^In a different guide I've been working on, I just finished the section about the gambeson. I'll post it here for you to read.
''A gambeson (also referred to as an arming doublet or padded jack) is actually armor fit for users of all parts of the combat triangle, and not just melee. The simplest form of armor and universally available to anyone, this is simply thick cloth, often wool, ranging from ¼ inch to 2 inches thick and fitting as tightly to the body as possible. The material can be easily changed, to mystic cloth or other such materials. This allows a very easy creation of ranged-magic or melee-magic hybrid armor. A simple, magical fabric arranged into the form of a gambeson would be the most basic form of armor for a magician.
Historically, gambesons were used for many purposes. The silk gambesons of the Parthians were able to stretch with the impact of oncoming arrows instead of tear and prevented a wound’s infection. European fighters who would wear plate armor would have a gambeson on underneath to help disperse the shock of blows. Common footsoldiers in the Dark Ages relied on the gambeson to reduce the severity of broken bones from injuries they would receive. In cultures throughout time, a sort of thick cloth has shown to be the most basic kind of armor.'' - Agent Khaine,
Combat
It depends on the materials if you want an effective lightweight armor. It ultimately reduces the severity of injuries given, and isn't likely to actually stop injuries. Though a gambeson certainly beats none! If you want a lightweight armor, I'd advise using a gambeson, but then knitting an outer layer of leather onto the outside, with mail between. Much cheaper, and much lighter, than plate. One example would be a stylish leather trenchcoat with an inner wool lining, and mail in between. The result would be something completely inconspicuous, and a good, lightweight armor.
30-Jul-2013 01:53:47
