Banded Mail (armor)

Banded mail is a 19th century misinterpretation of medieval manuscripts and effigies; whereas it was considered real during the 19th century, it is unlikely that it ever existed. Nevertheless, being that this is a fantasy game, we can postulate that banded mail does exist. For the purposes of my game, banded mail is popular in European and Mediterranean regions, when heavy armor is worn.

Traditionally, it is a form of mail reinforced with bands of laminated metal sewn over a backing of chain mail and leather, ultimately riveted together. The main substance of the armor continues to be chain mail and under-layer that makes the armor comfortable and protected; thus it is a heavy, slight improvement over chain mail.

The armor requires the wearing of padded armor beneath the chain mesh, to prevent chafing and to provide armor for the back of the legs, which the mail does not cover.

Banded mail provides a +6 armor class adjustment (lowers armor class by 6 points).

See Armor List