The gear's defense rating will tell you how much it will defend you from an attack. Defensive gear also has durability, when a player gets hit the gear gets damaged slightly. Some gear is more durable than others. Some gear possess magic enchantments and is unidentified, it is still usable, but it's not clear whether it is cursed or not. Curesed things can be very dangerous to a player and surrounding players.
Armors range from shreaded rags to full breast plates.
They are worn on the torso, sometimes the arms and legs are covered too. Helms range from chain mail coifs and leather caps to full knight's helms. They are worn on the head. Shields range from wooden celtic shields to full battle shields. They are held with the left arm.