This amazing piece of art by Ossi Hiekkala for the forthcoming Sartar book, shows a young Helering “backboy” helping a Vingan thane get her armor on. I love how it gives an idea just how much a pain it must be to get armor on and off. And any heavily armored character of mine in the future is definitely going to have someone to help get that armor on and off!
What’s a Backboy? A young man or woman (often a Helering) who acts as an assistant or squire or valet for a high status warrior. The name comes from that they don’t participate in the fighting and stay in the back of the battle.
Barefoot? Yes, barefoot. A lot of these Sartarites are pretty inured to the elements. I think most folk farm and herd barefoot.
