Arms and Armour.
Metal is scarce in the region so local customs have evolved that use
weapons and armour with a low metal content. Many incorporate other materials in
their construction.
Weapons
Most people will own a knife of some sort - most commonly made of bronze and
imported from Baraduum, although better quality steel knives are imported on a
regular basis.
Hunter/Trappers tend to be more heavily armed - and they may have a spear, or
javelin. Short bows (made using wood from the Swamp Apple) and slings are both
popular missile weapons.
The narrow bladed hand axe is also a popular weapon - heads are imported and
added to locally produced hafts to make what had become the standard weapon
issued to the rank and file members of the Porter's bar military. It is also
used by some hunter trappers as a weapon for dispatching game that gas been
cornered. All in all, it is one of the most common weapons in the region.
The cutlass, is issued as a symbol of rank to officers in the military, and has
become adopted as a symbol of Citizen class rank in the city.
Armour
The most common armour is the basketwork shield. The basketwork is deliberately
strengthened and it behaves in the same way as a small wooden shield.
Leather armour is easily available too, lots of leather is produced and there
are enough skilled workers to make it easily accessible.
Studded leather is also available - and is the standard issue for officers in
the military.
Militia
When the militia turns out, they are arranged into companies by type. There are
generally two missile companies - one armed with short bows and the other with
slings, which are generally un-armoured. The rest make up Light infantry
companies and they are a real mixture. Troops are liable to be armed with either
a spear, javelin or hand axe, and they will have at least a basketwork shield
and may have leather armour. A few will have both. They have an average ac of 8
and an average attack of d6. Local militia will fall under the command of
officers and troops from the local lord's personal guard.