Hide armor, a staple in many adventurers’ arsenals, is crafted from the durable and tough hide of exceptionally large creatures, such as elephants, or alternatively, it is meticulously assembled from multiple layers of standard leather derived from more common animals, such as cows. This type of armor takes advantage of the natural resilience and protective qualities inherent in animal hides, offering a robust defense against various threats encountered during quests and explorations.

The process of creating hide armor involves carefully selecting and treating the hide to preserve its toughness while making it pliable enough to be shaped into wearable protection. When sourced from colossal beasts like elephants, the hide’s thickness provides an excellent barrier against physical attacks, making it especially valuable in combat situations where heavy blows are expected. The sheer size of such creatures ensures that their skin offers a higher degree of protection due to its density and the layers of fat and muscle beneath it, which add an additional buffer against damage.

Alternatively, when constructed from the leather of more commonly available animals like cows, hide armor requires an intricate layering technique. Artisans skillfully layer and stitch together several pieces of leather, enhancing the material’s natural toughness and creating a composite defense that can absorb and distribute the force of incoming strikes. This method allows for a more accessible yet effective form of protection, leveraging the widespread availability of materials without sacrificing the wearer’s safety.

Beyond its defensive capabilities, hide armor also reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who craft and wear it. It represents a deep connection to the natural world, utilizing the byproducts of hunting and farming to forge essential protective gear. Moreover, hide armor can be adorned and customized with various embellishments, such as fur trimmings, bone accents, or tribal markings, making each piece not only functional but also a reflection of the wearer’s identity and cultural background.

Hide armor is a versatile and practical choice for adventurers, offering reliable protection through the use of natural materials. Whether made from the imposing hide of giant creatures or the layered leather of common livestock, it stands as a testament to the skill of its creators and the resilience of those who don it in their pursuit of glory and survival in perilous realms.

Hide Armour In RPG World

Hide armor, with its considerable thickness, weight, and lack of flexibility, finds limited use within the more advanced human societies. Its heaviness is on par with chain mail, yet it offers inferior protection. Nonetheless, it is a prevalent choice among the various barbaric humanoid groups scattered across the world’s dark forests and misty jungles.

The manufacture of hide armor is relatively straightforward, requiring only a basic level of intelligence. Essentially, it needs just a deceased animal and an individual willing to don its skin. The simplicity of creating functional hide armor without the need for tanning makes it an attractive option for those seeking decent protection without cost. Naturally, the process of tanning can extend the lifespan of the armor and make it more socially acceptable.

The distinct odor of untanned hide armor is something warriors, such as ogres, learn to live with. Despite the stiffness that ensues once the armor dries—often not viewed negatively since it actually enhances the armor’s protective capability—hide armor allows any capable humanoid to begin their adventures with a reasonable level of defense and the prospect of acquiring a shield.

Interestingly, while leather armor may offer better mobility, durability, and a more agreeable appearance and scent, hide armor provides superior protection. This difference highlights how humans and more intelligent races rely on agility and wit in combat, whereas less-intelligent beings prefer the straightforward approach of thicker armor to minimize critical hits.

When Is Hide Armor Mainly Used In RPG Campaigns?

In role-playing game (RPG) campaigns, hide armor often finds its place in a variety of settings and scenarios, providing both protection and thematic depth to the characters who don it. Here are a few examples of when hide armor is used in RPG campaigns:

1. Survival Scenarios: In campaigns focused on survival in the wilderness, characters might start with or seek out hide armor as an early means of protection. Since hide armor can be crafted from the remains of defeated beasts, it fits perfectly into scenarios where resources are scarce, and players must use what nature provides to survive.
2. Tribal or Primitive Cultures: For characters that are part of tribal or primitive cultures, hide armor is not only a practical choice but also a cultural one. It reflects their close ties to nature and their reliance on the animals they hunt. Hide armor can be decorated with tribal symbols or parts of notable kills to show allegiance or status within the tribe.
3. Druidic or Nature-Themed Characters: Druids and other characters who have a strong connection to nature might choose hide armor for its natural origin, preferring it over metal armors that require mining and smithing. Such characters may believe that wearing the hides of animals brings them closer to the natural world or grants them protection from nature’s spirits.
4. Low Technology Campaigns: In settings where the level of technology is low, such as certain historical periods, fantasy worlds, or post-apocalyptic scenarios, hide armor may be one of the best options available. Characters in these settings might rely on hide armor due to the scarcity of more advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.
5. Barbarian Heroes: Characters embodying the barbarian archetype, known for their brute strength and primal fury, often wear hide armor as a symbol of their rugged lifestyle. Hide armor suits the aesthetic of a warrior who relies on raw power and the intimidation factor, rather than sophisticated defense mechanisms.
6. Stealth Missions: Although not as quiet as leather, hide armor can still be a viable option for characters engaging in stealth missions in natural environments, like forests or jungles. The natural materials can blend into the surroundings better than metallic armors, reducing the chances of detection.
7. Magical Enhancements: In campaigns where magic is prevalent, characters might seek out hide armor that has been enchanted to conceal its presence or enhance its protective qualities. Enchanted hide armor can provide unique abilities, such as blending into the environment or granting the wearer animal-like senses.

In each of these scenarios, hide armor offers both practical benefits and narrative depth, allowing players to immerse themselves more fully in the RPG’s world and their character’s role within it.

Examples Of Characters That Use Hide Armor

In the realm of fantasy RPGs, hide armor is a common choice for characters who value mobility, stealth, or have a close connection to nature. Here are examples of characters and NPCs that might use hide armor, reflecting their professions, personality traits, and how they came to wear such armor:

1. Thorn Wildstride – Profession: Barbarian
   • Personality Traits: Fierce, untamed, deeply respects nature
   • Thorn hails from a remote barbarian tribe where survival means living in harmony with the wild. His hide armor is made from the pelts of beasts he’s hunted, a testament to his prowess and respect for the natural world. The armor not only protects him but serves as a symbol of his strength and connection to the wilderness.
2. Lila Swiftshadow – Profession: Ranger
   • Personality Traits: Keen observer, resourceful, fiercely loyal to her companions
   • Lila’s hide armor was crafted during her time living among the elves of the Great Forest. It’s designed to blend into the woodland surroundings, aiding her in tracking and ambushing threats to the realm. Her armor reflects her resourcefulness and adaptability, key traits that make her an invaluable guide and guardian.
3. Riven Darkmoon – Profession: Druid
   • Personality Traits: Mystical, empathetic, a protector of the balance
   • Riven’s hide armor is imbued with magical properties, a gift from the spirits of the forest for his dedication to maintaining the balance between civilization and nature. It symbolizes his role as a mediator, protector, and healer, embodying the mystical and nurturing aspects of his personality.
4. Kiera Nightbreeze – Profession: Assassin
   • Personality Traits: Stealthy, cunning, morally ambiguous
   • Kiera chose hide armor for its flexibility and the ease with which it allows her to move in silence. Her armor was a prize from a particularly challenging mark, a reminder of her skills and the dark path she walks. It represents her pragmatic approach to her profession, where efficiency and results are paramount.
5. Brin Stonesplitter – Profession: Shaman
   • Personality Traits: Wise, compassionate, deeply connected to ancestral spirits
   • Brin’s hide armor is adorned with runes and symbols of power, each piece telling a story or offering protection from the spirits. It was passed down to him by his mentor, a tangible link to his ancestors and the traditions he upholds. His armor reflects his deep spiritual connection and his role as a guide and healer within his community.
6. Jorah the Exile – Profession: Warrior
   • Personality Traits: Stoic, honorable, seeking redemption
   • Jorah’s hide armor is all that remains from his former life before he was exiled. It’s rugged and worn, much like Jorah himself, but it serves as a constant reminder of his quest for redemption and the honor he hopes to regain. His armor symbolizes his resilience and the burdens he carries.
7. Talia Quickfoot – Profession: Thief
   • Personality Traits: Agile, witty, has a heart of gold
   • Talia relies on her hide armor for its lightness and the freedom of movement it offers, crucial for her nocturnal escapades. She acquired her armor during a daring escape that earned her notoriety among the thieves’ guild. It’s a badge of honor and a reminder of her agility, wit, and the unspoken code she follows to steal only from those who can afford the loss.

These characters demonstrate the versatility and appeal of hide armor in fantasy RPG settings, each bringing their unique backgrounds and motivations to life. Whether serving as protection, a status symbol, or a tool of the trade, hide armor plays a significant role in defining these characters and their journeys.

Read more about armor in the fantasy RPG world