Armorsmithing discipline
Armorsmithing is a crafting discipline of the Forging skill. There are places to practice it at the Riverhaven Forging Society, Crossing Forging Society, Shard Forging Society, Mer'Kresh Forging Society and Rathan Forging Society.
Basics
Starting from a metal ingot and other components, the armorsmith pounds and turns the metal on an anvil using hammer and tongs, then assembles the final piece with a pliers. The processes are similar to those of Blacksmithing, but with a few different steps.
The ANALYZE command can be used to determine certain basic properties of items, as well as the next step required during the creation process. For more specific information, APPRAISE the item CAREFULLY to tell you how its inherent properties compare on the Trader's Scale.
Shaping
At times during chain armor production, the material may have to be TURNed to make the metal into wire.
In addition, to add various pieces onto their backings, the armor may need to be PULLed using a set of pliers.
Smelting
- See Blacksmithing discipline for Smelting instructions.
Techniques
Products
Tools
See Crafting Tools for an in depth discussion of them.
- Armorsmithing Book: This book holds information on all the techniques and items that a standard armorsmith can make.
- Bellows: Used to keep the fires going when shaping metals or tempering final products.
- Shovel: Used to keep the fires going when shaping metals or tempering final products
- Pliers: Used to bend, form, and link armors.
- Forging Hammer: Used to form ingots into items on the anvil.
- Tongs: Used to hold metal when shaping it.
- Oil: Used to prevent rust to metal items.
Armor Types
Chain
Types: ring, chain, and mail
- Note: Some pieces are light chain, but the majority should be heavy.
Ring mail is the least protective of the chain armors, bearing similarities to scale armor, in that both are applied to a backing material. Chain, and it's heavier cousin mail, are formed from interwoven metal rings, often with cloth padding worn underneath.
Brigandine
Types: scale, brigandine, and lamellar
Brigandine armors are similar in concept to ring mail. However, they are often sewn to a heavier backing, such as leather, and bear a higher volume reinforcement. Scale armor is formed by overlapping scales attached to the backing at the top of each scale. Brigandine armor is made by assembling the plates directly to the leather backing at various points. Lamellar armor is constructed by assembling plates in close fashion to each other.
Plate
Types: light plate, plate, and heavy plate
Plate armors are differentiated primarily by their weight classification, ranging from light to heavy. Unlike chain and brigandine armors, plate armors are fashioned from large segments of metal.
Shields
Types: small, medium, and large
- Note:
Enhancements
Three types of enhancements may be added after the armor is complete.
Lightening
Reduces weight of the item by approximately 10%.
Tempering
Increases durability, with items having at least 50 durability on the Trader's Scale receiving the greatest benefit.
Reinforcing
Increases protection at the cost of increased hindrance and weight through adding reinforcing leather strips.