Post:Armor volume balance - 11/17/2011 - 22:18

Re: Armor volume balance · on 11/17/2011 10:18 PM CST	2919
Balancing the various armors was a painstaking process. I estimate some 200 hours went into just pouring over spreadsheets :P One of the larger problems with armor was trying to tie everything into a formula that ensures balance between the heavier and lighter armors. Instead of just fudging it, we rely on math to ensure the balance between each type. So a Mask + Aventail + Helm = Great Helm. Due to the smallest unit size we have to work with, this occasionally leads to some things being a hair larger or smaller, lighter or heavier than would normally make sense. Now, the Great Helm weighs about 22 lbs when forged at 5 density. My research showed the upper edge of a helmet to be about 12 lbs historically, but that was without an aventail to protect the neck - which DR great helms are assumed to have. Sure, 22lbs is probably a bit high, and probably a bit low for a chain robe, but that is where we have ended up, for now. Just keep in mind that sucker has the best protection for your noggin this side of not getting hit in the first place!
This message was originally posted in Lore \ Smithing Skill, by DR-KODIUS on the play.net forums.