Best Weapons & Armor for a Conan type world? Medieval gear for any situation!
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- Опубликовано: 3 мар 2022
- One of my Patrons asked me what weapons and armor I would choose if I was going into a medieval technology mystery world and situation! Imagine Conan or similar.
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Conan himself used a wide variety of weapons and armor depending on the situation and location.
As a corsair among the Red Brotherhood and the Bacharans he usually wore little to no armor. Against the Picts (very much like woodland native Americans) he usually wore buckskins for stealth and comfort, despite his comments about mail being more survivable. Conan carried a bow and a hand axe or short sword against the Picts because they were handier in thick forest and underbrush. Interestingly, during his time with Belit and the Black Corsairs he specifically wore mail and used a 'northern broadsword'. Any other time, except his stint as a thief in his youth, he'd use whatever armor he could lay hands on. He was specifically noted as using scale armor and, as a general and king, field plate
Conan made extensive use of shields when he had access to them. They usually got hacked to pieces during his battles though. This might make a nice future video - how resilient were shields, and how much damage would one take in battle before falling apart?
In Vendhya (India) Conan was described using scimitars, tulwars and yatagans at various times.
As a Kozak (Cossack) and in mercenary service to Turan and Iranistan (Persia) he used the tulwar and sabre.
It's noted that though he was skilled with almost any blade Conan's preference was always for the straight, double edged 'broadsword', essentially an arming sword. Apparently this (along with the axe) was favored in his homeland, Cimmeria, as well as their northern rivals, the Vanir and Aesir. He was also called the 'most dangerous knife fighter of the Hyborian age'.
Conan was no stranger to axes and maces. He had, however, disdain for specialized thrusting blades used be 'effete nobles and dandies'. (paraphrased: 'I've seen a man run through and still kill his attacker. If I hit him with this (hefts a battleaxe) and he's still standing, I walk around to see what he's leaning against')
Conan reckoned himself an 'indifferent archer', though he became a better marksman over time and learned some horse archery fighting in the east. Conan had a healthy respect for the damage bows could do, and as King of Aquilonia made great use of his armored Bossonian archers.
Bills and pikes specifically figure in field battles, and in one case in the hands of a band constables investigating a burglary/murder. The only polearm I recall Conan himself using was possibly the spear. In one battle he fought on foot at the tip of a wedge of armored spearmen, though he may well have been using a sword or axe himself.
Conan was, however, far from invincible. He lost fights, even one-on-one. He often ran afoul of opponents who were more skilled (in his youth) or better equipped - or both - than he was. Sometimes he simply got unlucky. If he was heavily outnumbered he'd make a run for it. Even when he won, a skilled opponent would frequently leave him in bloody tatters. He almost never came out of a fight unscathed. This is one of the things that I loved about the stories in my youth; his opponents were actually dangerous.
My two cents
I disagree. That's at least 5 cents.
Is there conan comics or something?
Yes. Marvel had the conan license from 1970-1999 and that was probably at the height of his popularity. Conan the barbarian ran for 275 issues followed by a few miniseries. Savage sword of Conan was a black and white magazine that had more graphic stories and articles. Conan saga was a series of reprints also in a magazine format. There was also a Conan the King comic that lasted for 55 issues.
From 2002-2018 Dark Horse comics had the license the main book was 6 volumes and around 150 issues. They also had a ton of miniseries focused on king Conan.
In 2019 marvel regained the license and published a 25 issue run. A twelve issue savage sword run. A few miniseries about him and some solo adventures centering and the women of his life. And a 27 issue run called Savage Avengers where he teamed up with punisher, wolverine and venom among other killers. Volume two is about to start. And currently they are publishing A six issue mini called King Conan. Also they are in the process of reprinting everything in verifiable formats.
Finally Ablaze studios is reprinting adaptions that were originally from France.
So yup there are comics
Thank you. Your comment made me decide to start reading the books.
@@notsoprogaming9789 Conan was originally a short story series from the 1930s. Look up Robert E. Howard. There's a wonderful 3 book collection of all of the Conan stories in the order they were written on Amazon.
Remember though, that as a Hyborian-age adventurer, you wont just be facing human opponents. You will likely have to contend with giant snakes, carnivorous apes, living statues, giant snakes, man-eating plants, blasphemous horrors from beyond the stars, ape-men, prehistoric animals, and giant snakes.
Don't forget *gargantuan serpents* and the ocassional *giant snake*
As well as magic and alchemy!
@@chungus_khan Huge slithering reptiles!
In the original Robert E Howard stories Connan was often wearing a scale mail shirt. In the story Beyond Black River he says the party of people he was with would have a lot better chance of surviving if they had worn some chain or scale mail.
In Howard's works, Conan often derided others for their reluctance to "wear harness" implying that the Cimmerian was more often armored than not. In fact, accounts of his armor failing, despite its quality, are almost common.
Conan was wearing even full palte after he became a king.
In the original REH Conan novels, Conan wore all types of armour from Aquilonian knight-styled cavalry plate to just a pair of pants or loincloth. He was in the process of putting on heavy plate in the first novel when the assassins interrupted him, he was a mercenary in chain armour that was upgraded to plate in The Black Colossus, chain at the beginning of The Queen of the Black Coast... But most often he had only clothing appropriate to whatever culture he was in at the time.
A lot of people are fans of Conan but have never read the original stories. They've seen the comic books and movies and maybe read the novels that came out in the 80's and think they know the character. In one original story Conan even mocks a muscle man for wasting their time on bulking up but lacking the real strength to wrestle a bull to the ground so Howard might not have been too happy about Arnold's portrayal.
@@silverjohn6037 I am one of the comics fans. I remember when I talked to a guy that had read the books. I really find the original lore more fascinating, and the wits of Conan are better displayed in the books (armour, combat style and so on). trying to find a copy in my country to buy since then
My general purpose medieval adventuring wish-list:
- Kettle-hat or Sallet, open faced, basically a primitive equivalent of a WWI Stahlhelm
- Brigandine
- plate armour for my limbs
- good socks
- two slings (1 as reserve) and two belt-pouches of sling-bullets or suitable stones
- a rondel dagger or stiletto
- a messer with S-guard or full knucke bow, basically a cutlass
- a relatively simple spear, fitted with a carrying sling
- the magical ability to summon infinite rolls of toilet paper
- the ability to poop smooth gold nuggets with a diameter NOT EXCEEDING 1 inch
Plus 1 for the good socks. Way underlooked, but if you have to move, it's the best protection. If your feet a bleeding, you don't even need an enemy to have a bad time.
What's the idea behind brigandine instead of plate? It's not lighter and it's less form-fitted.
@@Ninjamanhammer I think it's easier to put on or off by yourself since it often opens in the front like a normal shirt.
@@Runegrem Sure, but if you could pick any armor you wanted you could also just pick a cuirass that was easy to put on by yourself. Renaissance troops used plate cuirasses and I don't think they had squires to help put them on.
Yep, basically European explorer kit: steel helmet, cuirass, sword and buckler.
Proven to be effective against all kinds of opponent, from African tribesmen, Arab mercenaries, Turkish regulars, Indian soldiers, Japanese pirates, Aztecs, Incas, etc, and also against other European explorers with similar kit.
Other alternatives:
- Viking gear (mail, helmet, sword/axe, and shield, also bow and arrows). Excellent all rounder.
- Samnite gladiatorial equipment (scutum, short sword, helmet, breast plate, and greaves), which said to be effective or at least decent against all of other types of gladiator. Basically similar to Roman legionaries but with lighter armor and no javelin.
I picture Matt pulling a hand wagon full of various weapons from his collection through the magical door and assessing the situation.
"Right then, let's see what we have here."
You made me think of an old Robert Heinlein book Glory Road. The hero's porter (guy who carried the gear) had a magic back pack that could unfold, then unfold again and again until it was the size of a room. Basically had an armory any time he wanted to change a weapon.
Conquistador level armour is perfect, a good helmet with full visibility and protection, mixed with a at-the-time nearly impenetrable cuirass, the legs and arms free for mobility with cloth armour or mail
By far the best protection for a Conan type would be plot armour, near 100% protection against any weapon and lets you show of your muscles! ;)
Clever! Thanks, I laughed.
Plot armor > 1,000,000 Iron Man armors!
But beware the lesser known, but supremely deadly _"Plot Achilles Heel"_ --which is when the narrative of a given work requires a character to die/be wounded by something that the character should just shrug off, based on previously established lore/scenes/feats.
It's like a character acts like he's Wolverine, or the Terminator-- laughing off bullets and explosions through most of the work. But then, when the plot calls for it, they get a paper cut and fall over dead...
Maybe in the movies;). In the original stories Conan was usually fighting more crazed cultists/undead minions than a movie could afford to hire so he wore armor and even then he took his share of hits.
Where do I apply for the muscles ?
At *Frank Frazetta's* Buff Bods for the Hyborean Beach/Muscles, Maces, and -Maille- , er, _Loincloths_ Emporium?
In the OG short stories armor is REALLY important. Hell in the 1st story ever written (the phenix on the sword iirc) conan in his royal bedroom receives a party of assassins and the narrator makes it abundantly clear that his advantages are: strength, combat experience, savagery and ARMOR. In fact the narrator spends a little while telling us conan didn't had the time to tighten his cuirass and helmet which are coming loose, presenting a weakness.
In another one conan leads a battle, the ennemy's archer are better bowman than his own but conan's archer still win because they are explicitly stated to wear armor.
Tldr books conan is a very different beast that taps into the same horror as lovecraft (they were friends so no surprise there) and conan himself is deceivinhly wise. The film was amazing in how it portrayed magic, very close to the source but everything else is surface level barbarian stuff.
To be fair, late Japanese armor (15th-16th century) for high ranking individuals (samurai) was meant to be donned by the wearer - there are even Edo period manuals that teach you how to put on Japanese armor on your own. One of these manuals is the famous Hikôben (被甲辨, „How to Wear Armour) of the Zukai Tanki-yôryaku (図解単騎要略).
Although not an expert, I had the impression that armor had been prepared ahead of time for the contingency of a night attack. The ranking individual is trained in how to quickly don the armor by himself or with minimal assistance. I don’t think that he would be able reverse the process quite so easily by himself without help.
@@jaytomioka3137 you can prepare the armor in advance for sure, and that's another feature of late Japanese armor - for instance, you can have the arm pieces and the pauldrons directly attached to the cuirass so that speed up and facilitate the process quite a lot.
However it is not that hard to remove it by your own as well, for sure it is easier with help but not impossible without, unlike with some sets of high end full plate harness.
The best armour for a Conan type world is the same that Conan himself had: the plot armour.
Top answer 🙌🏻
is it really a "Conan type world" if everyone is not shirtless or in bikini armour?
@@sentryward8744 That depends if you consider the original REH stories or are basing your ideas of what the Hyborian Age is like on movies and comics like most people do, the two are *very* different. And not just visually, there's an article you can find online called "Conan vs. Conantics" that talks about how later writers warped all the principles and characters set up by REH into something else, often the polar opposite of what they were originally like.
The original Hyborian Age is much more of a classical high fantasy environment than the movies' sand, rock and pecs sort of visuals. Cities of marble and gold, knights in shining plate - I guess sand and rock sets were easier and cheaper to film in.
Here's a bit of a quote from the Black Colossus, chapter 3, where REH describes the army of Khojara going to war:
"There were the knights, gleaming in richly wrought plate-armor, colored plumes waving above their burnished sallets. Their steeds, caparisoned with silk, lacquered leather and gold buckles, caracoled and curvetted as their riders put them through their paces. The early light struck glints from lance-points that rose like a forest above the array, their pennons flowing in the breeze. Each knight wore a lady's token, a glove, scarf or rose, bound to his helmet or fastened to his sword-belt. They were the chivalry of Khoraja, five hundred strong, led by Count Thespides, who, men said, aspired to the hand of Yasmela herself."
en.wikisource.org/wiki/Black_Colossus/Chapter_III
@@sentryward8744 The stories published during Howard's lifetime are in the public domain, if you want to read them.
And the guidance of Crom.
The Robert E Howard version of Conan had him full armor. His Conan was more of a strategist and fought more smartly compared to later versions. Conan would have taken advantage of the best armor available to him. He was a tank and would have worn the heaviest he could bare.
He rarely wears full plate. I can only remember one time (maybe the story was called "witch shall be born" or something like that). Other times he wears decent armor but not full plate. Most of the times he wears male, a cloak and a horned helmet (like in "frost giant's daughter", "quenn of the black coast" or in "beyond the black river") Other times hes just half naked (like in "tower of the elephant" or "rogues in the house")
@@cheersbro7347 He wears armor when he can, but in the stories he is often in quite desperate situations where he does not have access to ideal equipment. He rides to battle wearing full plate in the stories "Black Colossus", "The Scarlet Citadel", and "The Hour of the Dragon".
Pretty sure he's more described with the strengh, agility and speed of a panther more than a freakin' bear.
The movie with schwarzenegger gave him the stereotype "tank" body. The movie with Jason Momoa was terrible but the actor was a better fit in my opinion.
All in all, Conan is an adventurer, he wouldn't wear plate armor : too cumbersome for travel.
Maybe when he did large-scale battle; but not for most of his life.
@@kram9863 true. I havent read those stories. And for example in "rogues in the house" he does not have armor because he just eschapes from prison so it makes sense.
@@s.p..smdness8748 Conan's low laugh was merciless as the ring of steel.
“You fool!” he all but whispered. “I think you never saw a man from the West before. Did you deem yourself strong, because you were able to twist the heads off civilized folk, poor weaklings with muscles like rotten string? Hell! Break the neck of a wild Cimmerian bull before you call yourself strong. I did that, before I was a full-grown man - like this!”
And with a savage wrench he twisted Baal-pteor's head around until the ghastly face leered over the left shoulder, and the vertebrae snapped like a rotten branch.
-- Robert E. Howard, "Shadows in Zamboula"
Armor:
•Kettle hat with downward sloping sides for a little side protection without too negatively affecting hearing
•Vented gambeson
•Mobility-emphasized coat of plates, with maille on the shoulders/upper bicep and short split skirt hanging over the upper thigh.
•Single splint running along the outer upper arm.
•Bazuband braces, or similar
•Simple greaves.
Weapons:
•Stout baselard
•Cut-and-thrust messer with knuckle bow
•Glaive or corseque
Why a coat of plates rather than just a cuirass?
Add a sling to your belt, mate! Weights and costs next to nothing and adds a much needed ranged option (which the Romans considered equal to that of a bow in many circumstances) for added versatility for almost no extra encumbrance! (As a side note, ALL of my D&D characters carry one for these exact reasons, lol)
I had nearly the same thoughts as you except I picked a Brigandine
@@Harrowed2TheMind Not really. The bullets weigh quite a bit.
@@Harrowed2TheMind Not really. The bullets weigh quite a bit.
I think the kit of a Roman Legionary or, maybe "Viking era" armour is the kit level I'd shoot for. Something that provides protection, but light enough to actually be carried/worn. Armour you aren't wearing is no better than having no armour at all.
A mail shirt over a gambeson, with an Imperial Italic D style helmet, and greaves. For weapons I'd likely go for plumbata, a spear, a falchion w/ knuckle bow, a rondel dagger, and a round boss griped shield. You'd be at a disadvantage against someone in full plate harness, but you're more likely to actually be wearing your kit when you meet them.
Yep. Also European explorer kit (steel helmet, cuirass, sword, buckler, and maybe steel crossbow for good measure). Proven effective against African tribesmen, Arabs mercenaries, Turkish regulars, Indian soldiers, Japanese pirates, Aztec and Inca warriors, etc.
You can always carry a sling and a few bullets. You can even use pebbles as ammo if needed. Not as good as a x/bow, but it gives you some range while carrying a polearm.
Rather than modern bullets, I'd suggest round musket-shot: With a sling, the musket-shot might be more accurate than a bullet 👍👍
@@TimParker-Chambers he's not referring to modern bullets. Slings had specially designed bullets, usually made of lead.
@@TimParker-Chambers having actually practiced with a sling, I can say that a round projectile is not ideal at ALL. You definitely want an ovaloid shaped bullet, which is why basically all sling bullets have that shape.
@@harjutapa Ahhh, I did not know that, thankyou for explaining 🙏🙏👍👍
A sling could be useful for fighting or hunting for food (an important consideration for wilderness travel).
Dammit Matt! The world of the Hyborian Age (the world Conan takes place) is basically the 15th century AD minus guns mixed with some Stone Age/Bronze Age tech in regards to the less developed part in the world.
Beyond the Black River: He wore chainmail, and is the reason he survived the ambush where as everyone else died/got captured.
Hour of the Dragon: Has plate armor but didn't get a chance to wear it.
Phoenix of the Sword: Partial plate.
Black Collosus: Starts of with hauberk and bascinet, ends up wearing plate armor.
The reason why Conan runs around in a loincloth is because he's POOR! You can find most of Robert E. Howard's stories on Project Guttenburg!
Or Wikisource
On the polearm or missile weapon thing, you could carry a polearm and a slingshot in a bag of lead balls
That's a good idea. Personally, I think take Todd's shield with the built-in dart holders and a spear instead of the polearm, though.
Yeah I think this is the best suggestion. Spear + shield combo with slings + lead ammo as optional missile weaponry. Slings is a good compromise for a back up missile due to its ease of carry. Slings can and have been used with shields in warfare in the classical era, even ahead of archery at the time where the bows have not yet reach medieval war bow level power and range.
@@dick_richards More powerful, but you do lose out on the portability. That's the great benefit of the sling as opposed to another ranged weapon like a bow. Though I suppose you could modify your spear slightly to also function as the staff for the sling.
In books if Conan is wearing any armor, usually he goes for a fairly standard package. His swords are one-handed, sometimes could be described as sabres, if he has any helmet it's an open-face one, usually chainmail shirt for the torso, sometimes has a shield. I'd probably go with the same. I don't think he's ever described as wearing a very large shield, so his kit is fairly flexible and easy to carry around. The Hyborian era is very inconsistent with the tech level. Aquilonia sometimes is almost Medieval (they had heavy cavalry), then you have quasi-Mongols and quasi-Egyptians.
I like the idea of this video becoming a series where you select a movie, novel, video game, or the like and put together a kit if you were about to be thrown into that world/narrative. I.e. The fellowship of the ring: You will join the fellowship in Rivendell and must wear and carry anything you choose through the whole of the rest of the film.
In the end of the day we always come to the classic set - what a surprise!
Open helmet, gambeson, some metall armor (mail + brigandine or cuirass); may be some arm/leg protection. Sword, dagger as a base, then polearm or large shield, or missle weapon.
It is exactly the typical preferred loadout of medieval professional warrior, as far as I can see.
Short maille shirt, helmet, boss gripped smaller round shield that can be slung. Some sort of side arm (possibly a messer or cutlass) . Warm cloak, backpack with Greek style grieves that can easily be added if pitched battle likely. A lot lighter than Matt's Loadout, but Conan did a lot of moving through narrow gaps in ruins and tunnels.
The fantasy scenario is excellent. Obviously, many fans of this period have played this game in their head. What would I choose, knowing all I know of history and different cultures, etc.
You didn't address whether or not you had a horse, so I'll circle back to that.
Your scenario limited options by going solo, no servants. So everything you carry and wear has to be carried and put on by you. I think that's important because of the choice to be made between a shield and one handed weapon, or better armor and a two handed weapon. The evolution of plate armor (in my opinion) was what made shields largely obsolete on the battlefield. When you add the weight of a good shield, mail/jack/breastplate and leg armor against good plate, is there much of a difference? The plate might be a bit heavier, but you are probably more mobile and a two handed weapon with superior reach gives you a lot of advantages.
But plate requires servants to help you put it on and unless you have a horse (s), you aren't going to be carrying or wearing it for very long if you are slogging around on foot. So my choice would be breast and back plate with a gambeson that has mail sleeves attached and a mail "skirt" of sorts to also provide for lower body protection below the breast plate. I might also consider an asymetrical arm protection, i.e. a more robust vambrace and elbow guard for the sword arm.
For a helmet, there's a lot to be said for something similar to a Roman helmet. The brim, and a central ridge gives good protection to a downward cut/blow, the cheek pieces protect the face. The shield also protects the face, but I might still add a bit of a nasal. The back of the neck also has good protection. The lobsterback type helmet popular during the English Civil War could also be an option.
In one of your videos you showed a Scottish Backsword/broadsword that had alterations to the basket that allowed a saber grip, both for cutting and thrusting, giving substantial advantages over the standard basket. I think I would go with that and a single-edged backsword (with a sharpened false edge) as my choice of sword.
I agreed with your choice of a rondel dagger before you ever stated it, for the same reasons, penetration of armored opponents (or unarmored) in hand to hand fighting.
I don't know if this is allowed in your scenario, but since the sword is your sidearm, rather than a spear to pair with the shield, can I pick a warhammer? Light enough to use one handed, but a nice spike for penetrating helmets or mail. As you've pointed out many times, swords don't cut armor and rarely penetrate. They are primarily useful against unarmored opponents or their unarmored bits. If I'm going to bash someone in their helmeted head, I'd rather do it with a warhammer than my sword.
If we get to have a horse, my choices change somewhat. I'll go with a good Mongol/Asian/Turkic bow, smaller shield that can be slung on the saddle when using the bow. Armor will be lighter as will the helmet so the bow can be used.
Sounds about right. For the helmet I'd probably go with the one worn by Winged Hussars. Very similar to the Roman one but with a faceplate that can be turned into a nasal for better vision. I'd also probably take an axe over a hammer as my primary.
Personally I think that I'd choose things that are light - I don't want to be over encumbered, and can be used in many ways.
*Weapons:*
- a sword; long enough to provide greater reach, but preferably light enough to be used in one hand with relative ease
- a roman style slingshot. While not being particularly powerful it's huge advantage is in finding ammunition (larger pebbles and rocks)
- a small shield (like a targe; strapped and round)
- a knife
*Armour:*
- kettle hat. Provides good vision and hearing, while also being protective enough (most of the time)
- brigandine; they are protective and are relatively easy to put on by yourself. (Also is easier to take care of and repair compared to full plate)
Edit: the helmet could also be swapped for some other model
Pretty much same here. Probably swap the kettle hat for a roman imperial helmet. I will also take a javelin or two, but I can't decide what kind - angons probably because they can easily double up as a one handed spears in a pinch.
IMO people often underestimated the power of slingshot. While it has little "armor piercing" even against armor made from fabric, the force and momentum of the projectile is no joke.
Imagine getting hit by a tennis ball or baseball, but made of stone and travel at higher speed.
I think I would go for a brigandine, openfaced helmet and a longsword. That would be fairly reasonable to walk around with, decent protection from enemy attacks and a fairly powerful weapon with good reach.
What's the reasoning for a brigandine over plate cuirass?
@@Ninjamanhammer My impression is that a brigandine typicly covers more of the torso, is easier to put on/ take of by yourself and more comfortable to were. I could be wrong though and a plats cuirass is certanly not a bad idea :)
@@simoneriksson8329 With faulds a cuirass should cover about as much. Not sure which is easier to put on, but a cuirass is easy enough. The cuirass is definitely more comfortable, as it can be more form-fitted.
If you look at renaissance combatants they wore plate cuirasses instead of brigandine. The main advantages of brigandine was that they were easier and cheaper to produce.
easy answer, a benching press, proteins, and lots, lots of oil
Is that a request?
@@scholagladiatoria Oh, yes! Make it so on your next video!
For armor - loincloth, fur boots and a horned helm.
For weapons - kind of short but very heavy sword.
This topic brings me back 20-10 years ago, as we were chosing and gearing up for LARPing with semi HEMA/fantasy scenarios.
Main criteria firstly was cool look, then protection. But, as going places with all this gear comes into account one should consider absence of personal automobile transport.
So everything martial must be carried on self. And some other stuff should be put on.
So. I personnally ended up ditching leg and arm protection from my half-plate for mobility.
Bourguignot helmet for head protection.
And for weapons - halberd+saber/broadsword and ringed-hilt dagger.
Let's take something from everywhere, you know, go full 13th warrior:
- Kettle helm with a no(r)se guard, roman cheek protectors and detachable aventail
- Brigandine with japanese shoulder/thigh/shin guards and a huuuge codpiece
- Plus size chinese dao paired with a scottish targe, several plumbatae and, of course, a bollock dagger
Arrows made of living snakes come to mind...
Apart from the obvious, I also feel Viking Era gear fits the setting really well, so:
Helmet, spear, handaxe, roundshield, dagger. Durable clothes, boots and gloves.
I do not see myself or my barbarian alter ego go hiking in armour, so no chainmail for me. In case of magically infinite arrows, I would probably switch my spear for an Hyrkanian bow.
And should I spy any of you time-travelling Renaissance Era types, I will summon a Cthulhu, you can bet your gambeson-brigandine combo on that :)
chainmail shirt, knee length with sleeves down to the wrist. Viking style nasal helmet with chainmail for the neck. Heavy leather boots up to the knees. thin leather gloves, a small shield able to be strapped to the foream that can be used with a bow ( or just to get a hand free for a torch and still having a shield )
a mongolian style bow with a bowquiver and an additional arrowquiver ( big enough for 3-4 dozens of arrows ) on the sides of some belts, a katana as sidearm ( its very versatile ). Rondeldagger and a seax as backup weapons ( the seax also double as tool ) and a spear with a backspike. And a kylie (nonreturning hunting boomerang ) stuck behind my belt (for easy acces) for hunting small game of oportunity
And I still can carry some kind of backpack for "camp/survival gear"or additional quivers/arrowbags
Edit: use a seprate sash to wear the katana convienant and to prevent it to interfere with your archery equipment. And use a seperate belt for the archery equipment for easy removal if you want to take it off, even its only at your campsite.
The second you set the parameters, the first thing I could think of was "SPEAR"!!! Useful in so many situations and dead simple. Paired with a shield, I've got a solid start (glad you came around on that during Take #2). For armor, any Imperial Roman armor (Lorica segmentata, mail, or squamata), greaves, and helmet. Love the gambeson or brigandine as well. Some kind of bracers and leather gloves. Falchion, cutlass, or messer for primary sidearm. Cinquedea style dagger.
In most medieval fantasy worlds, you travel a lot, often on foot, by yourself or in small groups.
So for me, a versatile equipment would be:
- Gambeson+Long-sleeved mail hauberk
(good for cold weather, can take out the gambeson in hot weather, covers most of the body, from the neck to the knees, relatively comfortable)
- Ancient greek style bronze greaves
- Kettle helmet (added protection against sun and rain compared to a more "stereotypical" helmet)
- A heater shield (with backstrap).
- Maybe a gauntlet for the unshielded hand.
- 1 one-handed cut&thrust sword (arming sword, or certain types of longer, slimmer, pointier falchions)
- 1 one-handed warhammer
- 1 multipurpose dagger, like the typical medieval dagger which looks like a miniature arming sword.
- If I'm expected to hunt, a short hunting bow and a handful of arrows.
I think this covers most situations, on foot and on horseback, both armored and unarmored opponents - indeed, even fantasy ones.
Even this feels like too much, on foot. On horseback, no problems.
That said, if you know exactly what you're up against, specialized equipment for the win.
I think D&D has called this level of armor "field plate", "platemail", "half-plate". These are all some unspecified combination of pieces of plate and/or mail and/or clothing.
My favorite D&D dwarf character had access to a royal set of full plate that he wore for a time as a newly declared king, but for most of his life he has used a mix of plate and mail. He even put the full plate back on display and returned to his plate mail when he felt a yearning for the road again. His adventures have taken him afar on foot, horseback, shipdeck, flying chariot, and even astride a dragon. An open-faced helm has accompanied at all times.
And his arms have consisted of battleaxe and roundshield since childhood.
Sounds like a great ensemble, then.
"What is steel compared to the hand that wields it?"
Personally, I think I'd go for
-A long mail hauberk with full sleeves over a gambeson (think those worn by the gallowglass, but not short-sleeved)
-Cloth gloves with mail stitched to the back
-An open-faced barbute helm or a similar protective helm
-A large round shield, but not so big as to be one that would only be useful in formation
-A light spear, like the Arms & Armor Celtic Spear in proportions, more of a "throwing spear" but still very well suited to melee with a shield
-A one-handed axe or one of Tod's bronze maces, suitable for smashing into mail or other armors but still relatively nimble
-A big, almost short sword-like dagger like the Irish scian or a French coustille
Thanks for this! As I was hoping, you brought up considerations I had not thought of, especially regarding armor.
Nailed it! Spear, sword--messer or the like, shield, dagger. Medium bow & plenty o' arrows. Helmet, mail shirt, simple greaves (and maybe bazubands).
Chainmail hauberk covering the legs, helmet with nose guard, javelin, saber, tanto, shield, rondel dagger.
Before watching, I'm going to say I would take a gambeson, a breast plate (just the breast plate, not a cuirass and no fauld/tassets/etc.), and a visored helmet of some kind. That allows decent protection and mobility while being quiet for stealth scenarios (wearing the gambeson over the breast plate might make the most sense there). For weapons, I would carry a staff, spear head, and sling (thus allowing me to use a spear in battle field scenarios and a fustibal/staff sling when taking part in a siege) as well as an arming sword, large knife like a bauernwher or a dagger, and a shield small enough to be worn (on the back like a heater shield or on the belt like a buckler). That makes a lot of compromises, but I think it also covers the vast majority of situations.
Thanks for keeping your videos on point, informative and not 50 minutes long.
Thanks Matt, fun video and thought experiment
Really fun video buddy. Love your work good sir.
Knowing the world of Conan you're likely to be facing either a horde of lightly armed and armored enemies or a powerful sorcerer. That in mind, I'd want mobility and ranged weaponry because unless you're Conan himself you don't want to go toe-to-toe with a large group of enemies and getting close to a sorcerer would be easier said than done.
-Brigandine over gambeson
-Bascinet or Sallet type helmet
-Some good running shoes
-Messer paired with a buckler or similar small shield that could be clipped to my belt
-The heaviest bow I'd be comfortable drawing repeatedly over a long stretch of time, paired with broadhead arrows and maybe a handful of horse killing arrows
I agree with the methodology, but the initial question had me thinking earlier armours. I tend to think of Conan etc, as shortly after the fall of the bronze age. The heaviest armour you can get in and out of on your own, easily, and still move well enough in, is definitely where to go with it. But spear, shield, sword, and dagger are timeless.
One overlooked aspect of pauldrons, is that they inhibit the use of a back scabbard.
Personally, I'd go with the same as most people, malle shirt with protection to the elbow & the thighs, brigandine, shield & spear, open helmet with a small amount of cheek & nose protection maybe similar to the later 'lobster pot' helmet, cut & thrust sword of course, with detatchable pommel, dagger, greaves, large metal codpiece (for intimidation purposes), Studded leather lower arm protection (to throw Matt off his game, if I ever had to face him) & of course, sturdy, grippy, comfortable boots (an overlooked piece of kit in most of these speculative scenarios), leather gloves, a neckerchief to wear over the nose & mouth in dusty situations (also makes a useful improvised sling or bandage), a sling for hunting small game, a wool cloak, flint, tinder & steel and finally, the holy hand grenade of Antioch.
Hey Matt, thanks for the recommendation for Neil Burridges Sword Corner...Beautiful work!!!!
I’d pick an Igorot head hunting axe. It’s a good tool for hunting and woodworking, but is also a weapon that is effective against unarmored targets. I assume against low numbers of armored humanoid opponents would also be in danger as it does have pretty good penetrative power. It can be used with one or two hands overall it’s not the best choice in any situation, but still really good in most situations. This would be paired with a sling.
I’d go with a mix of mail and lamellar armor for the chest with some kind of medium sized wooden kalasag shield (to reduce weight and make it repairable) considering I am already in possession of an axe. Bottom prongs would be reinforced so I can jam it into the ground and use it as a small mobile wall I can crouch behind and fling stones. It would have a buckler sized metal boss to protect the hand and be small enough to sling on my back when not in use.
Short leather and metal ring skirt, right forearm having some kind of leather armor with metal rings in it. The rings would be sandwhiches between the leather to conceal them and prevent the noise. Both of which are meant to be light weight, relatively quiet, and offer surprising cutting resistance as I don’t expect to be stabbed in those locations. I’d probably choose some kind of open face metal helmet. Something with just enough protection to the top of my head for a stray arrow, but is small enough to have it under some kind of wide brimmed hat that would give me shade and keep water off me in poor weather. This would be paired with a heavy wool cloak in which I can conceal my axe. My gear would be focused on being comfortable and practical for being on the move.
I think being an adventurer that’s in constant combat is an adventurer who won’t live that long regardless of combat prowess. I’d want to be one that knows how to travel light, pick advantageous battles, hide when the odds are against me, and be more armed and armored than it would appear at first glance.
Armour: brigandine with mail sleeve, pizan and skirt, couter and gauntlet on the right harm, rotella, burgonet, light leg defence (plate only on front);
Weapons: spada da lato, stradiotta dagger, mace and couple javelins (if allowed, blowpipe + poison darts).
I'm not sure what the historical names or the equivalent would be but I would be looking for..
-a shield. Absolutely I'm not stepping into a portal without a shield up. I remember hearing Viking shields doubled as floating devices? Not sure if its a rumer but based on that I'd take one of those in case I step right into water world.
-Helmet, closed preferably. most importantly I can turn my head and it wont wobble.
-gambeson coat for sure it could be cold. thick around the neck
-some light weight chain sleeves, maybe the flat Japanese style is lighter? just something to make it more difficult for arrows to penetrate the gambeson. If its hot and I have the time I can ditch the gambeson and still have protection.
-a silk shirt. Cant remember where I heard Mongols wore silk in part to make pulling an arrow out easier.
-Leg armor, basically what the man said. something plate cover what the shield doesn't.
-3 throwing knives, been practicing with these a bit and with a quick draw could come in handy. googling rondel daggers, some actually look pretty decent for throwing.
-a tomahawk or something similar that is the right ration of compact but not too short, also throwable, that I could quickly pull from a waistband. Can also use it for some non combat purposes like building a shelter or gathering firewood.
-Mongol bow. duh right? I've seen some that can sit in some sort of holster.
Plan would be come out with the shield, move towards a safe location I can cover with the bow.
Early Viking age is my period; reenacted it for decades. I made two byrnies, a heavy shirt just over knee length and sleeves elbow length (like Hardrada's famous 'Emma') and what I call a hunting byrnie, mid thigh length and sleeveless...also much, much lighter; which I would wear would depend on circumstance. Primary weapon spear, secondary a good broadsword, and backup secondary a mid-length seax. All three would be for use with a round shield. I would also want a Vendel style helm with mail avantail, and a Peterson type L ax with a longish handle for two-hand use. Maybe stave-armor vambraces. Much more, of course, but that would be the basic kit.
The Asian system of thumb archery is one of the best premodern to early modern weapon systems. European plate armour is the best defence. Thus:
Armour: A17th century European pikeman's breastplate (can be put on by yourself), bourgonet with falling buffe, 17th century moose hide buff coat with mail patches at strategic locations, almain collar (gorget w spaulders), bazuband lower arms/gauntlets, cuir bouilli cuisses, 16th century style high carbon steel lower legs (poleyns, greaves, sabatons). European plate is just too good to pass on, but overall the armour stays somewhat light (no cauldrons, faulds or tassels, no full plate arms w counters etc.) and arms are flexible for archery.
Weapons: 110cm Ottoman tekne kuram reflex bow, 100 lbs, 29inch war arrows (drawn to my earlobe) with bow and arrow quiver, Ottoman and Manchu thumb rings in sizes for use with or without gauntlets, Ottoman kilij (curved grip allows it to be held in the arrow hand while shooting), bullet proof target or lighter khalkan with arm straps (allows strapping to arm while shooting), rondel dagger with reinforced spine and tip strapped to my right thigh (Scythian style) and broad and sharp pugio strapped to left upper arm (sudanese style), 16th century one handed war hammer against armour, with belt hook. A medium-short spear (2m) with back spike that can be thrown or used in melee. If allowed, two German “Puffer” wheel lock pistols. Also 2 slings (one for longer reach one shorter), since they take no space but can be very dangerous. The relatively short spear and the ottoman short bow in its quiver would probably allow for carrying both a pole arm and a ranged weapon. Also using shields was totally normal practice with the Ottoman bow.
It seems like a wild mix, but Venetians and Spanish sometimes used Ottoman bows (one was even taken to America by Columbus!). In hindsight the configuration of armour (breastplate, spaulders, but w bazubands) is actually almost like winged hussar armour! And those also used war hammers, sabres and, at least on occasion, ottoman shields and bows!
If only up to 15th century: No puffer, brigandine with plackart instead of pikeman's breastplate, Sallet w bevor instead of bourgonet and simpler spaulders, Indian elephant skin dhal instead of bullet proof target and gambeson with mail insets instead of buff coat.
Okay here's a topic I hope you'll cover one day: Which swords would be the best to use if you're an immortal in Highlander?
One who survived into the modern day, you mean? That means carrying and concealing are a factor.
And about "The Rules" - those only apply to the actual life-or-death duels. If I used modern weapons like guns, tasers, or pepper spray just to ward off or incapacitate my enemy so I could run, that should technically be allowed. I could shoot/shock/spray a guy, then run home to get my sword.
@@konstellashon1364 Yeah, one who survived to modern day and isn't using modern weapons (I don't think they ever said it was against the rules but immortals tend not to use them on one another so...)
Well, in the TV shows, they just casually pull a full-size sword out from under a long coat, so apparently it can be whatever you want. 😆
Definitely not one specialized for the thrust
These days? Probably a shotgun or maybe a short sabre/hanger that you could conceal, maybe an axe or machete in your trunk
Apart from a regular dagger/knife, an additional one made of gold and decorated with lots of precious gemstones can be very useful in many situations.
Especially if it’s a disguised knife missile.
I found this particularly interesting, because I'm actually writing a Conan-esq fantasy series. I've lost count of how much time I've spent researching arms and armor ranging from the late bronze age, all the way up to that used by the Mongolians during the 13th century. I've mostly gone for leather, bronze plate and mail armor.
Excellent video, sir. Feeding the algorithm and responding a requested. Mobility and survivability always comes to mind: good load bearing gear, as well as equipment for food and water acquisition, with multipurpose arms. Long knife, hand axe, dagger, longsword, and short spear, with a metal helmet and breastplate in the pack. Limb protection and shield, as well. More can be acquired, metal components can be retained and reused, organic materials can be replaced. Materials and tools for maintaining and repairing gear should be considered.
One massive thing i think you forgot. A sling. its tiny, weighs nothing snd is effortless to carry. And you dont even need ammo, as long as you are or pass through somewhere with rocks youve got near limitless ammo. It might not be the greatest weapon, but its ease of carry to have a back up projectile thst will almost always have free ammo is definitely worth it imo.
To add on. Leg and arm/hands would depend on availability vs needed mobility. But at least the haulberk would go to just above the knee and maybe some kind of shin protection. Arms would be partial chain, spaulders, vambraces and couters. Gauntlets would at minimum be leather gloves. Heavier chain or plated mittens, if available.
Well, we have our GO bags from the catastrophic fires last year. A short-handled glaive for both me and my girlfriend to strap on the back, kukri for her, Bowie knife for me. A black bastard sword and gladius at my side. Bows, arrows, bolts and crossbow. Riveted chain hauberk for me, and butted mailed for her. A shield and buckler, plus a few plate pieces. Oh yeah, and a helmet for each. And maybe a wheelbarrow to carry it in!
Before watching the video:
Armour: Gambeson, jack chains, gauntlets (heavy leather, chain backed!) coat of plates (front fastened), splinted greaves and kettle hat.
'Weapons' Kite shield (Ever taken one to the mush, its a weapon!), short sword (falchion? Katzbalger?), spear, bollock dagger, and a tool hatchet. The last two are more survival tools that can be used as weapons at a pinch!
Note, I can't shoot for toffee, so no missile weapons.
After, Hmm long chain hauberk? I've struggled to much with those in the past (getting them on and off) which is why I have chosen the coat of plates/brigandine with front fastening. Jack chains may not seem that protective, but, they work. They are on top of the Gambeson. Gauntlets, still a must. I prefer the kettle hat because the brim protects the face to a degree. If it has cheek guards on the strap, it is to me best balance of protection and visibility/breathing. The splinted greaves, well a kit shield provides some leg protection, but another layer can't hurt.
because I am using a shield, spear was the obvious choice, if it has a broad blade, great. I prefer my swords shorter, I'm just more aware of where they end, longer swords, I start to lose awareness of where they end. So thinking the katzbalger which has hand protection, is about 'my length', stabby and slashy.
Helmet, maile hauberk, gambeson, armoured gauntlets, rotella, side sword with cut & thrust blade/ side ring/pas d'anes/knuckle bow, solid parrying dagger, sling & lead bullets, boot knife.
Following instructions, I write this without seeing the video (or reading other comments).
Armor: Brigandine
Focus on flexibility, natural colors and noise reduction. I want to be able to take a hit, draw bows easily and notice stuff before it notices me. Despite the effect on endurance, my legs and feet also needs protection because that's where many animals would hit. Might as well protect the arms while I'm at it.
Helmet: Open metal helmet
Open helmet for visibility and day-to-day breathing with ears open too so I can hear any danger. Face attachment in belt for cave preparation. Same need for silence and blending in.
Secondary hand: Warbow
I need a ranged weapon. Heavy crossbow wins in caves, but warbow is better on most other parameters, including weight which is essential here.
Primary hand: Beefed up boar spear w/ pollaxe attachment
Massive beasts will go straight at me in surprise attacks, so I'm ready to two-hand this spear at any time. Armored foes are also a danger, but I will notice them first. This gives me time to mount the attachment.
Belt: Poison, cantrips, knife and trap kits.
If cantrips are assembled on the spot, they won't take much space. Put some poison on them, and you're good for cave exploring. If anything is too big to handle, I jump over the cantrips and let it tear it's own feet apart.
Backpack: Food, load and shackles.
I'm always carrying something from point a to be. If nothing else, then just the stuff I find along the way. Oh, and we don't talk about the shackles. Those are for the help. The future help.
Note, without a shield I'm vulnerable against archers, but only if they're strong enough to punch through the brigandine and I don't spot them first. Since they'd most likely travel in group or be inferior at "sneakiness", I'd likely have the jump on them.
"Short respons" 20 minutes lmao. This is why I love you tho!
Matt I left you a question on twitter, pls have a look :)
I wrote this down before watching the video, to see if my choices would be similar to yours ;)
Assuming the weather doesn't make it impractical, I would go for a brigandine for the chest, thin-ish mail armor for the limbs, plate mitten gauntlets for the hands, and a helmet (I like the look of the sallet, but in any case I want something that has a visort and gorget, but those need to be removable). Armor would be worn over thin silk layered cloth that provides some padding but that is light enough and thin enough that it doesn't restrict mobility (so much thinner than your average gambeson). It must also be possible to wear this silk undergarment (I don't want to call it arming doublet, because that's a specific kind of item that comes with anchor points for plate, but it fulfils a similar role) by itself during situations where armor might not be advisable (on a ship, for example). For weapons, spear and shield, with a one handed messer (with a moderately complex hilt that can be used by itself and provide some hand protection, but that also is compatible with the gauntlets) and rondel dagger as a backup.
Brigandine offers a reasonable amount of protection, and more importantly, is easier to put on than plate armor. Mail is a good compromise for the limbs too, offering good mobility and allowing it to breathe more easily. Bridangine for the limbs is another possibility, supported by mail voiders. Spear would have to be short and light enough to be used one handed, with the shield, but long and heavy enough to be used on horseback. On foot, it doubles as a walking stick, so it can be carried easily. On the spearhead, I would go for a modest size leaf shaped head with wings, so it doesn't add too much weight and has some defensive capabilities (and doubles as a hunting implement). For the shield, I would probably go for a boss grip viking style large round shield with a guige. Again, it must be wearable, and it must be large enough to protect against arrow fire
The whole set is basically designed to minimize weight, maximize maintainability and field reparability, and being able to be worn while travelling on foot.
I thought of slightly different criteria when I first heard the question. Since I have no idea what's on the other side, I'd want as much of my kit to perform multiple jobs as possible. So I'd totally be taking an English-style longbow for hunting, my knife probably would be a Bowie, or at least some sort of multi-purpose knife I could use for skinning game, creating fuzz sticks, etc. (If we're going to be sticklers for pre-Industrial, maybe a seax.) Maille and gambeson, probably a Roman-style helmet (Imperial Gaulic H for that sloping neck protection), a multi-purpose hand axe for my sidearm, and a metal buckler. In short, none of it can be too encumbering and as much as possible has to help me survive when I'm not fighting others.
Armor: for the head padded cap, mail coif and a helemet. For the body gambeson with a brigedien over it. For the arms plate braces for the upperarms with leather gloves over the hands but that's it. For the legs only grieves. This way I have a lot of protection with very little penalty's against mobility, plus I can easly put all that on and of myself. Weapons: I would pick a poleaxe as my mainweapon, a battle axe with a top spike as my sidearm( cause in a pinch it now could function as both my dagger and sidearm), I would were a meteorhammer with a decent size rope on me around my torso (to use like a sling giving me some range abilitie) and I would wear a heta shield on my back ( for extra protection against arrow fire if I would need it). This way I would have a weapon to use for any type of scenario with releative eas of carry.
A Montefortino or a Burgonet for the head, as long as the face is open and the ears uncovered.
A buff coat or a doublet depending on the season, a triple-disc cuirass (Ksour Essef) over it for the body.
Stylish trousers.
Good boots.
A cloak.
A rotella with a carrying sling.
A Falcata.
A Stiletto.
Fun vid. The interesting thing that an exercise like this makes you realize is how dependent each decision is on the other. Choose one thing and it takes you down the path towards other, similar choices. So I think I would start with yes or no on a Shield. Because that then will influence my armor choice- no Shield and I’d go heavier armor, yes Shield and I’d go lighter armor- probably mail. No shield and then yes to either bow or crossbow or a pole weapon. Yes shield and I probably go with something like a Spear that I could throw or use to gain some distance. No Shield and sword would probably be some sort of longword sword or sword made for gripping with two hands (expressly not saying two handed to avoid confusion). Yes Shield and would be a one handed or maybe hand and half sword and something heavy to break armor, like an infantryman’s warhammer. And agree on helmet- probably open face. Or, just make it easy and go Roman panoply- probably one of the best generalist do anything set up ever. With medieval steel and a medieval pointed stabbing sword and a warhammer or axe.
One relevant question is: what sort of activities would one pursue on the other side of the magic door? (Assuming the Hyborian Age, which is "Conan's world".)
It should be noted that Conan often travelled long distances alone or with few companions, without carts, wagons or even extra horses to carry his stuff, sometimes crossing difficult terrain including hot and arid regions. So if one wanted to emulate Conan's lifestyle, one should pick armour and weaponry that they can cross a desert in without dying of exhaustion or heatstroke. (Or be prepared to ditch the gear and get new stuff later.)
On the other hand, if one was seeking a safer and more stable existence, one's best bet would be either to settle down in a big city and pursue some urban trade, or set up a farm in the middle of nowhere. In the first case, wearing any armour or carrying a weapon larger than a dagger would be likely asking for trouble from both local authorities and troublesome elements like the criminal underworld. In the second case, one might still need to defend the homestead against bandits or wild animals, which would inform the choice of armour and armament.
Even as the King of Aqualonia, Conan often found himself naked, alone and chained to a wall… 😂 his greatest assets were never weapons, armor or gear; but his wits, cunning and determination to survive at any cost.
Conan had strength and stamina far beyond that of any "civilized" human! He was a pulp superhero and is generally portrayed as much stronger and fitter than any modern elite athlete and skilled at arms beyond a normal human could ever aspire to.
Yes I'd be looking at Mongol or Arabic styles of armour given the terrain, probably Mongol as Mongol armour was designed to be used in cold and heat.
Some kind of spear + shield combo with a one handed cut and thrust sidearm. A shortbow or survival bow that can be easily packed and carried (or maybe a sling if I could get good with one). For armor, an open faced or nasal helm with mail coif. High quality gauntlets. Greaves. For torso protection I'm not quite up to speed on armor vernacular, but I think you would want something easy to move around in, suitable for many environments, and easy to get on and off. So, either brigandine or some kind of mail/plate combo but manageable for one person.
So what I imagine is this: You know there's a door behind which you need cold weapons & armour. You're going through it without knowing exactly what's behind it. Let's say you have a year to prepare and a healthy bank account to get your modern super quality steel armaments ready. And, like Matt points out, you'd take more with you to prepare for the exact scenario than you're actually going to carry around.
I would take:
A (visored?) sallet, brigandine cuiras or a klibanion with matching tassets, either leather or gambeson leg & arm protection with a metal plate on the 'face' for armour.
A 60cm diameter shield with both a strap & grip options, rawhide reinforced rim and an oblong or oval form.
For melee weapons I would choose a Rondel dagger, Side-Sword (Munich townguard-like), a simple mace (just a brass lump on a stick) and a glaive with one of those 'catch'-hooks on the back.
Ranged, I could be persuaded to stick 3-5 plumbata on the shield, a quiver of 24-36 arrows and a 50 pound recurve bow (for ease of travel).
I think that's all? Except for, ya know, a pack to carry stuff, waterbag, sleepingbag/good cloak, small bag of marbles ("gems"), fire kit, cutlery, some food and maybe a small pan to cook stuff with.
Right, an entrenching tool might also be helpful. One of those shovel+pickaxe things.
Depending on the cutoff for “medieval”, a brace of wheel lock pistols might get in before the Renaissance. Failing that, one of those Asiatic bows with a holster. Finish it off with short sword and buckler+backup dagger.
Armor wise, I was thinking breastplate+kettle hat/sallet+gauntlets*+mail sleeved padding+heavy leather boots seems the best tradeoff of weight and mobility and can be donned (with some difficulty) by one’s self. That’s mostly along the lines of what you said, though less importance on leg armor and offloading the hand protection to gauntlets. Though considering the difficulty of pairing gauntlets with ranged weapons, maybe ditch them for better guard on sword as you did. I do wonder if there are any historic examples that mimic modern shooting mittens where the index finger and thumb are articulated but the other three fingers have a single (series of) lame(s).
Main: relatively light glaive with a blade made like a khyber knife with a straight back for rigidity when stabbing.
Shield: Telamon but with a pouch or something attached to the back to pack away the shoulder straps, and a center boss grip as an alternative for more options in a close fight.
Sidearm: Elmslie Type 2 falchion (falx-like cutting edge and a reinforced stabbing tip set back from the edge).
Quiver scabbard holding feather-fletched plumbata for a supplemental missile weapon
Backup: Rondel dagger
Helm: somewhat conical kettle-hat with downward angled brim (also keeps off rain)
Cuirass: relatively thin spring-tempered steel with no back, hooking over the shoulders and the sides springing closed around the body to hold it in place so you can fasten the straps yourself. Smallish shoulder cops and faulds made for mobility.
Bevor: rises from the center of the chest in a straight line that angles forward to a point 6 inches in front of one's chin at a level just below the mouth, with the top several inches pierced by breaths. Ducking the head will cause the kettle helm to close over the top of the bevor to protect the whole face.
Soft armor: long sleeved hauburk with skirt reaching to just below knees. Light gambeson. Thickly-woven silk shirt under the gambeson just in case the catching arrows thing isn't a myth, especially after going through mail and gambeson and possibly also a cuirass.
Legs: greaves similar to less ornate greek style but in spring steel to grip the calves with spring tension to make them easier to put on, straps to secure. Removable sabatons.
Forearms: Bazubands in a style similar to the greaves.
Gauntlets: hourglass wrist with articulated fingers.
A suggestion for future videos would be pre-roman Celtic weapons and armor. Don´t see many talking about that.
Arms: Either Spear (or other polearm) or Bow/Xbow. Arming Sword or Messer and Buckler as back up. Dagger of some kind.
Armor: Probably Chain Haulberk and gambison. Sallet or kettle helm.
Might have a sling in my pocket/pouch for game hunting.
Also depends on if I'm just basic adventuring or campaigning for war.
Matt Easton + Conan = Dream Come True
So before watching:
I'd wear mail (probably short sleeves), some kind of lighter helmet (kettle hat or nasal helmet I think), a type XIV sword, a heater or center gripped round shield, a spear and a medium sized knife, like a Bauernwehr.
Light enough to travel, comfortable to wear all day but still easy to pack in a small enough bag.
Edit after watching:
Ok, I didn't get that we basically enter into a fight, so I was more focusing on survival/travel with the chance of fighting.
In that case of stay with the stuff I mentioned, but add a brigantine and some chack chains. Maybe also exchange the more tool oriented knife for a dagger, probably a bollock dagger with a single edged blade
Short sleeved mail shirt over a long sleeved buff leather arming tunic, nasal bar helmet, cruciform dagger and arming sword/side sword, rodela type shield and a throwing spear.
In German medieval towns there were some regulations what equipment every citizen had to bring on depending on income. The lowest class was: helmet, gloves and spear. I guess that's a good point to start. Augment that with additional sidearms, a shield and some effective but still easy to maintain body protection like a gambeson.
Oh-kay! Where to start?
Armour:
First: Arming doublet, obviously.
Second: Mail shirt, probably knee to elbow, & (probably) coif.
Third: Brigandine with half-sleeves & knee-length "skirts".
Fourth: Either a sallet or "soup plate" kettle helm.
Fifth: Plate spaulders, couters, half-plate vambraces, gauntlets & (probably) substantial "jack chains" for the upper arms.
Sixth: Poleyns, greaves & good boots.
Weapons:
First: Rondel and/or quillon dagger(s).
Second: Bill or poleaxe (axe+crows-beak).
Third: Bastard sword (lightish).
Fourth: Shield (kite/round/heater).
Fifth: Viking/Migration Era battle-axe (because).
Ancilliary:
First: Food, water, "beverages", cooking, eating & drinking utensils.
Second: A horse ... to carry everything not being used/worn.
Third: A horse ... to carry me.
Fairly sure that's everything. ;)
For a Conan world, I would choose a brigandine and nasal helmet, medium sized shield of about 18 inches diameter, short spear of 5 to 6 foot length for shield fighting or throwing. A medium sized sword of 18 to 24 inches in length, a small throwing axe like the Mammon axe, a rondel dagger, and a sling. This would cover most situations with armor along with long, mid, and short range offensive capabilities. William McAlexander
You chose well sir!
My immediate thoughts were to take everything possible and jettison what I didn't need when I stepped through the door.....but in the spirit of the scenario you made really good choices. I might take an axe and spear instead of sword and spear but you nailed it.
in my headcannon, based on the dozen of so books I did read, Conan usually wears a brigandine or chain with a padded tunic or gambeson. Practical and allows him full movement as he climbs like a goat and fights like a demon. Also cheaper to replace as Conan goes through money like wine as he doesn't care to be rich even though he could be. This means he doesn't have the gold for a spare horse or pack animal to carry his armor and the gear needed to maintain it as he wanders around. One horse, his sword, a bow, and several daggers. He picks up or makes whatever he needs as the situation calls for it as He made a spear from napped stone and wood before. Cimmerians are just light travelers.
Interesting question, as a fantasy video game player I often asked it myself. I prefer a more "ancient" setting. For the medieval times, I often think that the effectiveness and achievements of the European armies at least had inverse relation to the amount and heaviness of armor used by the individuals.
My base equipment were a helmet with open face, a sword and an oval shield as big as possible without being overly heavy, and javelins. Body armor? Some kind of shoulder/upper breast protection like a big mail collar (like those used quite often in the 16th c. AD). If I had a pack horse, I would carry with me a mail shirt with short arms reaching to about the knees and a (lamellar?) protection for the right arm. No leg protection.
Clothes would be simple simple, tunic(s) with a belt, some shoes (nailed sole) with felt puttees, felt/fur overtunic, felt hat and a big cloak for rain and/or colder environments, but mostly I would prefer to go and fight barefoot when I remember the performance of old times shoes from reenactment.
Conan the Barbarian always struck me as very early Bronze Age bordering on the Stone Age.
It is because of the great film with Arnold.
The original stories by Howard are clearly make place during 15 century-like period, with main west kingdoms fielding knight cavalry in full plate harness.
The original books are full of anachronistic stuff. Stone age Picts (mixed with some native American), bronze age barbarians, viking style people, mongols, African tribes, ancient Egyptian, Aztecs (Conan doesn't die, he basically gets off to the west, kicks some Aztec butts, and vanishes of info the unknown at age 80+), indian and afghan people up to early renaissance pirates and full plate knights
@@Glimmlampe1982 I don't exactly remember - who was the bronze age barbarians?
@@dilen754 the picts and the cimmerians border that, the picts I'd place at the early bronze age/late stone age (i think they still use stone weapons but also have bronze axe heads and stuff) and the cimmerians at the late bronze age, boardering to iron age. they do know steel, but if i remember correctly its still rare.
I'm also not sure about the stygians and the african areas like kush and kehan.
but I might be wrong, its some time since I last read any of the novels
Conan is my fav. Sugarloaf or barbute helm, coat of plate. light plate arms, gauntlet. armored skirt, greaves, light foot armor. sword-staff, bastard sword ,kite shield, dagger.
I would grab a well-made brigandine, maybe with a chain shirt under it, depending on weight. I would also get an open-faced helmet, and probably some simple plate over my thighs and shins. I'd stick with a midsize round shield with straps instead of a center grip so I can just wear the shield, and a sidesword with a good basket hilt so I'll have decent hand protection without the need for heavy gauntlets. Might want a pair of braces though. Then I would affix a small hand crossbow to the inside of the shield, mostly for hunting, maybe as a ranged weapon in an emergency. A sling wouldn't be bad, either. I would also affix either a light spear or maybe a couple of javelins to the shield, parallel to my arm. These would be affixed such that they can be easily removed from the shield very quickly, either for use or to shed the weight and bulk, depending on the situation. I would probably also carry a one-handed war axe, with a hammer instead of a spike on the other side. This would increase the weight, sure. But it would allow the use of the weapon as a tool, as an axe or a hammer, if needed. Not that I would LIKE having to use a fighting axe to chop down a tree or something, but you do what you have to in order to survive, and that is what seems the most useful. Spikes are nice to have, but having a hammer and an axe together is more valuable to me, I think. I'll have to spend some time coming up with a good design to strap the spear to my shield so that it is secure yet easily removed, but all in all, I feel pretty comfortable with such a setup, given the premise.
my dad started me on these 'what if' scenarios. Probably from reading books like "Lord Kalvin of Otherwhen' (if you haven't read it yet, you need to correct that lack. You'll LOVE it!) Anyway, my 'what ifs' are more along the line of time travel. If you were going back to a certain time, or a certain event, what would you take? Of course you have to set limits, such as, what you can carry on you, or the shifting machine can handle you and 250 pounds of gear.
So, If you were going to go back to say, the Norman conquest, and you can take whatever you want from this or earlier periods, limited to what you can carry (say 75-100 pounds, you don't have to carry it far, you can cache it once you are on the 'otherside'), What would you bring?
Weaponry is always important, but I also think 'magic' (incomprehesible technology) would also be useful. (or get you killed as a witch)
Honestly I would like medium japanese yoroi (Do and Sode, maybe waist/ leg armor too) and Kabuto, as it seems like a solid balance of weight and protectiveness. For weapons I would want a composite bow (light weight and smallish but potentially powerful draw weight bow) and a hand and a half sword, something I could use in a enclosed-ish place but also that gives me the ability to use two hands on the sword for powerful attacks/ halfswording
First thing that came to my mind was something along the lines of migration era/early viking era huscarl harness with a few exceptions: maille, open face helm, greeves, large shield similar to a scutum or perhaps kite shield, a bracer of somekind on my weapon arm, spear, and a long stiletto type dagger. As I am a large, strong fellow with no sword experience, I gravitate toward the mace. I do, however, have some archery experience. Perhaps a 100# recurve and a score of matched arrows with good, hard bodkins and a few leaf points for hunting. If I'm alone and need more than twenty arrows, I'm in over my head anyway. Bring on the gobbos! Or witch-priests! Or traitorous nobles!
Hell!
I gotta know something, as your selection was pretty much exactly what I thought of :O
Brigandine with pauldrons, salet or barbute helmet, plate for limbs, plate gauntlets, heater shield, halberd, messer, axe and a seax.
No the heaviest possible, but heavy enough to provide good protection from a lot of different weapons and enemies.
My immediate thought was Mail, Brigandine and Helm, and Sword, Shield and Bow. Happy to see that I was bang on the money.
outstanding discussion! Would love to see more "what would you take if you were ..."
Pausing at 1:50 to give my choices: I would choose: Primary weapon: a 'Medieval Bat'leth' (four tempered and heat-treated scythe blades, mounted symmetrically on the curved section of a cut-down scythe handle) a Dundee-sized Bowie knife, and a Scythian bow. For armor, I'd have the kind of torso-muscle breast and back-plates worn by Greeks/Romans (if we're going Custom Gear for us, I'd have it in 1cm thick titanium, and with over-lapping scallops at the abdomen to allow for easier bending at the waist) as well as shin and forearm guards of the same metal, and I'd wear that under my tunic/robe, so as to not appear visibly armored. If I *had to* take a helm, it would be the kind worn by Samurai (with face mask) but I'd rather appear as least-threatening and inconspicuous as possible, so would be willing to take my chances without one... On with the presentation, and see how my selections fare 😛
2:58: By the end of my quest, I would certainly hope to 'have a hoe'... 🙈🙈🙈🙈🤣🤣🤣🤣
Edit to add: After a little extra thought, and given that we'd be departing from Our time, I'd have my clothes (a long surcoat and a hooded robe) made from a nomex/kevlar weave cloth, to provide some slash-resistance and fire-resistance. To the denizens of the OtherTime, they would only perceive it as 'black cloth', so I doubt it would attract much/if *any* attention 😎 I'd also have a pashmina-sized length of 'the black cloth', which I would wear loose around my neck to conceal the top of my breast-plate, or pull up and over my head as a hood/sand mask, if encountering desert terrain etc...
Before seeing the rest of the video I would chose a full body padded armor with a barbute helmet (maybe with a visor) and at lest a long chain shirt and a good sturdy shield for armor. Weapons: a two-handed axe and a longsword waited so that I could use it in one hand if I needed to use the shield. I would also want a bow with arrows with me (preferably a longbow but any will do).
After seeing the rest of the video I would add plate greaves and plate vambraces and maybe some kind of shoulder protection. I would add a dagger as well. I stand by the axe and sword I had before. You are fighting the armor the person is wearing but you are also fighting the person. In the end it matters what level of skill you have and how well you can pay attention. Shou Lin Monks faced an army bigger than their force and came out on top when the regular military could do nothing to stop the same army.
Either Half Plate+Two handed sword+Roman style helm+crossbow+mail gauntlets and greaves OR Knee length mail hauberk+Salet+kite shield+crossbow+Spaths.
Both kit loadouts also include dagger and rations.
I would bring a steel/wooden club for general armor/shield fighting and a thrusting sword but nothing to light or overly long. Shield would be useful in hand but it would be on the smaller defection type or maybe arm mounted shields made into the bracers. Given the thrusting sword and the club the arm mount shields should work very well but they won't be like regular shields but Forearm length and maybe 3x wide of the arms width for deflection or direct blocking. A mix brigandine and plate for the front and back and maybe side arm guards (Japanese style so arms have more upward movement) and brig over the shoulders. There would be a lot of open spots in the armor which will be covered in chain and light padding, mostly to help with heat venting as there is a lot of arid places there and armor does get hot even in the lightest forms. Scale might be used in place but not sure how it would all be laid out. Overall the armor will be mostly on the arms for main defense where the torso will be mobile and ability to keep cool enough in warm weather. Cooling would be a bit more important than anything being something worn most the day and be easy enough to strap on. Legs will be plate on most of the front of the legs and side and chain on the back, scale on the crotch area.
My preferred would be ugly as sin!
Mid thigh length mail hauberk with attached coif (light gambeson underneath), brigandine, splinted vambraces, hourglass gauntlets, mail chausses, greaves, and sugarloaf helm. Weapon set would have to be either a poll-hammer and longsword; or a spear, axe, and boss gripped round shield.
Probably a mail shirt with a coif and Norman style helmet, with a Viking style shield, a war hammer and a dagger or two.
The mail and helmet are fairly good armor but light enough and easy enough to move around in all day. The warhammer because it can hurt anyone, regardless of what they're wearing, and the shield helps to compensate for the lack of reach. Daggers as backup weapons or for grappling.
In this "magic door" scenario I would start from a "More is Better" standpoint because I figure I could always dress down if the situation needed, but it would be impossible to tank up. This is what I would take through the door.
1) Horse: Worst-case it is food and it can carry my gear through so I can assess the situation.
2) Armor: Full Plate. I figure I can always remove parts if I am in a really hot climate or on a boat. Worst case I have a nice breastplate to protect the vitals. Also, if full plate is battle viable, I can ditch the shield for a hard-hitting weapon.
3) Helmet: Greek-style helmet minus the elaborate headdress. Good head protection while protecting the nose and cheeks. I think a full gothic helmet obscures vision too much. I can't ditch the shield without a good helmet.
4) Shield: Kite shield with arm straps. Nothing super huge to hide behind, but if I have to ditch the leg and arm armor it can offer protection against missile weapons and in melee. I am not a fan of the center-hold shield and if I am taking a shield, I don't want to lose it. Also, I can use it mounted.
5) Missile Weapon: A recurve short warbow. Better than a longbow in confined spaces or in woods, but not as good as a crossbow. Better rate of fire than a crossbow. All the arrows my horse can carry.
6) Weapon 1: Bec de Corbin. Good against armor and unarmed foes. Only if I can full plate up so I can ditch the shield.
7) Weapon 2: Arming sword. Good jack of all trades sword.
8) Weapon 3: Warhammer. If I need a shield, and I need something to punch through armor.
9) Backup weapon: stiletto dagger. When bypassing armor is a must.
10) Backup weapon 2: Bowie knife. If I am not facing a lot of armor, a bowie is just way more useful.
I would choose some light armor, like a good quilted gambeson with reinforcement at the shoulders and bracers, an arming sword, and perhaps a spear with lugs and a barbut or salet for a hat. I think this would give decent protection for most occasions, while being able to strip down quickly if I fell overboard, and ready to add on pieces I loot if the opportunity presents itself.
Gambeson, under a half sleeve mail shirt, down to upper thigh, under a corrazina type cuirass. Greaves and bracers for arms and legs. Either an open face sallet, bascinet, or barbuta helm. Buckler. Bastard sword with a moderately long blade, so you could use it in close combat on foot, or on horse, and still use it single or double handed as needed. I think that would be the best combo for a wide variety of situations. Nothing needs an attendant to help you put it on. On ship, ditch the mail and the corrazina and just rely on the gambeson. I would rather have the above helmets rather than a spangenhelm since they all provide better side protection and still allow for maximum situational awareness.