10-03-2005, 02:19 AM
I can perceive no purpose to sewing linen over a felt subarmallis. The felt itself would resist abrasion against metal armor far more effectively the thin linen fibers.
Yes the garment of "libyan hide" in DRB implies it is a removable overgarment to be worn only when rain is expected, and intended to the felt subarmalis dry.
The disadvantage of a felt versus leather tent is that the felt will absorb water and cause it to be too heavy a load for the pack mule. This is precisely why roman tents were leather, and not a cheaper substitue such as felt or linen, both material becoming sodden before they effectively repel water.
Leather impregnated with fat however, will repel water as effectively as modern plastics.
Yes the garment of "libyan hide" in DRB implies it is a removable overgarment to be worn only when rain is expected, and intended to the felt subarmalis dry.
The disadvantage of a felt versus leather tent is that the felt will absorb water and cause it to be too heavy a load for the pack mule. This is precisely why roman tents were leather, and not a cheaper substitue such as felt or linen, both material becoming sodden before they effectively repel water.
Leather impregnated with fat however, will repel water as effectively as modern plastics.