Breastplate and Cuirass

Part of Armor of Juhnvechteya
== Cuirass ==
=== Breastplate ===
A breastplate is a single piece of armor which covers the front of the torso above the hips. When combined with a backplate, it forms a cuirass. 
Invented in the 550s/400s JC/VC, they spread rapidly among the upper classes of Juhnvechteya, and have slowly begun to proliferate slowly into the lower classes of soldiery. 
The breastplate is globular in shape to encourage any blows to glance off and transfer less energy to the knight, rather than to hit and transfer their full force to the wearer. The breastplate may be made in two parts, the lower overlapping the top to provide extra protection at the joint and attached with a strap. This is done to add flexibility. The bottom piece of the breastplate is sometimes used by soldiers as an independent piece of armor to protect their belly, though this is primarily due to the pieces being acquired through looting rather than purchasing with intent. 
==== Faulds ====
The breastplate is often augmented by faulds, These faulds consist of overlapping horizontal pieces of metal, articulated for flexibility, that form an apron-like skirt in front. This protects the lower torso, reaching only to the top of the thigh on occasion. Tassets are sometimes riveted to the bottom of the fauld, to protect the upper legs. 
=== Backplate ===
A backplate is a relatively uncommon piece of armor. It extends only so far as the hips, and may include plates called Culets which protect the rear and buttocks of the wearer, particularly for riders. 
When the breastplate and backplate are combined, the result is a cuirass, which will make the wearer near, immune to any attack aimed at the torso. Cuirasses are only truly available to knights, and are effectively out of reach for any lower soldier. 
Category:Armor of Juhnvechteya