Because heavy armour isn't the be all and end all. You match your protection to the situation you face.jello wrote:hmm.. i'm of the opinion that you shouldn't be able to wear heavy armor and sneak or use magic at the same time, otherwise, what's the point of light armor and mage robes?
For example - if perhaps a slightly off topic one - I used to be an amateur motorcycle racer, in British 125GP. These things aren't that fast - the best of them are 130 odd mph, 50 odd bhp machines, around the 4 seconds to 60 mark. Enough to hurt if you had an off - tarmac can burn through a bone in a few metres, less if you are going fast. (In case you wondered, I quit due to financial problems)
For protection I wore/wear a custom made for me 1.3mm thick cowhide leather one piece suit, because it is the best protection available for motorcycle racing. It is in esence, an extra coat of skin with armour padding inside it. It even had some logos of people's companies who were kind enough to chuck some money my way in exchange for the advertising they'd get on TV...
If I had a crash, which thankfully I didn't, the type of incoming damage is impact hitting the ground, then into abrasion from sliding along the tarmac and then into the gravel. A suit of say iron armour would be more likely to do damage to me than protect me, because you would bash around inside it as you slide, whereas in actuality it's the purpose built light leather armour which has taken the damage. In all probabilty I'll be unhurt apart from shock or brusing from hitting the ground.
(Note: on track, in a lowside. on the roads is a whole different kettle of fish as to what could happen...)
