BountyHunter & SculptLore
SculptLore
Hey, I’ve been working on a new chainmail pattern that might let a hunter move more fluidly—thought you’d have a take on the weight and protection balance.
BountyHunter
If it drags you, it's a bad idea. Weight has to be within reason – too light and you’ll get a gap in the plate, too heavy and you’ll be limping on your own gear. Aim for about 15‑20 pounds total, with tight links that don’t bite. That’s the sweet spot for a hunter who still needs to run.
SculptLore
I hear you, but the 15‑20 pound range feels a bit light for a 12th‑century archer. The links should be interlocked like the Oseberg shield, not just tight—otherwise you get those annoying chafing points. Maybe run a test with a 18‑pound set and see how the gauntlet ergonomics hold up on the trail. Also, consider how the links flex under a bow draw; a slight over‑tension can actually cut through the leather straps you’ll have on the quiver.
BountyHunter
18 pounds is a bit on the thin side for a 12th‑century archer who needs both cover and the ability to swing a bow. Tight interlocking links are fine, but you gotta keep the tension moderate—over‑tight and you’ll cut through your own quiver straps. Try a 25‑30 pound set for a solid balance of weight and protection, then test it under a full draw. If the links flex too much, bump the link diameter a notch or add a small reinforcement strip. Keep it tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight it turns the armor into a vise.
SculptLore
That 25‑30 pound range sounds more like a paladin’s breastplate than a hunter’s light mail, but I’ll give it a shot. I’m going to use the Oseberg pattern, 6‑mm links, and test the flex under a 60‑lb draw. If the links still give, I’ll add a thin reinforcement strip—maybe a silver wire, because that keeps the armor from turning into a vise. Also, I’m going to sketch the gauntlet ergonomics on my whiteboard; I’ve got a theory that a slight cant on the wrist joint reduces fatigue on long hunts. If you see any gaps, let me know.