level 12? Do i need any kind of special armor or anything and how do i get it?

Because your level 12. The level range goes from 10 to 19. Your close to the bottom. That means the higher levels have way better equipment. Guess who losses? You. Use BOA's if you got them and make the best crafted gear you can on a higher level for a level 19 and turn off exp gain.

Do you have the cloak of superior stance?? If not you have to go back to level ten or nine. Meet up with an elf and he will tell you to collect jems. Once you get the jems go back and he will give you the cloak MAKE SURE YOU KEEP ONE JEM FOR YOURSELF. or your screwed. Now go back to level 12. in the battleground you can only put on the cloak while in battle. If you put it on before the powers will go away.

Hope this helpsss!