Reply To: The Taproom

MMP › Mithril in Middle-Earth › The Prancing Pony › The Taproom › Reply To: The Taproom

May 30, 2008 at 6:09 am #2292
ESTEL
Participant
    Barliman wrote:
    Yes, I’d forgotten about the Imrahil/Eowyn vambrace moment – which is odd, since I’ve pointed it out to other people on many an occasion (memory like a lumber room, etc…). But I agree with Gavin re this incident not being an excuse to go full-frontal Gothic on us. Early medieval – maybe c.1220-1240 in this instance in ‘real’ world terms – seems more appropriate, when the most plate armour that tended to be seen generally consisted of pieces to protect the outside of the arms, the front of the legs and sometimes (but way less often, and frequently made up of quite small plates attached to a foundation) the breast; and even these pieces were often hardened leather rather than metal.

    All in all, though, I suspect it’s the overall ‘feel’ of a Mithril figure’s appearance that dictates whether or not it gets away with wearing ‘heavy’ armour. For instance, I dislike the armoured LR Ringwraiths intensely, but feel the mounted Elrond and Gil-galad figures somehow get away with wearing pretty much the same kit. Odd, that.

    Dear Barliman,

    1220-1240 are not the early Middle Ages but the High Middle Ages. But I think you are perfectly right about the armoury of the knights, which tended to be a little bit more plate at that time. Must have been the improved bows and crossbows and the development of the pike used by the peasantry used in the many wars which forced the smiths to create heavier armour for their lords.

    I also agree to your second note, that it is the overall ‘feel’ of a Mithril figure’s appearance which leads to give it armour this or that way. For Manwes sake Chris has done mostly what I expected :-) which is a fine thing. Concerning dwarves, I hope to see some day the 13 dwarves without armour, more in a ranger or traveller look (even dwarves would not travel with mail if they do not got to war).

    What do the members her think about the look of the Royal Gondorian soldiery, I mean the usual soldier of MT? When I was a boy I found them ridiculous but having grown old I love these figure-designs very much. I do not think the MT warrior in the field should wear much armour, as this would hinder his marching speed on the field and I always had the idea from Tolkiens descriptions, that Gondor has won his battles by large and highly disciplined infantry (and not by TIN-MEN!!).

    NAMARIE
    estel