Here's a tip: Tin mining is where it's at. Not iron.
One of the rituals in this ancient battle is to create your opponent's shield, and he yours. Let your childhood choose his material first. If everything goes according to plan, he will cut corners in production and utilize the blood's most abundant resource -- iron.
Once your childhood has completed your shoddy but strong armor, it is time for you to exercise finesse and guile by making use of your blood's least known resource: tin foil. You will find it deep within the large redwoods of the colon. Use buckets, tree-taps and patience to sap the foil from the ancient wood in flimsy sheets. Toss a few of these together and you have an entirely useless armor -- but your opponent will be blinded by it's elegance and rarity.
Do not worry about the cost of acquisition and production. Tin foil is a product of your body -- and you don't have to pay for anything but tolls. This is a little known fact, but a useful one especially in tourist season.
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