Crusader plate

A suit of full plate worn by high ranking Paladin's who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty. A symbol of order and justice in modern times, it was once a symbol of fear and military might.  

Description

While not obvious from the outside the armour actually has several layers, increasing protection and comfortability. The first is a set of gambeson, including a hood, this changes from wearer to wearer with northern paladins favouring fur lined versions. This is covered in a mail hauberk and coif made of lightweight steel.   The plate itself was a full set of overlapping plate mail covering much of the body without restricting movement. The edge of the plates are designed with gold patterns, with the pauldron fronts embossed with designs specific to the paladin wearing them. The centre of the breast plate had the flaming sword of Akoom embossed on it. The helmet would have a mane of dyed horse hair signifying the wearers rank.   Paladins often wore this armour with a cape of their colour and family crest on, attached at the pauldrons. They also normally worn with a leather overskirt of the colour of the order they are in.  

History

Early use

Originally made as a breast plate, gauntlets and a helm, these were the common arms during the Rebel age, often worn with studded leather kilts , these were changed to by the end of the rebel age to be a mix of plate and chain. The kilts turning to an overskirt of the Crusader fists colour. These would continue to be perfected through the start of the Divine age, taking the final form.   The armour would see continued use throughout the crusades, though would start to fall out of use in the 3rd century Divine, being used only by Flykir's by the middle of the age, and only be given as a gift for special by the Prophet by the end of the age.  

Resurgence

During the Crisis of the Fey age the armour would reappear twice, firstly worn by the Revenant Flykir, as he was buried in his back in the blood age. The second was a set made by Malkav for László, who restarted the practice of giving sets to paladins who proved themselves worthy through duty to Undinia, the newer suits seemingly designed to repel hostile undead. Though the name was kept, the vision of a paladin in the armour entering a situation became a vision of hope and justice.