[TML] Personal Armor Noise was Re: Current USAF fleet

[Joseph Paul]

 >>
 >>>  > 2) Be bald or else have a cloth cap. The links grab and
 >pull out hair. Ouch.
 >>>
 >>>  The "arming cap" is usually part of the padding that goes on under
 >>>  the mail.
 >>
 >>Yes, but it isn't just an optional accessory! :0)
 >
 >You'd have to wear an arming cap or else any blow will result in
 >a concussion. The mail will stop you from being cut but won't
 >absorb the force of the blow. Same for a mail shirt, anyone
 >wearing one would wear a heavy padded jerkin underneath. These
 >would be worn by the less wealthy as their sole form of armour.
 >

Actually that is overly simplistic. There is plenty of evidence indicating
that maille was often worn with no under padding. Padding is not mentioned
in sagas, inventories, or the language itself for a long time. As long as
the mail itself is rather loose on the person it does have some
energy-absorption ability. The weapon has to move the maille into contact
with the body. It will end up dragging maille from well outside the area
being struck and that changes the amount of energy that is applied to the
target.

It says something about the cultures that used maille with no padding and it
addresses the force of blows that are being employed. Very forceful blows
would have rendered the maille useless, therefore some restraint in
commitment or delivery must have been evident. This is actually consistent
when viewed through the lens of available choices and consequences available
to most of those that fought. Maille was a premium defense, highly valued,
and worn by few. The great mass of the rest of the combatants wore little to
no armor and relied on a shield to protect them. Making a mistake by
over-committing to an attack that does not immediately cripple or kill the
foe may leave a very naked hide exposed to counter-attack. Blows are
therefore very conservative and are not necessarily as forceful as they
could be.