How about giving nomad background (crimson, barbarian) a skill that would
allow them to gain some insight about weapons and armours. Working a bit like
identify, but leaving out magical abilities, this skill would give the
evaluating player some basic facts about the weapon.

Condition - the maximum condition of the weapon or armour. Names - the player
(with a high percentage in the skill) could recognize the weapon as one he or
she has previously seen (weapons and armour with own name on). Perhaps some
information about the type, weight and size of the piece and maybe an
indication as to how much damage a weapon does or how good protection a piece
of armour offers.

After all, a skilled fighter should be able to say something about a weapon or
a piece of armour by sizing it up.


CM