A headborne attachment platform includes multiple rigid plates and straps of connecting material connecting the rigid plates in an assembly at independently selectable and pre-set distances apart from each other. The assembly of rigid plates is shaped and connected to sit adjacent to, and surround, the bone regions of a wearer's skull, and define an overall headgear shape and contour. The straps are more flexible than the rigid plates in directions perpendicular to the thickness of the straps, and the straps are inelastic in a direction of a length thereof. A tightening mechanism is configured to adjust a circumference of a headband region, and the rigid plates have mounting features configured to mount an outer helmet shell and/or a headborne device. The rigid plates are sufficiently rigid to support and maintain their three-dimensional shape when subjected to forces exerted upon them by the outer helmet shell or headborne device.