I am playing a female half-elf paladin of the Eagle's Watch in our Wrath of the Righteous adventure path, and I really, really want to get the O-yoroi since it mechanically fits my character perfectly.
However, my paladin isn't at all Eastern and her current portrait doesn't match up at all. What's more, I just can't envision her in O-yoroi armor.
However, I am not at all above reflavoring the armor to something similar. I've even done it with past characters, turning kikko armor into the European equivalent (brigandine).
With O-yoroi though, I can't think of how I might change the flavor. Does anyone know of a real armor that is not mentioned in the game already and that is roughly equivalent to O-yoroi, but more closely resembles a suit of European armor?
Hoping to get a brainstorm of concepts.
Via Wikipedia articles on "o-yoroi" and "lamellar"Byzantine Armor
Perfect! Thanks!
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While the basic lamellar design of parts of the O-Yoroi armor are similar to the Byzantine, just remember that the O-Yoroi is the entire kit, not just the pieces, and it is almost equal parts style as it is functional design, unlike a suit of full plate or some such.
I think BBT has the right of it in this case, perhaps design a functionally similar, yet fantasy themed armor style that is also all encompassing.
Perhaps a particular style of leaf scale styled Elven combat armor that the elven knights of your game setting wear, which would kind of make sense with their connections to the natural world and their lower constitution and higher dexterity, they are more likely to wear armor that is more flowing, mobile and lightweight, providing it's protection in artistic layers of materials with a decorative flourish... just think of what the elven versions of the helm and masks would be like?... rather than bulky steel plate armor.
This way you can have the functionality and basic design style that you are looking for, but also have a cultural flare and vision that blends the armor into your game setting and concept.
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Sometimes, we try too hard to equate something in a fantasy setting, to something in the real world.
It's understandable, but we need to allow ourselves some leeway, and accept that some things will simply not be equatable, at least, not wholly, and remain mostly fantastical.
Or just not use the completely fantasy stuff. Like the manga greatsword which looks like it should weigh 50 pounds. Or armor made out of lollypops.
Sarasmancer's suggestion is spot on. Re-flavoring game mechanics is good.
No need to crap fire ants.
Both are valid suggestions, of ways Re-flavoring game mechanics.
Or just not use the completely fantasy stuff. Like the manga greatsword which looks like it should weigh 50 pounds. Or armor made out of lollypopsSometimes, we try too hard to equate something in a fantasy setting, to something in the real world.
It's understandable, but we need to allow ourselves some leeway, and accept that some things will simply not be equatable, at least, not wholly, and remain mostly fantastical.
If the table lets it fly, then it's all good.
How would you describe an all-encompasing O-yoroi-like fantasy armor on a character sheet, BBT?
I'm not BBT, but no reason you can't call it 'full plate' or 'custom full plate'.
For some reason, calling it "full plate, but not" seems like a cheap cop out to me. Surely we can find something short and sweet.
Why not just use the literal translation: "Great Armor" or "Lord's Armor"?
Why not just use the literal translation: "Great Armor" or "Lord's Armor"?
I considered it, but I didn't much like the fit. Seemed a bit too generic I guess.
Just call it O-Yoroi on the character sheet to keep the audit side of things happy, and describe it as you needed to.
As long as you are happy that everyone is across the 'mechanics' of your armour you should be fine - just none of this 'it looks like its made of soft plush toys, but protects like steel' chicanery etc - it must be blatantly clear you are wearing heavy armour.
Why not just use the literal translation: "Great Armor" or "Lord's Armor"?I considered it, but I didn't much like the fit. Seemed a bit too generic I guess.
Aren't all the armor names essentially generic?
Aren't all the armor names essentially generic?
Entirely.
I'm not sure why a mundane suit of armour needs some funky name.
"Embossed plate"? "Lacquered plate"? "Heavy brigandine"? It's a tough concept to convey pithily, I'll give you that.
"Embossed plate"? "Lacquered plate"? "Heavy brigandine"? It's a tough concept to convey pithily, I'll give you that.
Those aren't bad suggestions.
Just call it O-Yoroi on the character sheet to keep the audit side of things happy, and describe it as you needed to.
Even when I change the flavor, I make sure I have the original name listed so as to avoid confusion.
For example, I might have "Falen's firebird (as fireball)" listed on a character's spell list. It conjures a flaming bird which flies to the area and detonates, but it's really just a fireball and things like Spell Perfection (fireball) affect it normally.
Or I might have something like "brigandine (as kikko armor)" listed on a character's equipment list.
Or I might have the "Attune Gem" feat listed in place of a wizard's Scribe Scroll feat and also have the following written under Special Abilities:
What was the name used for the Heavy Lorica Segmentata that was used by Cavalry?
Though even Lorica could be worked into it?
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How would you describe an all-encompasing O-yoroi-like fantasy armor on a character sheet, BBT?
We have things like Hellknight Plate.
So, maybe "Dragon Armor", named after the Dragon empires, or go for "Azlanti Great Armor".
I would take region of origin in Golarion, and go from there.
Maybe "Numerian Riding Plate".
Find what fits your backstory, and feel.
Greatwood Plate? Iron Leaf Plate?
Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. Are there any others?
Does anyone know the answer to Azaelas Fayth's question?
I was thinking of a Late Byzantine Armour not one of the Loricas... Sorry...
There was a Threshing tool that was similar to the Dire flail though without the Mace Heads...
It is just a Type of threshing flail though thinking back it is mainly a Handle strapped to the back with two long lengths of chains used for threshing without harvesting. Apparently it was used for the wheat and oats that would be used exclusively for Livestock Feeding...
Really I guess it would be more of a Spiked Chain than a Dire Flail...