shardplate

Shardplate is a form of magical armor from the Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson. A complete suit covers the wearer from neck to toe with interlocking plates, providing exceptional protection and a notable increase in physical capability. The armor is designed to be worn with a Shardblade and is infused with Stormlight, allowing it to store Investiture and to empower the wearer through bursts of strength, speed, and endurance. When energized, Shardplate can offer near-impenetrable defense against both physical and magical threats, and it is capable of self-repair over time as it absorbs Stormlight.

Origin and construction are tied to the Radiants and their bond with spren. Shardplate is custom-fitted to the wearer and is often associated with one of the ten Radiant orders, whose heraldry and culture influence its appearance. The plates are crafted and maintained by skilled artisans—often Shardsmiths or the Radiant themselves—who ensure the suit remains functional and properly attuned to the wearer’s Investiture and Surgebinds.

In use, Shardplate is as much a symbol as a tool. It signifies rank, power, and lineage within Rosharic society and is frequently regarded as a rare and valuable asset. Loss or damage to a suit can be a significant setback, given the expense and effort required to replace or repair it. Despite its rarity, plated armor is commonly seen in ceremonial and martial contexts, where it is paired with a Shardblade to form the iconic Shardbearer’s kit.