Garb (or costumes) are outfits all participants wear to greatly enhance the ''feel'' of the event. A fighter swinging a foam sword in blue jeans is pretty cheesy, but the same fighter in an outfit from medieval times takes on life of their own.

• A costume that meets or preferably exceeds minimum Dagorhir requirements which are:
  • A tunic of crotch length or longer. This requirement may be waived only if the rest of the costume (pants, boots, etc.) is of exceptional quality and appearance.
  • Medieval-style (baggy) pants, kilt, skirt, etc.
  • Medieval-style footwear (moccasins, boots that are not blatantly non-medieval in style, earth-tone shoes with leggings, etc.).
• Forbidden items inclue: blue jeans, white shoes, camouflage patterns such as military fatigues, exposed T-shirts, modern hats, real swords or knives (even in sheaths or cases, worn or carried) during combat or fighting (this list is not exhaustive).
• Weapons, shields, garb, and armor may not have clearly mundane logos or prints, nor may be made with fluorescent/neon colors.

Clearly, these are some real basic examples. Your garb does not have to match these, or anybody elses. Feel free to look up your favorite fantasy or historical artwork and make something along those lines. Feel free to contact a senior player and ask them for advice on how to construct garb like what you are looking for. Be creative!

Added 10/9/07: People continue to ask questions about garb, so I have gathered some photo samples taken from publicly posted albums of this style of medieval events. I''m attaching some basic explanations of what is good and bad about the garb you see.

Minimum: The fighter in the left foreground has great newbie garb. Baggy pants and a belted tabard, and he''s avoiding wearing his tennis shoes. Kudos!


Minimum: The bearded combatant has an excellent tabard covering earth toned baggy pants and t-shirt.


Minimum: The fighter standing has the most basic of newbie garb, with some nice touches. He has an earth tone t-shirt & sweat pants, and a very plain belted tabard. He does get some credit for his boots and period belt accessories, but loses those bonus points with the sunglasses!


Minimum: The shieldman on the right as an impressive coat suitable for many royal courts, but the effect is trashed by his shorts and tennis shoes... bleh!


Good: The spearman has an excellent matching garb set coupled with an excellent belt.


Good: This shieldman has a well matched outfit. It is being held back from ''impressive'' by the obviously modern fabrics and shoes.


Good: This archer has a well matched ensemble, with nice touches with his belt & belt pouch. Being held back from impressive by his obviously modern fabrics and bandana.


Good: The combatant on the left has a few very impressive peices of garb... over all too many modern seams and hat keep him locked in the ''good'' range.

The information above differs from what is posted at the National site. Not all realms find the same guidelines work for them. Should you participate in a national event, expect to follow the national rules. If you have questions about the national rules, ask on the national forums. If you have questions about why we do things the way we do, feel free to ask us. Remember: the goal is safety and fun for all...