Paper Armour
by hughpierre
Manufacturing process
Paper armour is constructed by
- Bark is either soaked for a day or more; or left in boiling water for 3-6 hours with ash or lime, then rinsed in clean water
- Softened fibers are kept in water and processed quickly to prevent rot
- Boards, sized to the paper, are soaped to prevent sticking
- Fibers are arranged and beaten into a thin, flat sheet using stones
- This releases fatty oils from cavities to act like glue
- Stones used to smooth the surface are kept wet to prevent sticking
- Any gaps are filled with small glued pieces of paper
- Stack and compress multiple layers of amate paper with woven reeds or stitched bindings to reinforced durability
- The layers were soaked in brine or other solutions, making them rigid and resistant once dried
- Some variations include quilting or tight stitching to improve impact distribution
History
International Trade
Following the end of the Witcher Kingdoms, several desperate groups were able to find common-enough grounds to begin trading simple materials:- Tree bark and pulped fibers from the Shadow Realms
- Peat and fibres from the Salt States
- Lacquering techniques from the Covens
Significance
The armour typically covers the torso and upper arms, extending down to the waist or upper thighs. It is often worn over a basic tunic, secured with straps or ties at the shoulders and sides. Some variations provided additional shoulder padding or arm guards for extra protection against slashing and piercing attacks.
Item type
Armor
Current Location
Subtype / Model
Manufacturer
Related ethnicities
Rarity
Common
Raw materials & Components
- Ashes or Lime
- Amate Paper (Fig Tree Bark)
- Soap
- Additional Options:
- Other Fibres
- Natural Adhesives (plant or animal-based glues)
Tools
- Pans
- Volcanic Rock Board
- Chalk
In response to the prompt Describe a protective garment in your world. What is it made of and what is it used for?
Very interesting. The idea of thin, lightweight armor that is still effective makes me very curious about your characters and world. I liked how you described the process of creating the armor but would love to get more insight on how it looks and feels. Not just in visual imagery but in written word. Nevertheless, I am following your world now and have left a sticker on the article. Thanks for participating in the Get in the Game! unofficial challenge! Sorry I was late on announcing the results. You can check out the article itself for more. I appreciate you sharing your entry. Much success with the worldbuilding!
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