shazzdan wrote:You've never handled any of these if you think they are impractical in battle. There are plenty of examples of heavily decorated equipment with battle damage. For the ancients, battle WAS parade. The whole point was to get noticed on the battlefield and to intimidate the enemy. Look up the concept of "conspicuous consumption". To gain renown and prestige, you get the most expensive stuff, use it up, throw it away, and get more. They ate meals with gold dust and crushed pearls sprinkled on top. They purchased the most expensive clothing and only wore it once.
Yes, to a point, although that tendency need not be considered universal or consistent and does not preclude some armor being meant more for show than function, and being worn accordingly. I thought they dissolved the pearls in vinegar or something like that.
