Light Brigandine

#Equipment
Some wealthier members of the Conquistadors (16P) infantry wore a light brigandine (bergandina) over their mail. It covered the chest and abdomen.

Light Brigandine is well-tailored, close-fitting armor consisting of small, overlapping metal plates riveted to the inside of a cloth or leather garment. The name has nothing to do with thieves or bandits! The term “brigand” originally denoted a foot soldier; thus, “brigandine” simply describes a type of armor for infantry.

Brigandine first appeared in Europe in the middle of the 14th century, evolving from the coat of plates (see Segmented Plate, above). Similar armor was developed in Asia, and became fashionable as courtly wear. Within a generation, brigandines grew very popular, remaining in fashion until the end of the 16th century. Many commentators regard it as a civilian armor worn by Renaissance gentlemen, but it made frequent appearances on the battlefield, where it pro- vided excellent protection; some examples were proofed against firearms (see Heavy Plate, p. 109), and had lance-rests (see Jousting Plate, p. 109).

Brigandine can be concealed by hiding the rivets under a textile or fine leather cover (see Concealing Armor, p. 102); however, while it might seem ideal for this treatment, it was rarely concealed historically. Brigandines were the height of fashion – flamboyantly displayed, with expensive textiles and gilded rivets arrayed in attractive patterns. They were even emulated in civilian dress both in Europe and in Asian courts. Cloth garments known as faux brigandine were cut and tailored like brigandines, with rivets attached in similar patterns, but without metal plates behind them. Such clothing is sometimes erroneously called “studded armor,” but provides no DR.

Sources:

• Pyramid 3-077 - Combat, page 13
• GURPS 4th - Low-Tech, page 113
• GURPS 4th - Low-Tech, page 110