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From: wade@nmtvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: RE: RE: Armored vs. Unarmored
Message-ID: <254@nmtvax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 19-Apr-84 15:51:03 EST
Article-I.D.: nmtvax.254
Posted: Thu Apr 19 15:51:03 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 20-Apr-84 07:04:57 EST
Organization: New Mexico Tech, Socorro, N.M.
Lines: 42



>	Alas, this is not the case.  Usually the coif of the helmet
>	hangs far down over the breastplate, which totally blocks off
>	any blade penetration.

	If you are referring to a chain mail coif, then there is a 
	serious problem with your argument.  Yes, chain mail is very
	good at stopping the blade itself, but the force of the blow
	will go right through and what do you have now?  You got it,
	a crushed windpipe and no more fighter.  If you have ever
	received a blow while wearing chain mail alone, you will realize
	that this is true.  Chain was used mainly to stop arrows,
	not as the sole protection against blades.

	Both the armpits and the inside of elbows were open, but
	was protected by a plate extending from the joint.  This
	is hard to illustrate, but I will try.

			\  \    /  / <---That's an arm, really it is
			 \  \/\/  /       (bent arm, side view)
              \ \__/ /   
               --__--

                       /  /
                     _/__/ <---Straight arm, side view
                    /    |
                    \___/
                    /  /

	I give up, let your imagination run wild and you might
	figure that garbage out.

	In the SCA, everyone has the same AC, because you don't
	determine a hit by armor penetration, but by how hard 
	the blow is and by where it hits you.

	D&D plate mail is field plate, not jousting plate, and
	field plate is made to support it's own wieght, and is
	reasonably easy to move in, but don't try acrobatics.