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Defend Yourself, Good Knight
A.D. 1420

Offense Defense
lookin' sharp!
The Blue Knight likes to use a steel sword when he fights. The edges are very sharp, so watch out when he swings at your arm! Be careful not to get too close, because he also might try to hit you with the heavy round pommel on the other end.
protect your noggin flexible, but strong
This shirt of mail is made of hundreds of thousands of steel rings, all linked together. It will protect against the Blue Knight's sword -- can't cut through this. You will probably want some thick padding underneath, though, because he swings with mighty force, and who needs a broken arm? Put a helmet on your head too, if you're smart. A bascinet will do nicely.
shoot, that's not good!
Mail is good against the Blue Knight's sword, but the Red Knight has a crossbow that can shoot heavy arrows called "bolts" right through your mail shirt. Better find some better armor.
look closely
See a close-up of a mail shirt.
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Sword, Western European, c. 1450, CMA, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1921.1252
Hauberk, European, 15th century, CMA, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1817
Bascinet, North Italy, c. 1350-1420, CMA, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1923.1065


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