Leather Armour

This is probably the first suit of armour owned by most warriors, but wise combatants will try get something better as soon as possible, since leather armour is the weakest armour type available. Stronger weapons can easily overcome leather, making it a poor choice for the active fighter. However, if strength is lacking, or one cannot afford better armour -- or if one relies on speed over toughness -- there is no other choice. Besides its low weight and cost, another good thing about leather armour is that any armoury worth its salt has it in stock.

First appearing in Ultima I, the parts of this set of armour were slowly expanded to other body parts. By Ultima VII, the set was complete (see above).

Leather was actually the most protective body armour available in Savage Empire, stronger than bark and cloth.

Defensive Values Edit

• By Ultima VII, a complete set of leather armour contains the following pieces. The numbers listed after indicate the relative effectiveness of the armour (taken from Vetron's Guide to Weapons and Armour):

Piece	Defense Value
Chest	1
Pants	1
Cap	1
Boots	Not listed
Gloves	1
Collar	1

• In Ultima IX, defensive values were as follows:

Piece	Defense Value
Cap	2
Chest	5
Arms	2
Gauntlets	1
Leggings	2
Boots	3

Lore Edit

The workhorse of novice travellers, leather armour is found throughout Britannia. Many of the professions are restricted to Leather as their best choice. A favorite among Bards, Druids, and Rangers.

- from The History of Britannia (Ultima IV)

A cut above cloth, yet also fairly inexpensive, leather armour is made from thick leather hardened by boiling, often in parafin.

- from Book of Lore (Ultima V)

Armor and shields made of leather outrank those made from tree bark, but either material offers greater protection than cloth.

- from Ultimate Adventures Magazine (Worlds of Ultima: The Savage Empire)

Comfortable in most weather, a good suit of leather armor is boiled to harden it and sealed with paraffin to withstand the elements. A leather jerkin protects a warrior better than can the steelcloth of the Avatar. Leatherware can be purchased at most shops even by those on a modest budget.

- from Journal (Ultima IX)