The Combat-Ready Samurai
Armor
A samurais armor is tough enough to blunt an arrowhead, yet
flexible enough to grant him the full range of mobility and speed
he requires against an opponent. It is made of scales of lacquered
iron laced together with cords of silk. Putting on armor without
assistance is laborious and time-consuming. Thus, a samurai often
keeps his armor preassembled on a stand.
Weapons
A samurais katana (long sword) is his main battlefield
weapon. It is often handed down from father to son. The katana is
the soul of a samurai, and he never appears in public without it.

A samurai uses his short sword to decapitate enemies. Should a
samurais disgrace or his lord ever command him to end his
life, he would use this sword to commit seppuku.
A samurais bow, which often exceeds his height by the length
of his head, is made of bamboo strengthened by rattan bindings.
Three men may be needed to string it. The strings are made of silk
coated with pine resin. The bamboo arrows are the length of a mans
outstretched arms.
Helmet
A samurais helmet, which often bears his family crest, is
made of riveted iron. The face mask, which is strong enough to blunt
a spearpoint, is crafted with a frightening expression to strike
fear into his enemies.
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