Armor Definitions

Plates are made of at least 16-gauge steel and must be attached to each other or a backing in such a way that all four edges or corners are held into continuous rigid contact with each other or the backing. Plates may alternately be made of 3/16” hardened leather and receive a –1 to the total armor value.

Cuir bouilli is the process by which leather is hardened using wax or other treatments to produce significantly harder leather.

Studs are composed of metal, and must be no more than 1.5 inches apart to receive the bonus. Studs may not be added to metal armor.

Rings are composed of metal (not to be confused with chain mail), and must be at least 1/8 inch thick, have an internal diameter of at least 1 inch and no greater than two inches, and be placed no further than 1.5 inches apart to receive the bonus. Rings may not be added to metal armor.

Scales are composed of metal (+2) or 3/16” hardened leather (+1), and must be overlapping. Scales may not be added to metal armor. Scales need only be attached to the armor along one edge.

Gambeson (sometimes referred to as an arming coat) resembles a quilted, close fitting tunic that minimally extends from the thighs of an individual to their elbows, excluding their head and neck. If worn under any type of chain mail, the wearer will receive a +1 bonus to the area that the chain mail covers. The gambeson may not be modified to increase this value. A gambeson must be the equivalent of at least quilted cloth with cotton batting padding in between the layers, and must cover the entire area of the hit location under the chain in order to grant a bonus.