Armor plating, weapon, what’s the difference except one is stationary and the other is being wielded?
It can be both.
As well as a deterrence.
It certainly serves as a warning to others...
My mother used to make fruit cake every year just after Thanksgiving, and when it was done, she poured brandy over it, covered it with cheesecloth, and set it aside till Christmas. I loved the cake and nuts but the fruit sucked.
My brother made her recipe a few years ago, but didn’t use the brandy because he doesn’t drink. By the time Mother’s was ready to eat, the alcohol had long since evaporated, and nothing was left but the flavor.
He sent me some and I just couldn’t eat it. Not even the cake part...it was like eating sand.
I told my mother every year, “Don’t send me fruitcake.” Every year she sent me fruitcake. Of course, now, I would love for her to send me a fruitcake. :o|