Armour Treatise II - Donning Plate

[_RoyalCrafter_ 3361]

Authored by Ser Sterling Percy Amador

Published by Blue Orchid Publishing

 

 

 

Introduction
Plate armour is the most advanced form of armour available for one to wear, and for good reason, it is comprised of countless parts which all join together to make one of the most protective forms of equipment made. However, poor use of plate armour is a sure-fire way to seal one's fate in combat.  The previous treatise covered on how to maintain plate, this treatise will go over on how to wear it.

 

There are many different variations to plate armour, some have extra or missing elements depending on the user's or maker's preference. Thus this treatise will cover the most basic form of plate armour and convey the general idea of how they are worn.

 

 

Diagram

 

Donning
Lower body

First are the foot covers, these are like chainmail socks without the sole, these are worn under the Sabatons. After that, you may put on your Chausses, or more commonly known as Leggings. These act like protective pants, and are made of chainmail. Once your legs are covered, Greaves to protect your lower legs may be worn comfortably. Cuisses are to be applied in the same manner as Greaves, only to the thighs. Greaves and Cuisses are often referred to together as leg plates. The leg plates are attached to the body by means of straps. Do not strap in too tightly to prevent restriction to circulation and discomfort. The Poleyn is the plate which goes over the knee, and it must be placed last on the legs, and sit atop the other leg plates for movement.

 

Upper body

Upon your upper body, you must wear a Haubergeon, or in other words a shirt/coat of mail. It is advised to wear some cloth underneath to avoid chaffing and snagging. Above it, you may wear the Breastplate. It is to be opened then clamped down snugly upon the body, and secured tightly by straps.

 

The arms are protected in a similar manner to the legs. The upper arms are protected by the Rerebraces and the lower by Vambraces, with the elbow being shielded by a Couter. The shoulders are to be covered by the Pauldrons. Gauntlets may be put on after all that, but if you are doing this yourself, it is advised to put them on last to save your dexterity for the rest of the armour.

 

Head

The Gorget protects a part of the collarbone and neck, and the Aventail sits over it. The chain of the Aventail is useful against arrows or other piercing attacks. Finally, over the Aventail, one may wear the helmet of their choice.

 

Conclusion

If done correctly, most of the straps of the upper body are protected by overlapping parts of metal. In general, hardy leader is used to avoid it snapping and being cut in combat, however this is a rare occurrence  since it is far easier to club your enemy's head with a mace than it is to daintily slice a piece of leather hidden on their backside, so squires need not stress themselves over this.

 

The basics of donning plate armour, is to wear chain, or at least gambeson, under the metal plates. It is important to also put on the plates in the correct order for ease of movement.