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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.


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.
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.


== Breakdown ==
''Also see [[Highguard costumes]] and [[Highguard culture and customs#Icons and Artistry|icons and artistry]].''
===Influences===
 
==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.
===Colours===
{{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===
<big>'''Materials</big><br>
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>'''Colours</big><br>
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, 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.


===Shields===
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.
Large kite or heater shields are common. They are usually decorated in a uniform design with the chapter emblem in stark contrast.
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
===Weapons===
Weighing Judgement.jpg
Highborn warriors prefer to fight in close formation and prefer weapons suited to this style; short swords, spears and bows.
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>


==Feel==
===Cowls & Veils===
Regal, confident, virtuous, formal, sombre, stark, traditional, disciplined, uniform, militant, uncompromising.
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>


==Icons and important Images==
===Jewellery===
The first Empress fought under a banner depicting a rearing grey stallion on black, and so the horse became the symbol of the Empire and its leader. But to many Highborn only the best sculpture and art in the grand cathedrals in Highguard can capture the true qualities of the horse. Although their great steeds are gone, the horse remains an image of strength, willpower, speed, loyalty and grace.  
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>


Today the heraldic beast of Highguard is the Basilisk, a crested aquatic lizard. It can be found drowsing in marble, curled around alcoves or uncoiling across mosaic floors. Its eyes are always depicted shut as though asleep – except on the banner of war. The legend has it that Isora, the daughter of Permion the Lawmaker, used magic to command a Basilisk from its Eternal Realm. Where once it had been a threat, it became a guardian creature who slumbered at her command to be awoken in defence of Highguard at the time of the Highborn’s greatest need. It is a reflection of the Highborn magical and physical might, and also of the fact that even the mightiest Eternals must bow to the will and magic of mortals.
===Priests===
Highborn priests usually dress in white or dark robes with decoration in a stark colour to stand out.


Highguard’s flag is the Basilisk coiled around the Black Bell of the Necropolis. Bells are frequently used in Highborn heraldry. Bells also form a key part of decoration, architecture, ceremony and even fashion. The way in which they remind the living of the dead, and recall the past to the current generation, works just as well in imagery as sound.
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]].


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.
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
Jared Pointing at Face.jpg
Shattered Sermon.jpg
Overjoyed Olyvar.jpg
Shattered Stole.jpg
</gallery>


Mosaics are popular, their swirling patterns recall the winds and the tides; at their hearts, stylised representations of the heroes of old. Vast and vaulted marble domes; dusty cloisters smelling of old parchment; cool villas with fountains at their heart fill the household with the song of the water. An artistic movement has been growing over the last two decades that moves away from the traditional mosaic as a fiddly mass of tiny squares towards a simpler style involving the shaping of coloured stone to fit together in designs reminiscent of stained glass – a more elegant and modern refinement of an ancient art.
===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>


==Images==
==Weapons and Armour==
=== Costume ===
===Armour===
Highborn costume is elegant and flowing, long layered robes and tunics, dark
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.
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.  


<row-fluid>
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.
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighDenethor.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span8>
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
</row-fluid>
Fury of the Storm.jpg
<row-fluid>
Archer Battlemage Extraordinaire.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighFurTrim.jpg}}</span4>
You Cyrus-ly Didn't Say That.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighFuneral.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span4>
Archers Looking At Something.jpg
</row-fluid>
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.
<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighRed1.jpg}}</span4>
Shield in a Crowd.jpg
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighRed2.jpg}}</span4>
A Shattered Tower Shield.jpg
</row-fluid>
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.
 
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighSurcoat1.jpg}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighSurcoat2.jpg}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighSurcoat3.jpg}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
 
Uniforms for some Highborn chapters include cloaks
with the chapter’s emblem repeated on each shoulder.
 
===Armour===
Highborn armour is usually a mix of mail and plate, which is
often segmented or banded for flexibility and ease of movement.  


Traditional lorica in hard leather or metal can work for  
Uniforms for some Highborn chapters include cloaks with the chapter’s emblem repeated on each shoulder.
Highborn, particularly if the suit is tooled or decorated or the  
<gallery heights=275 mode="packed">
outfit incorporates a Highborn style surcoat or cloak.
Surcoat and Pauldrons.jpg
Would Woodwych Watch.jpg


<row-fluid>
Certain with a Surcoat.jpg
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighArmour1.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span8>
Shattered Surcoat Shield.jpg
</row-fluid>
</gallery>
<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighArmour2.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighArmour3.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span3>
<span2>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighArmour4.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span2>
</row-fluid>


===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>


<row-fluid>
===Weapons===
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighUnconquered1.jpg}}</span4>
Highborn warriors prefer to fight in close formation and prefer weapons suited to this style; short swords, spears, and bows.
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighUnconquered2.jpg}}</span4>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
</row-fluid>
Warrior Priest.png
 
Highborn Weaponry.jpg
===Jewellery===
Virtuous General.jpg
The Highborn are a people with a manifest destiny, to unite the human nations and lead
</gallery>
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.
 
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighJewellery1.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighJewellery2.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighJewellery3.jpg}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighJewellery4.jpg}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
 
===Cowls & VeIls===
Highborn veils are designed to cover the face and
conceals the wearers identity and projects anonymity.
Cowls are a common feature of Highborn costume,
especially for the powerful.
 
<row-fluid>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighVeil1.jpg|title=Film: The Chronicles of Riddick}}</span4>
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighVeil2.jpg}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighVeil3.jpg}}</span8>
</row-fluid>


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


<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighPriests1.jpg}}</span8>
Sepulchre of the Red Sun.jpeg
</row-fluid>
Speaking Sentinels.jpg
<row-fluid>
Highborn Bears.jpg
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighPriests2.jpg}}</span8>
The Shattered Tower.jpg
</row-fluid>
Storm's Fury.jpg
Jachin's Legacy.jpg
</gallery>


===UnIformIty===
==Children==
Members of the same chapter will often adopt a unifom look using identical or matching
Clothing for Highborn children is usually sombre and simple but good quality, with more elegant garments reserved until they come of age.
items like surcoats. The visual unity emphasizes the unity of purpose and helps a chapter
project power. Of all the nations, the Highborn have the strongest tendecy to form shield
walls and fight in close-order formations.


<row-fluid>
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighUniformity1.jpg}}</span8>
CM-130914-0242.jpg
</row-fluid>
Young Highguard.jpg
<row-fluid>
CM-130728-8829.jpg
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighUniformity2.jpg}}</span8>
HighbornYouth.jpg
</row-fluid>
Highborn Destiny.jpg
</gallery>


===Children===
==Camp==
Clothing for Highborn children is usually
<gallery heights=300 mode="packed">
sombre and simple, with more elegant garments
Shattered Tower Shrine.jpg
reserved until they come of age.
Jachins 3.jpg
</gallery>


<row-fluid>
==Inappropriate Costume==
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighChild1.jpg}}</span4>
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]].
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighChild2.jpg}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighChild3.jpg}}</span8>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighChild4.jpg|title=Film: Lord of the Rings}}</span8>
</row-fluid>


[[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