MRPolo13
The Arbiter of the Gods
Medieval period has some absolutely stunning pieces of armour. I'd say that from about 14th century on, when tabards became rarer, the knightly and noble classes began to seek ways to make their armours more beautiful. Some of these were partly for maintenance purposes - because black armour is usually already oxidised it rusts a lot more slowly. But that doesn't explain all the gold, all the brass and silver that armours were made with. All the embellishments, all the intricate sculptures across the armours. Why then? Well, I put it to you that this was actually this was actually a form of protection.
One thing that is certain is that medieval nobility was vain. This much is true when one considers the parrots brought into Poland to be eaten in early 15th century, or the spices, silk and china that were imported into Europe solely for its upper classes to enjoy. The richest lived a life of plenty. They organised huge tournaments and hunts. The armours reflected that. But there is something much more to this. Extremely decorated plate armour is your best friend in a battlefield. You may say that it makes you a target, and while that may be true it also does one more thing: would you really want to kill someone wealthy enough to purchase an armour like this?
The reality of warfare in 14th and 15th century was that people would mostly be captured and ransomed off. This is why Agincourt was to French so shocking: English king Henry V ordered that only the wealthiest of prisoners be spared, and the rest were to be slaughtered. If you had the choice would you truly kill someone whose armour suggests that you can get a very hefty price for his return? Ultimately killing him will do no good anyway unless you're very desperate. So in the end, being able to show your wealth on the battlefield is this final layer of protection you can wear in a battle. On the other hand sure you can keep some random man who cobbled together a suit of armour but why would you? His family likely can't afford a ransom, so you'll be keeping a burden.
And finally, time to show some pretty armours of the past. Please bear in mind not all of these fit within the server time period.
Gotta start of with the Lion Armour from the Royal Armouries in Leeds. We're not sure who it belonged to, but it's beautiful.
Greenwich armour
Armour of Christian I of Saxony
Transitional plate armour, similar to Cherbourg armour. Note how engraved all the gold pieces are.
15th century Gothic plate armour
Armet with wrapper, mid-15th century. The wrapper used isn't the same as the one that the armet would have. An actual wrapper plate would reach to the top of the armet visor.
One thing that is certain is that medieval nobility was vain. This much is true when one considers the parrots brought into Poland to be eaten in early 15th century, or the spices, silk and china that were imported into Europe solely for its upper classes to enjoy. The richest lived a life of plenty. They organised huge tournaments and hunts. The armours reflected that. But there is something much more to this. Extremely decorated plate armour is your best friend in a battlefield. You may say that it makes you a target, and while that may be true it also does one more thing: would you really want to kill someone wealthy enough to purchase an armour like this?
The reality of warfare in 14th and 15th century was that people would mostly be captured and ransomed off. This is why Agincourt was to French so shocking: English king Henry V ordered that only the wealthiest of prisoners be spared, and the rest were to be slaughtered. If you had the choice would you truly kill someone whose armour suggests that you can get a very hefty price for his return? Ultimately killing him will do no good anyway unless you're very desperate. So in the end, being able to show your wealth on the battlefield is this final layer of protection you can wear in a battle. On the other hand sure you can keep some random man who cobbled together a suit of armour but why would you? His family likely can't afford a ransom, so you'll be keeping a burden.
And finally, time to show some pretty armours of the past. Please bear in mind not all of these fit within the server time period.
Gotta start of with the Lion Armour from the Royal Armouries in Leeds. We're not sure who it belonged to, but it's beautiful.
Greenwich armour
Armour of Christian I of Saxony
Transitional plate armour, similar to Cherbourg armour. Note how engraved all the gold pieces are.
15th century Gothic plate armour
Armet with wrapper, mid-15th century. The wrapper used isn't the same as the one that the armet would have. An actual wrapper plate would reach to the top of the armet visor.