Within Usil's Grimoire, a process is recorded for the creation of fitted Half-Plate from Crab Chitin. They spent the week coordinating with local leatherworkers, namely a displaced Tabaxi elder named Moquihui. It's been a wonderful distraction for them between growing a palisade for Kas Selvess out of bamboo, with the Yellow Lady's blessings.
To turn crab chitin and leather into half-plate armor, several steps are involved. Moquihui of Kas Selvess, a delightful older Tabaxi woman displaced from Bosaadak, was thankfully willing to share her process with me. Here's a description of the process for future endeavors:
Harvesting and Cleaning: Large crabs (and other crustaceans) are caught or sourced for their chitin exoskeleton and leather hides. The chitin is the hard, outer shell of the crab, while the leather comes from its soft and flexible skin. The chitin and leather are carefully removed from the crab and cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, or organic matter. Grummen and Ryea , compatriots of mine, handled this exceptionally well. Prestidigitation helps greatly with clean up.
Chitin Processing: The chitin is typically boiled or soaked to soften it, making it easier to work with. This process helps remove any remaining flesh or other substances adhering to the chitin. After boiling, the chitin is left to dry, ensuring it retains its structural integrity.
Shaping and Cutting: Once the chitin has dried, it can be shaped and cut into the desired pieces for the half-plate armor. This is typically done by craftsmen using specialized tools such as saws, knives, or chisels. The shape and size of the pieces will depend on the design of the armor and the measurements of the wearer.
Joining the Pieces: The cut chitin pieces are then assembled and joined together. This can be done through various methods, such as lacing, riveting, or using metal fasteners. The goal is to create a sturdy and well-fitting structure that will provide protection to the wearer while allowing for mobility. For my purposes, the request was using lacing and non-metal materials.
Leather Reinforcement: To enhance the durability and comfort of the half-plate armor, leather components are incorporated into the design. Leather straps, padding, or other reinforcements can be added to areas that require flexibility or extra protection, such as joints or the interior lining.
Finishing Touches: Once the main structure of the half-plate armor is complete, additional details and embellishments can be added. This may include decorative elements, engravings, or etchings to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the armor.
Fitting and Adjustments: Finally, the half-plate armor is fitted to the intended wearer. Any necessary adjustments or modifications are made to ensure a proper fit and optimal functionality. This may involve resizing, adding or removing components, or fine-tuning the overall design.
I plan to make adjustments over time, to tailor the look and appearance to be more fitting for formal occasions as well.