Armor, Helmets and Shields
This page will cover:
Armor
Helmets
Shields
Armor
Body armor, on Gor, does not exist. It is not used, mainly because it is deemed cowardly by Warriors to do so. Additionally, the Gorean Warrior relies upon speed and combat skill for protection rather than bulky armor. Some minor pieces of arm protections or shin protection are mentioned in several books, often in combat for entertainment such as combat in front of crowds in arenas, but never full chest, back, or leg armor. Armor is quite simply NOT Gorean.
Helmets
Common
Warrior Helmet:
The most common helmet on Gor would be just that, The Common Warriors Helmet. It
is a full length helmet, covering the face, ears, and upper neck. Curved, and
made from bronze or iron, with a "Y" shaped opening in front for the eyes, and
nose it often has a crest plate on top which can be bare; or it may have a comb,
or bristled tail. This helmet would best be compared to the ancient Greek helmet
from the Homeric period.
Northern Helmet:
The helmet of the North is conical in shape, made of iron with steel bands
crossing over the top and around the rim; and has a nose-guard, sometimes
stationary, and sometimes sliding up out of the way when not in use. Usually
attached to the neck and sides are hangings of linked metal rings, what would be
called chain mail, to protect the side and back of the neck. Some Northern
helmets even had the horns of bosk attached for the fierce appearance they gave.
Helmet of the Wagon People:
Helmets of the Wagon People were made of iron, conical shaped, rimmed with fur,
and had the linked steel rings in front with holes open for sight, and often had
a scarf wrapped around the neck to keep out the dust.
Captain's Helmet:
A sign of rank in Port Kar, and not really designed as a piece of protective
equipment, this helmet is carved from wood, and bears a crest of sleen fur.
It should be noted that all of the above helmets would have leather chin straps
to keep them held on the head. Also, they would have rolls of padded leather
inside to act as cushioning for the helmet against the warrior's head.
Shields
Common Warrior Shield:
The common shield of the warrior is circular in shape, made of over-lapping
layers of hardened leather, bounded or edged with a hoop of brass, and riveted
together. It would have a double set of loops or slings of leather to hold it,
usually on the left arm. Normally it is painted brightly to identify the
carrier, and with some device to identify to bearer's city.
Shield of the North:
This shield is similar to the common shield, but is slightly larger and made
from wood, although still rimmed with brass or iron. It is carried many times
fixed to the side of the serpent ships of the North to protect the rowers at
their benches.
Turian Shield:
The Turian shield is similar to the above shields, but differs in that it is
oval in shape, and usually embossed with metal decorations.
Shield of the Wagon People:
Much smaller than its counterparts, sometimes only a few inches across, the
shield used by the Wagon Peoples is made from layered hardened bosk hide. This
smaller shield is closer in description to the Scottish targe, small,
maneuverable, and less cumbersome than the larger shields.
Shield of the Askaris:
The shields of the Schendi Askaris are long, longer still that the Turian
shield, and are basically oval in shape, tapering at each end. They are made
from hardened leather.
