Weapon and Gear Etiquette

Weapon and Gear Etiquette – The Language of First Impressions
The kit you walk around with while under arms can tell others a lot about you. While these impressions are known and can be manipulated, they are no less powerful.
Sticks and Stones - Displays a sense of the ‘common man,’ and is a very bland and nonthreatening way to go about fully armed. Modeled after Iliac's kit: Stackel, sling, bullet bag, padded/wicker armor to studded leather or chainmail.
Law Enforcement- Conveys authority and the potential for violence on behalf of the state. Can be intimidating or reassuring. Club (non-spiked), crossbow, mancatcher, spear, shield, short sword, shackles, padded armor or chainmail up to breastplate.
Inquisitor's Kit - Witchhunters are feared and sharply controversial. Citizens either love them or hate them, but all feel a pang of worry when they find out one is in town. Witchfinder’s hat, leather armor, club (non-spiked), rapier, main gauche, and a black and brown color scheme.
Wizard's Gear - Most mages lack major access to spellcraft, knowing only a few rituals or potion recipes. Nonetheless, more powerful arcanists exist, and dressing like one can imply far more power or mystery than one might be entitled to: Pointed hat or chain coif, robes, staff, a few wands (possibly just sticks) all in premeditated colors (usually bright, often representing schools of magic)
Hero’s Kit - Heroes from the Age of Myth are still recognized and known about today. Wearing a hero’s kit can convey that you deserve it, or possibly just that you desire it depending on who you are speaking to. Longsword, Shield, any armor decorated with furs and bones of predators or monsters, crossbow, shortbow or sling.
Noble Warrior - Though the aristocracy is gone (either dead or dormant, depending on your religious views) the noble knight is a fixture of stories and song and wealthy landowners who focus on martial life often emulate their façade: Breastplate, plate, or half plate armor, longsword, greatsword, lance, horse, shield, all emblazoned with clan names or symbols. When not at war, these are typically traded for a longsword and ornate clothing (sometimes with a leather jerkin or breastplate)
Elf Work - Elves have a troubled history with humans despite the Noblewhite Alliance. Elves are infamous for single-edged longswords with a slight curve, and their use of longbows. Elves typically wear white in open battle, a function of their grace and basic magical skills giving them the ability to keep such clothing and tabards clean.
Dwarf Friend - Dwarves are regarded as traders and some of the best craftsmen available. Dwarf armor is expensive (conveying wealth) and also highly functional. Knockoff dwarf armor is available that rarely reaches the quality of the real thing but is modeled on the same styles in order to convey the same thing. Dwarf armor and weapons are heavy, half plate to plate and greatswords, greataxes, halberds, etc. When they use shields, they use tower shields.
War Kit - There are certain weapons you generally don’t carry with you unless you intend to use them. These battlefield weapons are sometimes restricted in certain cities and towns, and almost always restricted in important areas such as temples or courthouses: Pikes, heavy javelins, greatswords, greataxes, heavy crossbows, siege slings, halberds, billhooks will all make commoners nervous if they see someone toting them around. Wearing metal armor other than breastplate in social situations is considered rude and potentially threatening.
Barbarian Kit - The word “barbarian” is typically used to refer to the citizens of the Northrealm, and this isn’t inaccurate so much as incomplete. The barbarian aesthetic is enjoyed by bandits, some roving tribes, and many a hermit. Cured hide, furs, and round shields are a favorite. They wield axes, spears, javelins, greataxes, and short swords. These items are highly decorated, usually with natural dyes, paints, and hunting trophies.
Badge of the warrior - People who fancy themselves warriors (as in, they are primarily warriors and whatever else they are comes second) wear Warrior's Braids
Badge of authority - Signet rings imply that you are operating with the full authority or consent of the organization represented on the ring. Family crests, guild sigils, and Council Marks are all good examples, and wearing a signet has two effects: You are immediately given whatever respect, deference, or hostility that the organization would get from an observer, and if you are falsely using the signet the organization will take steps to correct your behavior. This is the single most common contract given to assassins.
Halfling Partisan Kit - Worn by halflings that want to portray a warrior front. While a halfling knight in shining armor may draw mockery, Halfling Partisans have earned the respect and grudging fear of the tallfolk.