
Some Highborn may choose to wear a dress rather than a robe. Highguard dresses are constructed along simple but formal lines in dark fabrics. They often have a high neckline or standing collar; lengthwise they always come at least to the ankle.


Veils are commonly worn by both sexes both in funeral rites and on other sombre occasions. They set the wearer apart, offering anonymity and a sense of de-personalisation.  They are often worn when distasteful actions have to be undertaken or those associated with a rank or position  
Veils are commonly worn by all genders both in funeral rites and on other sombre occasions. They set the wearer apart, offering anonymity and a sense of de-personalisation.  They are often worn when distasteful actions, or those associated with a rank or position of authority rather than an individual, have to be undertaken
of authority rather than an individual.


Some Highborn, particularly those in authority, wear hoods or cowls, usually in the colours of their chapter.
Some Highborn, particularly those in authority, wear hoods or cowls, usually in the colours of their chapter.
{{CaptionedImage|file=HighGondor.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings|align=left|width=300}}
===Armour===
Highborn armour tends to be full length and layered or segmented. Heavy black leather is common. The Unconquered usually leave their head uncovered, but Cataphracts favour a full helm, ideally decorated with wings. Carved or decorated black vambraces are often worn for additional protection.
===Shields===
Large kite or heater shields are common. They are usually decorated in a uniform design with the chapter emblem in stark contrast.
===Weapons===
Highborn warriors prefer to fight in close formation and prefer weapons suited to this style; short swords, spears and bows.


==Feel==
Highborn costume is elegant and flowing, long layered robes and tunics, dark coloured in starkly contrasting colours, most often simple layers of black and white or sometimes using black or white as a contrast to different colours.  The Highborn are a militant people and this is often reflected in their dress.
Regal, confident, virtuous, formal, sombre, stark, traditional, disciplined, uniform, militant, uncompromising.
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
Weighing Judgement.jpg
Scarred Exarch.jpg
Veil, Shawl and Stole.jpg
Hero Stance Hazel.jpg
Cantiarch's Stride.jpg
Seriously Cenotaph.jpg
Proud Exarch.jpg
Jot That One Down.jpg
Ambassador and Senator.jpg
Asenath.jpg
</gallery>
 
===Cowls & Veils===
Highborn veils are designed to cover the face to conceal the wearers identity and project anonymity. Cowls are a common feature of Highborn costume, especially for the powerful.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Unimpressed and Cowled.jpg
Thoughtful and Cowled.jpg
Morose and Cowled.jpg
Veiled Changeling.jpg
</gallery>
 
===Jewellery===
The Highborn are a people with a manifest destiny, to unite the human nations and lead them to a virtuous future. Their jewellery reflects their heritage: it is refined, elegant and regal. Gold or silver worn on the brow suggests authority.
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
If Looks Could Excommunicate.jpg
Woven Circlet and Runes.jpg
Circlet of Scamp.jpg
Chains of Loyalty.jpg
</gallery>
 
===Priests===
Highborn priests usually dress in white or dark robes with decoration in a stark colour to stand out.
 
A common element of Highborn priestly costume is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stole_(vestment) stole] - a band of cloth worn round the neck and shoulders that hangs down over the front of the body. Commonly these are decorated with a Chapter symbol, and a symbol important to the character's personal faith or [[Bands#Sects|sect]].


==Icons and important Images==
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
The heraldic beast of Highguard is the Basilisk, a crested aquatic lizard. Highguard’s flag is the Basilisk coiled around the Black Bell of the Necropolis. Its eyes are always depicted shut as though asleep – except on the banner of war. It is both a reflection of the Highborn magical and physical might, but also of the fact that even the mightiest Eternals must bow to the will and magic of mortals.  
Jared Pointing at Face.jpg
Shattered Sermon.jpg
Overjoyed Olyvar.jpg
Shattered Stole.jpg
</gallery>


The image of the horse is powerful symbol of Prosperity and Pride.  In honour of their lost steeds, and as reminder of the lesson learned, they have preserved the image as a sobering reminder of the perils of taking blessings for granted.
===Magisters===
Magisters dress in a similar manner to priests, but they are often marked out by their magical accoutrements.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Suns Opening the Gate.jpg
Magical Magister.jpg
Mulling Magister.jpg
</gallery>


Bells are frequently used in Highborn heraldry. Bells also form a key part of decoration, architecture, ceremony and even fashion. Benefactors use the symbol of the unbalanced scales, the upper pannier containing coinage and the lower (heavier) pannier containing some symbol of morality or mankind such as a heart or a skull.
==Weapons and Armour==
===Armour===
Highborn armour tends to be full length and layered or segmented. Heavy black leather is common, sometimes with pieces of plate worn over it. The unconquered usually leave their head uncovered, but cataphracts favour a full helm, ideally decorated with wings. Carved or decorated black vambraces are often worn for additional protection.


==Images==
Traditional lorica in hard leather or metal can work for Highborn, particularly if the suit is tooled or decorated or the outfit incorporates a Highborn style surcoat or cloak.
Highborn costume is elegant and flowing, long layered robes and tunics, dark
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
coloured in starkly contrasting colours,
Fury of the Storm.jpg
most often simple layers of black and
Archer Battlemage Extraordinaire.jpg
white or sometimes using black or white
You Cyrus-ly Didn't Say That.jpg
as a contrast to different colours.  
Archers Looking At Something.jpg
Highborn Battlemage.jpg
Highborn Mage Gorget.jpg
</gallery>


The Highborn are a militant people and this is reflected in their dress.
===Shields===
Large kite or heater shields are common. They are usually decorated in a uniform design with the chapter emblem in stark contrast.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Shield in a Crowd.jpg
A Shattered Tower Shield.jpg
A Tower Shield.jpg
Medium Highborn Shield.jpg
HighbornFour.jpg
Black Shields.jpg
</gallery>


===Surcoats===
===Surcoats===
Most Highborn warriors cover their armour with a long  
Most Highborn warriors cover their armour with a long flowing surcoat. The ideal surcoat is black or white with a design in a stark contrasting colour. The Crusader knights exemplify this tradition in real history, although an original design for a chapter’s emblem is preferable.
flowing surcoat. The ideal surcoat is black or white with a  
design in a stark contrasting colour. The Crusader knights  
exemplify this tradition in real history, although an original design for a  
chapter’s emblem is ideal if possible.


Uniforms for some Highborn chapters include cloaks  
Uniforms for some Highborn chapters include cloaks with the chapter’s emblem repeated on each shoulder.
with the chapter’s emblem repeated on each shoulder.
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
Surcoat and Pauldrons.jpg
Would Woodwych Watch.jpg


===Armour===
Certain with a Surcoat.jpg
Highborn armour is usually a mix of mail and plate, which is
Shattered Surcoat Shield.jpg
often segmented or banded for flexibility and ease of movement.  
</gallery>
Traditional lorica in hard leather or metal can work for
Highborn, particularly if the suit is tooled or decorated or the
outfit incorporates a Highborn style surcoat or cloak.


===Unconquered===
===Unconquered===
The Unconquered serve as scouts, often operating far behind enemy lines. Most avoid the  
The [[unconquered]] serve as scouts, often operating far behind enemy lines. Most avoid the distinctive high contrast clothing favoured by most Highborn in favour of something more concealing and many wear lighter armour or forego armour altogether.
distinctive high contrast clothing favoured by most Highborn in favour of something more  
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
concealing and many wear lighter armour or forego armour altogether.
Vigilant War.jpg
Unconquered_Style.jpg
Green Unconquered.jpg
</gallery>


===Jewellery===
===Weapons===
The Highborn are a people with a manifest destiny, to unite the human nations and lead
Highborn warriors prefer to fight in close formation and prefer weapons suited to this style; short swords, spears, and bows.
them to a virtuous future. Their jewellery reflects their heritage, it is refined, elegant and
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
regal. Gold or silver worn on the brow suggests authority.
Warrior Priest.png
Highborn Weaponry.jpg
Virtuous General.jpg
</gallery>
 
==Chapters==
Members of the same chapter will often adopt a uniform look using identical or matching items like surcoats. The visual unity emphasizes the unity of purpose and helps a chapter project power. Even without obvious Chapter symbols, a lot can be achieved with matching colour schemes and pieces of costume. Of all the nations, the Highborn have the strongest tendency to form shield walls and fight in close-order formations.
 
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Sepulchre of the Red Sun.jpeg
Speaking Sentinels.jpg
Highborn Bears.jpg
The Shattered Tower.jpg
Storm's Fury.jpg
Jachin's Legacy.jpg
</gallery>


===Cowls & VeIls===
==Children==
Highborn veils are designed to cover the face and  
Clothing for Highborn children is usually sombre and simple but good quality, with more elegant garments reserved until they come of age.
conceals the wearers identity and projects anonymity.
Cowls are a common feature of Highborn costume,
especially for the powerful.


===PrIests===
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Highborn priests usually dress in white or dark robes with decoration in a stark colour to
CM-130914-0242.jpg
stand out.
Young Highguard.jpg
CM-130728-8829.jpg
HighbornYouth.jpg
Highborn Destiny.jpg
</gallery>


===UnIformIty===
==Camp==
Members of the same chapter will often adopt a unifom look using identical or matching
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
items like surcoats. The visual unity emphasizes the unity of purpose and helps a chapter
Shattered Tower Shrine.jpg
project power. Of all the nations, the Highborn have the strongest tendecy to form shield
Jachins 3.jpg
walls and fight in close-order formations.
</gallery>


===Children===
==Inappropriate Costume==
Clothing for Highborn children is usually
Whilst this look and feel page provides the ideal costume for the nation, it is important for players to familiarise themselves with the [[Costume|general costume rules]] for further guidelines, including those for [[Costume#Inappropriate_Costume|inappropriate costume]].
sombre and simple, with more elegant garments
reserved until they come of age.


[[Category:Highguard]]
{{Highguard Links}}
[[Category:Nations]]

Latest revision as of 15:32, 15 April 2024

Start of the Procession.jpg

Overview

Regal, confident, righteous, stark, traditional, disciplined, militant, uncompromising.
The Highborn look is generally practical and restrained. Its beauty is in the small touches – the geometric trim on the robes, the exquisite jewellery. Colours are deliberately stark and contrasting, and outfits in black and white are commonplace. Many members of a chapter choose to adopt similar garb, with the symbol of their chapter displayed prominently on the chest, shoulders, or at the breast. This is particularly true for Highborn warriors who show their solidarity and loyalty with their fellows by marching into battle decked in identical garb. Of all the nations of the Empire, the Highborn are the most inclined to uniformity, a visible display of their inner commitment to their shared faith and destiny.

Rather than displaying impractical frivolity in the cut of their garments, Highborn show their taste and wealth in jewellery, and the decoration of cloth. Jewelled and embellished trims at the hems of garments are popular, as is the intricate braiding of hair and heavy, elaborate jewellery.

Also see Highguard costumes and icons and artistry.

Breakdown

Influences
Gondor, Crusader Knights

Materials
Highborn materials are usually processed, such as wool, cotton, silk and velvet. They are typically solid and of the highest quality available as befits the rank of the wearer.

Colours
Black with a white contrast is most common but where there is colour, it is likely to be dark - bottle green, red, charcoal and midnight blue - and always set against the contrast of white or cream.

Clothing

The Highborn dress in simple, practical lines – wearing long, layered robes and tunics in starkly contrasting colours, most often simple layers of black and white or sometimes using black or white as a contrast to different colours. Decorative mosaics and fabrics with complex geometric patterns are popular.

Some Highborn may choose to wear a dress rather than a robe. Highguard dresses are constructed along simple but formal lines in dark fabrics. They often have a high neckline or standing collar; lengthwise they always come at least to the ankle.

Veils are commonly worn by all genders both in funeral rites and on other sombre occasions. They set the wearer apart, offering anonymity and a sense of de-personalisation. They are often worn when distasteful actions, or those associated with a rank or position of authority rather than an individual, have to be undertaken

Some Highborn, particularly those in authority, wear hoods or cowls, usually in the colours of their chapter.

Highborn costume is elegant and flowing, long layered robes and tunics, dark coloured in starkly contrasting colours, most often simple layers of black and white or sometimes using black or white as a contrast to different colours. The Highborn are a militant people and this is often reflected in their dress.

Cowls & Veils

Highborn veils are designed to cover the face to conceal the wearers identity and project anonymity. Cowls are a common feature of Highborn costume, especially for the powerful.

Jewellery

The Highborn are a people with a manifest destiny, to unite the human nations and lead them to a virtuous future. Their jewellery reflects their heritage: it is refined, elegant and regal. Gold or silver worn on the brow suggests authority.

Priests

Highborn priests usually dress in white or dark robes with decoration in a stark colour to stand out.

A common element of Highborn priestly costume is a stole - a band of cloth worn round the neck and shoulders that hangs down over the front of the body. Commonly these are decorated with a Chapter symbol, and a symbol important to the character's personal faith or sect.

Magisters

Magisters dress in a similar manner to priests, but they are often marked out by their magical accoutrements.

Weapons and Armour

Armour

Highborn armour tends to be full length and layered or segmented. Heavy black leather is common, sometimes with pieces of plate worn over it. The unconquered usually leave their head uncovered, but cataphracts favour a full helm, ideally decorated with wings. Carved or decorated black vambraces are often worn for additional protection.

Traditional lorica in hard leather or metal can work for Highborn, particularly if the suit is tooled or decorated or the outfit incorporates a Highborn style surcoat or cloak.

Shields

Large kite or heater shields are common. They are usually decorated in a uniform design with the chapter emblem in stark contrast.

Surcoats

Most Highborn warriors cover their armour with a long flowing surcoat. The ideal surcoat is black or white with a design in a stark contrasting colour. The Crusader knights exemplify this tradition in real history, although an original design for a chapter’s emblem is preferable.

Uniforms for some Highborn chapters include cloaks with the chapter’s emblem repeated on each shoulder.

Unconquered

The unconquered serve as scouts, often operating far behind enemy lines. Most avoid the distinctive high contrast clothing favoured by most Highborn in favour of something more concealing and many wear lighter armour or forego armour altogether.

Weapons

Highborn warriors prefer to fight in close formation and prefer weapons suited to this style; short swords, spears, and bows.

Chapters

Members of the same chapter will often adopt a uniform look using identical or matching items like surcoats. The visual unity emphasizes the unity of purpose and helps a chapter project power. Even without obvious Chapter symbols, a lot can be achieved with matching colour schemes and pieces of costume. Of all the nations, the Highborn have the strongest tendency to form shield walls and fight in close-order formations.

Children

Clothing for Highborn children is usually sombre and simple but good quality, with more elegant garments reserved until they come of age.

Camp

Inappropriate Costume

Whilst this look and feel page provides the ideal costume for the nation, it is important for players to familiarise themselves with the general costume rules for further guidelines, including those for inappropriate costume.

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information