Leather Armour

This is probably the first suit of armour owned by most warriors, but wise combatants will try get something better as soon as possible, since leather armour is the weakest armour type available. Stronger weapons can easily overcome leather, making it a poor choice for the active fighter. However, if strength is lacking, or one cannot afford better armour -- or if one relies on speed over toughness -- there is no other choice. Besides its low weight and cost, another good thing about leather armour is that any armoury worth its salt has it in stock.

First appearing in Ultima I, the parts of this set of armour were slowly expanded to other body parts. By Ultima VII, the set was complete (see above).

Leather was actually the most protective body armour available in Savage Empire, stronger than bark and cloth.

Defensive Values

 * By Ultima VII, a complete set of leather armour contains the following pieces. The numbers listed after indicate the relative effectiveness of the armour (taken from Vetron's Guide to Weapons and Armour):


 * In Ultima IX, defensive values were as follows: