It was Young Jim's first battle. He was known for being a tireless worker in the field and a very patriotic young man. But he didn't understand this strange armor they put him in... And he didn't know it would be the Last Armor he ever wore.
Full Item Description
A full suit of spiked plate armor with a dull gray sheen to it. It has rear and front facing horizontal poles near the neck, under the arms and along the waist that extent about 6 inches on each side. These make it difficult to fight in but prove useful if the battle turn desperate.
History
Forged for war, these suits of armor were. They did their job well, for many men have lost their lives in them. About 25 suits are known to exist and are often sought after by collectors of such things.
Each set of armor was crafted during a great war where many unskilled young men were sent to fight for their country. The most ferocious of these men were given the Last Armor they would ever wear. The war was won, but lives were lost. Some call these suits of armor sick and twisted machines of an evil kingdom. Others understand their need. It's up to you to decide for yourself if these were born of madness or a desperate mind.
Magic/Cursed Properties
When the battle is looking bad and the wearer of this armor is close to death the spikes turn inward and the 6 poles fasten the warrior to the earth, and when every last drop of his blood has drained he will fight some more. He will not be able to move but will not be able to die either, even if severely maimed. He will continue to fight, lashing out at any enemy within reach until there is nothing left to fight, and they live on for another 5 minutes before dying and not being able to be raised.
A warrior killed in this armor enters a state known as a Death Rage where he cannot die but seems to gain an unnatural reach, strength, ferocity, and general toughness. Unfortunately the poles on the armor bind him to the earth, only letting go after all his enemies have been defeated.
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Links to this article 1
- Items of War valadaar linked by Pieh
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Useful but not good to wear.
Oh... now this is something you would really see on the battlefield, it makes so much sense that it hurts. Truly a way to never retreat, what a great, and gruesome means to 'hold the line'.
Of course these armors have to be used carefully by their army's leader. If the lines move too much, they become pointless, and the heroes in them will merely stand and await death, to little joy of their comrades, standing in their midst; or among the enemy, who will give them wide berth. But when it comes to holding critical locations, there are few better tools. Just spread them out evenly, keep the troops around to fill any gaps, and let the enemy come, destruction is guaranteed.
I would still expect that they are possible to take out; if they were uprooted like a tree (well one that defends itself and fights furiously...). They could be overwhelmed with a mass of enemies, or pushed away by a large siege machine.
I salute you, Pieh. This is warfare thinking at its finest.
Hollywood heroism at its finest! None shall pass, even if you chop both legs off. Speaking of passes thats about where id stick this fellow. The Spartans may very well have won if such armor had been available at Thermopylae.
Updated: Added War Freetext.
Definately a specialized item!
Nice, Pieh! I agree with manfred
A vivid token of a 'final sacrifice' in war. Visualizing the armor in battle, evokes powerful emotions.
Another delicious item, though it has a specific purpose. Either way, delicious.
Some ideas for uses for these items...
The PCs put the armor on not knowing its properties and then learn during battle that if that get near death the armor will turn on them
The PCs have to capture somebody wearing this armor alive.
good Idea if napolean had this at waterloo he might have won
I can picture a few dastardly uses for this armor.
Desperate warriors needing to hold a pass long enough for reinforcements to arrive. How to decide who will wear the armor?
The villain pays off a few unwitting villagers to hold off the PCs for a time, neglecting to describe the full purpose of the armor being "gifted" to them.
I love subs that get my mind working on all the possible applications.
Good idea, but could use a more extended description. This would be a Final Trump Item, to be used by fanatics or 'volunteers'.