[RPG] What Armor Optimization applies to a Mithral full plate

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The Description of Mithral Armor describes this effect:

Most mithral armors are one category lighter than normal for purposes of movement and other limitations. Heavy armors are treated as medium, and medium armors are treated as light, but light armors are still treated as light.- SRD

The Heavy Armor Optimization feat says:

When you are wearing heavy armor, lessen the armor check penalty of the armor by 1 and increase the armor bonus by 1

There are also feats with identical wording for Medium and Light Armor.

SO

If my intention is to wear Mithral heavy armor would I take the Heavy Armor Optimization or Medium Armor Optimization?

Best Answer

In addition to the other answers, I would say that from a role-playing perspective it makes sense that Heavy Armor Optimization fits. The description of the feat is

You have trained extensively in heavy armor, and you have learned to take advantage of the protection it offers.

To me this implies that your character has learned to use the extra protection of the armor to their advantage when fighting. Some examples of using this to your advantage might be

  • Heavy gauntlets on your hands allow you to use your hands to deflect blows
  • If a swing or thrust is directed to an especially resilient place (i.e. your chest) you know that it will deflect easily and won't need to brace yourself as much
  • You can focus your dodging to moving your vulnerable spots away from the attack rather than moving your entire body.

Any of the above still applies to Mithral Heavy Armor. Even though it weighs less, you can still capitalize on the advantages you get by being more armored.

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