
Pavise
Large standing shield for crossbowmen
The pavise was a large rectangular shield standing 120-150cm tall, used primarily by crossbowmen (arbalestiers) in 14th-15th century Europe. Since crossbows required significant time to reload, the pavise provided full-body cover during the vulnerable loading process, either propped up on the ground or carried by a dedicated shield-bearer (paviser). Named after the Italian city of Pavia, these shields were elaborately decorated with city coats of arms and religious imagery, serving as symbols of civic identity. Italian city-state crossbow units used them most extensively.
Related

Heater Shield
Classic triangular shield of the medieval knight

Buckler
Small fist-held round shield for active defense

Kite Shield
Large kite-shaped shield of the Norman knight

Plate Armor
Full-body steel armor of the medieval knight

Kettle Hat
Broad-brimmed infantry helmet shaped like an inverted pot

Chainmail
Flexible armor of interlocked metal rings

Coat of Plates
Transitional armor with iron plates riveted inside fabric

Brigandine
Armor of small iron plates riveted between fabric layers

Gambeson
Quilted padded defensive garment

Great Helm
Barrel-shaped helmet enclosing the entire head

Bascinet
Pointed medieval helmet with detachable visor

Spangenhelm
Framework helmet of crossed metal bands