Ilmira's Armor

"I've always wondered why nobles keep this kind of nonsense. This must have been down here gathering dust for what, a century? More? I'm surprised it isn't covered in cobwebs."

"Junk though it may be, its our junk now - and besides, you mean to
tell me you've never wanted to play the brave knight?"

"Well, if it's you who's asking..."

"Miri."

"What? What's wrong?"

"You're glowing." - exchange between Ilmira and Juventia, during the early days of the revolution

One of the best kept secrets in all of Theolin, this set of armor is responsible for Ilmira's amazing performance on the battlefield. The magic in the armor has always hummed with a soft secret, all signs of its making hidden in the interior or worked cleverly into its minor embellishments. It's origin and method of creation are unknown to any living, nor the purpose it was originally meant to serve. All that Ilmira knows, and as far as her allies have been able to confirm, is that the armor responds to her and her alone.

Appearance

The arrangement of this set of armor would be considered a 'light suit' in Orellia - designed to offer good protection, but with notable weakpoints. The design it was based off of would later be used to create more ornate show armor for parades and other such displays of wealth, though this particular set does seem designed for actual use.
While the armor often requires various padding or additions, only the metal portions seem relevant to the enchantment it carries. That includes the following pieces:

• Small Scale Shirt - An arrangement of roughly palm sized metal 'scales' overlaid to create protection that allows mobility. Held in place by leather straps at the shoulders and internal harnessing. The scales begin high on the chest line, and fall to a taper at roughly mid-thigh.
• Breastplate - A solid piece of thicker metal, strapped on over the scale shirt. Engraved with a sun symbol. Does not extend past the ribcage, but does include short shoulder guards.
• Gorget - A simple collar to protect the neck, fastened at the left side.
• Greaves - Extending from the sabaton foot coverings to the upper thigh in layered lame.
• Vambraces - Three distinct layers for each forearm and upper arm covering. These are the most heavily decorated pieces of the armor, though they do not include pauldrons or more than simple elbow guards.
• Tasset - Additional hip and upper thigh protection, again in layered lame.
• Helm - A rather simple, unadorned cap. It seems to have lost its connection to the rest of the armor due to the removal of the Diadem.
• Diadem - A simple metal band originally hidden in the crown of the helm, now separate. The diadem is the only piece of the armor that appears to be functional on its own.

Each piece appears to be made of the same metal, and at a distance or first glance is indistinguishable from other armor of the same design. In certain lightings however, such as firelight, moonlight, or magelight, there's a distinct gleam to the metal that gives it an otherworldly appearance.
The armor also has a visible patch near the lower portion of its abdomen, where the scale mail was once punctured, and then repaired over. This portion does not match the rest quite as smoothly, but can be covered by a tabard or cloak quite easily.

Powers and Enhancements

Those who know of the armor's existence and its role in Ilmira's transition from scribe and runner to war mage tend to attribute her power and fighting skill to the armor's enchantments - but those assumptions are false. The armor cannot bestow any prowess or ability not already possessed by its bearer, nor does it provide a 'boost' to one's natural ability.
What the armor does do, however, is heal. Designed to provide immediate on-the-battlefield healing to wounded soldiers, the healing magic instilled into the metal reacted to Ilmira's illness when she first touched it, activating spells left dormant for centuries. Whenever she wears the armor, it works to counter the affliction she's had since childhood: commonly known as being Soul Touched. Without the deterrent of the illness, Ilmira found herself capable of much more than she had previously, both in physical and magical fields.

"It's like I... think just a little quicker, in the armor. Things seem more clear, like the pieces snap together rather than having to fight to make them fit. And my magic.. It's at my fingertips all the time, ready to bloom."
"It's terrifying. And freeing. And overwhelming. I can't help but think - is this the person I would've been?"

- Ilmira, attempting to explain what its like to wear the armor to Juventia, circa 529

Attempts to have others wield the armor in part or in whole have not been successful. The only other time the armor's spells have activated has been in the presence of Kavi, prompting Ilmira to take him on as her squire. She believes he has the same affliction, and though she may not be able to pass on the armor, she wants to aid him regardless.
The most dramatic demonstration of the armor's enchantments came when Ilmira was caught in a fight with one of Orellia's knights. Though she won the encounter, the knight's lance caught a weak point between the scales of her abdomen, impaling her. As soon as the lance was removed, the damage began to repair itself. Within half an hour, all that was left was a scar, and a hole in the armor itself. Since then, the armor hasn't quite worked properly, as if its energy is draining away.

Item type

Armor

Current Holder

Ilmira Theosa

Related Condition

Soul Touched

Rarity

Unique

Base Price

Priceless