Gusoku Options and Pricing

> Before you even begin, make sure you're aware of some of the special policies concerning samurai armor. Pay special attention to what the policies specify as they are important.
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> Some items below are priced for a single piece, even though an armor suit may have two or more of that item to be considered 'complete'. There is nothing historically or functionally wrong with deciding not to include certain pieces of armor. Some armor items are dependent on one-another however.
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> Some examples of excluding armor items include:
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1. The **Haidate** was a pretty uncommon piece of armor for soldiers.
2. Some **Dou** did not use **Sode**.
3. Some **Dou** did not use **Kusazuri**
4. Not all **Kote** were full sleeved.
5. **Menpos** were not as common as movies would have us believe.
6. Not all suits utilized **Suneate**.
7. Not all suits even utilized **Kote**.

### Terminology/Introduction

 I prefer to use the Japanese terms for armor parts because they are more accurate and generally reduce any risk of misinterpreting what is meant. When in doubt, consult the glossary below:

**Gusoku** - The armor as a whole.

**Dou** - Torso armor, covering both front and back.

**Sode** - Hanging shoulder armor. This armor is attached directly to the **Dou**.

**Kusazuri** - Hanging skirt of armor. This skirt is attached directly to the **Dou**.

**Kote** - Arm armor. (can be just-forearms or the entire arm)

**Tekko** - Hand armor. This armor is attached directly to the **Kote**.

**Suneate** - Shin armor. (Can offer knee protection as well)

**Haidate** - Optional hanging armor that covers outer thighs.

**Kabuto** - The helmet.

**Shikoro** - Hanging armor protecting the back of the head and neck. This armor is attached directly to the **Kabuto**.

**Menpo** - Face armor.

**Kozane** - Small scales that require a large amount of lacing. The Kozane will have more flexibility than solid plates.

**Tatami** - A style of light armor that utilizes small metal squares to span areas.

**Kusari** - Japanese word for mail (chain) portions.

**Kikko** - A flexible type of armor made up of hexagonal metal plates.

**Odoshi** - Lacing material for armor. Odoshi is not the same material as ito (handle wraps).

### Intro

    Something to consider when ordering armor is what tier you'd like it to offer. Each material has it's own advantages and disadvantages both in terms of combat and material cost. If you're unsure what material is best: I would strongly recommend going with **plate**.

*(Important to remember that Empire Policy forbids non-Japanese leather torso armor.)*

* **Leather** is pretty low maintenance but it's 173% more expensive than steel. Some areas of armor will have to be leather if you intend to use it for cross-gaming. These items will have obvious disclaimers in their corresponding section.
* **Chain** is the most expensive option but can be easily made from superior and low-maintenance materials. Check the chart on the right for a quick reference picture concerning metals. For a more in-depth description check here.
* **Plate** *can* be high maintenance, but it offers the strongest tier protection and frankly is the most intimidating option available. While exotic materials are available, the standard pricing is set for 1.22MM mild steel.
	+ Stainless steel is 218% more expensive than mild steel
	+ Titanium is 595% more expensive than mild steel

Picking a material often isn't the end of it. The next option is what truly dictates the overall price of the armor: **How it's held together**. There are a few common options:

* **Rivets** - Riveting armor produces very strong connections making for an overall rigid piece. Generally speaking, this is the cheapest way to assemble armor. However, not every armor item can be riveted.
* **Kusari** - Many pieces of armor are connected by chain. This option is generally only available for the **Kote, Haidate,** and **Suneate**, but it has been seen in some highly unusual **Kusazuri and Sode**. **Tatami** styled armor is very commonly connected via chain. (Also important to note that items that feature a lot of chain work will likely make you assemble the rings yourself. It isn't hard, but it is VERY VERY time consuming!)
* **Odoshi (lacing)** - Odoshi is usually what most people associate with Japanese armors, it gives it a distinctive and pleasing look. However, one thing we discovered is sometimes **over half** of the armor cost is tied up in lacing! If the armor is fancier and includes more sets of odoshi this figure turns more into **75%** of overall cost. Odoshi can't be avoided for some pieces like the **Sode** and **Kusazuri**.
* **Welding** - Welding is most likely the cheapest option. However the Steel Works is still experimenting with the most effective ways to make this work. This option may not be **truly** available for some time.

*Every subsequent section will address options for armors and the pricing.*

The pricing works as followed (note that not every piece of armor uses every category):

* **Chain** - Estimated per ring. We have formulas to get a generic figure depending on what you're interested in.
* **Plate** - Estimated per square inch of material used.
* **Leather** - Estimated per square inch of material used.
* **Lacing** - Estimated per inch of material used.
* **Findings** - Rivets, grommets, etc are estimated per piece.
* **Finish** - Estimated per supply used.
* **Dye** - Estimated per supply used.
* **Stitching** - Estimated per supply used.
* **Fabric** - Estimated per square inch of material used.
* **Donation** - Like weaponry we require this donation to offset shipping costs and ensure stocks do not dwindle.

### Dou

***Estimated base cost: $51.46***

The **Do** covers both your chest and back. Pictures for options will come as they are created!

#### **Basic Model**

*The basic model has the following features:*

* Standard-laced construction (~9 sets per side)

Standard Do
Additional options/explanations found here!

### Sode

***Estimated base cost per single** **sode: $11.76***

Usually two **Sode** are used in a suit of armor. **The pricing refers to a single sode**. **Sode** attach directly to the **Dou** and are not able to be used alone.

#### **Basic Model**

*The basic model has the following features:*

* 5 sets of lacing holes
* No decorative lacing

Standard Sode
**Additional options/explanations found here!**

### Kusazuri

***Estimated base cost per single Kusazuri: 7.96***

Usually 5-6 **Kusazuri** are used in a suit of armor. **The pricing refers to a single Kusazuri**. Kusazuri attach directly to the **Dou** and are not able to be used alone.

#### **Basic Model**

*The basic model has the following features:*

* 4 sets of lacing holes
* No decorative lacing
* 4 sets of suspension lacing
* Tapered design

Kusazuri Example
**Additional options/explanations found here!**

### Kote

***Estimated base cost per single Kote: 12.00***

It is common practice to have two **Kote** per suit of armor. The price reflects a single han-**Kote**.

#### **Basic Model (Han Kote)**

*The basic model has the following features:*

* 3 plate style
* Japanese chain wrist
* Leather Tekko (hand protection) with stamped Antioch symbol
* Standard black foundation fabric
* Standard gunmetal grommets

Standard Han-Kote
**Additional options/explanations found here!**

### Suneate

***Estimated base cost per single Suneate: 13.86***

It is common practice to have two **Suneate** per suit of armor. The price reflects a single **Suneate**

#### **Basic Model**

*The basic model has the following features:*

* 3 plate style
* Basic design does not include knee protection
* Heavy tie system

Standard han-suneate
**Additional options/explanations found here!**

### Head Armors

There are a few styles of head armors offered in Verdite. The most basic is the 'Hachigane', an armored headband with an Antioch symbol. Check the additional options link for more types of armor.

#### **Basic Model**

*The basic model has the following features:*

* 3 plate style
* Antioch symbol middle plate

Hachigane**Additional options/explanations found here!**