Pelorata

The Pelorata is the signature armour of the Dercian legions, it evolved from the Loricata armour, the armour is designed to provide the soldier with the best protection, mobility and most importantly considering the state has to provide armour for nearly 200.000 soldiers, cost.
 The use of segmented armour began to spread and the loyalists designed a set of armour that became known as Pelorata after the city it was designed and tested in. The first iteration of the armour would feature overlapping plates covering the torso and shoulders, soldiers praised it for allowing them to move more freely and having better protection compared to the older designs the soldiers had used, the modular design also allowed it to be repaired easier than the older armour sets.
In the early 1200s a lighter alloy was developed by the cooperation of human and elven blacksmiths, this helped make the armour lighter, reducing fatigue during long campaigns.
The reason for the creation of a standardized version of armour among the soldiers of the empire was that previously, the soldiers had been using mainly chainmail and studded leather, there was, the only limit to the armour was the amount of money the soldier could spend on armour. With the Pelorata armour, the supply chain for the army became more streamlined and with the improved protection of the armour, more loyalist soldiers survived battles, which was something the loyalist side needed as they at this time in the war on the backfoot, had lost control over Pearlhal.

Material

The armour is forged from tempered steel alloys, designed to protect against piercing strikes and slashes, the metal is treated so it gets a dull, darkened finish to reduce reflection from the sun.

Segmented Design

The overlapping design wraps around the torso, fastened together with leather straps and rivets, the plates give excellent flexibility, the main downside is that the steel plates do reduce stealth.

Shoulder Guards

Similar to the plates around the torso, the plates around the shoulder also have overlapping segments, designed to deflect downward strikes. The plates are secured to the torso section with buckles and straps, allowing the armour to be adjusted to better fit the soldier, despite this, the joke among the soldiers are that the armour always comes in two sizes, too large and too small.

Additional Armour Elements

Helmet, a standard soldier wears a style of helmet made of the same steel as the armour, it features a curved crest and reinforced cheek guard for facial protection. Bracers and greaves protect the arms and legs of the soldiers, these are made of very thin steel, they are mainly there to protect against glancing strikes.
Beneath the armour, a padded gambeson and tunic provide the cushioning and absorb the impacts, the tunic is there to prevent chafing.
The armour works in perfect balance with the large shield of the soldiers.

Item type

Armor

Related ethnicities

• Crienia

Rarity

Very common

Base Price

60–100 Crown (2-3 months wages for a regular legionary)

Uses outside the military The steel plates can be used to make a ring for the groom as part of the Crienia marriage tradition