The Weapons and Armor of Zinn'Sunn
In recorded history, Zinn'Sunn has slowly been transitioning from a more common militaristic outlook in favor of a more unarmed combat orientated society. However, there are still armories in the city environs. Nearly all the male citizens have been members of The Vermilion at one time or another, since serving in the guard is required of all men who turn 16 for the period of one year. This does not necessarily imply that they bear arms. Rather, it defines each individual using their gods-given talents optimally in defense of their city against all outside influences. Moreso than any other city in existence in the empire, Zinn'Sunn residents display a togetherness that is perhaps generated by this common background and interest.
Most Zinn'ka artists do not wear armor. However, those involved heavy combat or who are members of the Vermilion Guard do. Poorer citizens have a tendency to wear banded or ringed overlapping armor made in pieces. These pieces are called armored tunics. This armor can be heavy, awkward to repair, though its benefit is that its cheap. More well-to-do citizens prefer bridgadine instead. The term "Brigandine" denotes an armor constructed by lining the inside of a cloth or leather garment with rigid plates. This armor may be said to be the reverse of Scale. The plates may be similar to scale in being of identical shape and size. Alternatively, the internal plates may be of varied sizes and shapes - based on a combination of fashion and attempts to maximize protection. Brigadine is normally composed of five separate parts. A vest which opens in the front is the central feature. This vest reaches to the hips but is split at the sides below the waist. The front below the waist is also unprotected. The vest is commonly supplemented by a square section at the front, which attaches at the waist and reaches a bit below the bottom of the vest. Roughly triangular segments also supplement the vest at the underarms. This is worn with pauldrons, which are either rectangular or leaf-shaped, and a two-sectioned skirting. Sometimes the underarm and groin sections are omitted, leaving an armor of three parts, a vest, pauldrons, and skirting. On both heavy brigandine armor and reinforced tunics, the torso is protected by separate front and back rows of plates. The front and back do not overlap. The Zinn'Sunn vest has a seam or buttons down the sides which expressly separate front and back. The plates, however, come quite close to meeting and the separate underarm panels (which are generally also lined with plates) supplement to close the gap.
On the Zinn'Sunn tunic there is a wide gap between plates at the sides. This gap closes when a sash is wrapped about the wearer's waist. The sides of the garment then bunch so that the front and back plates meet. The bunched fabric provides further padding to the sides. The Pauldrons and skirting of the Zinn'Sunn garment are similarly of Brigandine, to protect the limbs. The groin panel is also of Brigandine. In addition, the Pauldrons often have a set of large hinged plates at the shoulder for extra protection. Similar hinged plates are common at the shoulder of the Zinn'Sunn tunic as well. In addition, half sized scales line the inside of the shoulder, and scales, like those at the torso, often line the skirts of the tunic to protect the legs.
Linear Mode
