Altering the Armor Further

When knights spent more time dressing themselves for war than actually fighting, they continued to alter their armor in decorative ways. One of these ways included modifying the helmet to resemble something in the knight’s standard, like a hawk’s beak, the wings of a pegasus, or the fangs of a vampire. Another alteration involved the outer appearance of the armor. While it is customary to paint the noble standard on the armor, it can be quite an elaborate affair. Molten precious metals like silver and gold can be used like paint at such times.

However, someone who has such funds available usually goes to the trouble of embossing his standard more permanently. This includes actually denting and shaping the armor in and around the symbol like a bas-relief sculpture. This can then be augmented by gems, precious metals, or anything else the knight desires. Since this increases the value of the armor, and the expenses to repair it once damaged, only the very wealthy prepare their battle armor in such a fashion. Usually, a second set of armor, not suitable for combat use is prepared for special occasions and high ceremonies, like weddings, knighthoods, and councils of war.

Even the very armor itself can be modified slightly, to look more rounded or sharp, depending on the effect desired. Some things, however, speak louder than any crest of standard when it concerns one’s armor. Any knight walking the land in a suit of blue-green metal embossed with runes of mystic power is not to be taken lightly.