Apachean Armour

Can anyone tell me the point of building the armour maker’s tipi?

It is supposed to upgrade the apache armour to padded, but seem to have no effect on any of the units.

Is this another for the bugs list?

Yes.

You can edit the export_decr_buildings to get the armor.

I didn't even know they wore armour!

I believe the armour (not) represented is described as being a chest protector made out of wooden rods tied together. I believe the high end units (Koitsenkos, Ondes, Bodyguards) come equipped. Unfortunately your common units cannot be upgraded and they have crappy defense, so it would be nice if it actually worked.

They still die if a common house fly sits on them. Incredibly fragile Padiwans they are.

When setting up a custom battle with the Apaches, if you try to give any of the units an armour upgrade the set up screen won’t let you. None of the units can be upgraded.

Likewise in the campaign, after building the Armour Makers Tipi none of the units can be upgraded.

A quick look at the export_descr_units indicate that War Chiefs, Koitsenko, Apachean Braves and Onde’s Men should get UG1 (padded).

Since the custom battle does not use the armour makers tipi these units should be upgradeable for custom battles.

Their armor would do more harm than good, because when smashed by a bullet or sword the wooden pieces would become embedded in the flesh. The resulting infections would kill many who were otherwise only slightly wounded. This would be an unmanly way to die and very bad form. The armor was just used as pillows by the old warriors.