Section 42 One-third Plate Armour

In the Mark territory, the blacksmiths in the territory of Mark sweated heavily with the help of hydraulic blowers, waving heavy hammers hard and knocking pieces of pig iron into thin slices. Under Schwab's guidance, these blacksmiths had mastered cold forging methods, and at Schwab's request, the Novedes, who were good at wrought iron, also joined the ranks of making plate armor. In order to improve the manufacturing efficiency, Schwab ordered these blacksmiths and apprentices to put their own names on each piece of armor and strictly require quality with a unified standard. If there are products that do not meet the standards, the blacksmiths or apprentices who make this part will be fined. On the contrary, if the products produced can maintain the standards and quality, the blacksmiths or apprentices can receive monthly rewards. In order to obtain the rewards of the Silver Institute of Blacksmiths and apprentices, they are very enthusiastic.

"Although the blacksmiths have tried their best to make armor, the amount produced is still not enough. On average, they can only make five pairs of breastplate, five pairs of wide-edged helmets, and ten long spears in a week." Lao Lauke said to Schwab worriedly. During Srick's intelligence collection and news in the merchant club, the surrounding lords are becoming more and more hostile to Mark. It can be said that war may break out at any time. The reason why they did not invade Mark immediately is only because of the dirty selfishness between the lords, and the distribution of interests and the post-war division of spoils have not reached an agreement.

"Yeah, it's a bit slow. Let's divide the blacksmiths and their apprentices into three groups to compete. The group of qualified armor and weapons produced in one week can get rewards from twenty silver offices. I believe the production speed will be much faster." Schwab thought for a while and ordered Old Lauke.

"This is really a good idea." Old Laurk thought for a moment and thought clearly. Schwab cleverly used the competitive spirit and greed among people. I believe that the blacksmiths would cheer after receiving this news. You should know that these blacksmiths were originally completely free labor in the baron's team, and they were not full or warm in food. In Mark under Schwab's rule, they not only received good treatment, but also respected, but now there are rewards from the silver office that can be obtained, and there is a reason not to work hard.

"Yes, our soldiers are all good, but they have too few equipment, less than one-third. I have the conditions now that I must put on appropriate armor and go into battle." Schwab thought that in the war with the Novedic people, his soldiers fought against the Novedic people with a spear. Even if they were well-trained, they inevitably caused too many casualties. If they had combined armor, these Mark soldiers could kill the enemy more bravely.

"But, Lord Schwab, I don't understand why you don't weave chain armor, but want to make this whole piece of plate armor. You must know that the protection of chain armor is much better." Old Lauke saw the blacksmiths forged pig iron into pieces of plate-shaped iron armor according to Schwab's requirements, and then connected it with leather and iron buckles to form breastplates that were put together in front and back. Most warriors and knights in this era were still accustomed to chain armor woven by small iron rings, and the plate armor only provided additional protection outside the chain armor, so no one would equip the soldiers with plate armor, which only protected the soldiers' bodies and other main parts, and their arms and thighs were completely exposed.

"There is no way. I also want to provide soldiers with better chain armor, but the production of chain armor is too time-consuming and too expensive. Although my finances are not very tight now, I am not rich." Schwab said helplessly. The advantage of plate armor is to form a single strike. In fact, wearing armor is just a psychological comfort to the soldiers. Even knights wearing chain armor and plate armor will suffer casualties, let alone these inferior soldiers.

"Yes, even these plate armors cannot equip the entire Mark soldiers." Old Lauke lowered his head and drew a cross on his chest, saying, "It's unimaginable that Mark was defended by these soldiers without armor, but in fact, Mark defeated one enemy after another in these legions of serfs and mercenaries.

"I will make an adjustment to the quadratic formation of the legion spear and adjust the soldiers with armor to the first three rows, so that they will reduce casualties." Schwab grabbed a piece of breastplate with his hand. This piece of breastplate made a sound of gold and stone during Schwab's knocking. He used cold forging to knock the impurities in the pig iron, and then used the soot blowing method to add some carbon-containing ash. After the production was made, he performed a stab test with a spear, leaving only a little pit on the plate armor. The facts proved that these plate armors were very strong.

"I really don't know how you made this kind of armor." Looking at the plate armor with metallic luster on the surface, Lao Lauke said in admiration. He felt that he had seen countless people in his life, but he had never seen such a nobleman. He was keen on the construction of various novelties and had various ghost ideas from time to time. It is undeniable that Mark, the once weak territory, has gradually moved towards glory under his leadership, which made Lao Lauke, who was exiled to this barren land, suddenly burned back hope like a young man.

"Well, pay attention to keeping our iron-to-end method confidential. A wall must be built with wood around the blacksmith shop next to the river to keep the guards strictly alert." Schwab put down the plate armor and said to Lao Lauke that Schwab had too few resources in his hands in this era, but he had to face too many enemies. The only thing that could make himself survive in this era was technology beyond the times.

"Of course, Lord Earl." Old Lauke certainly understood that these things could not be revealed, because these armors made by cold forging will definitely be loved by the knights. It is conceivable that the knights will pay a lot of money to buy these sturdy and light armor.

"Sir Earl, Baron Russell's son is visiting our territory construction everywhere. Is this appropriate?" asked Lao Laugh. Most of Schwab's court members already knew Dick's identity. Except for Shari who was very fond of him because of his encounter with Dick in the forest, everyone else regarded Dick as a spy. Of course, he would not have any good face. However, Dick was shameless and reluctant to leave in Mark, and Schwab let the limping young man.
Chapter completed!