Archaic Weapons and Armor

Armor
Armor exists only in full suits, no shirts or breastplates. For purposes of Encumbrance, any armor (but not shields) worn while on horseback counts as ⅔ its normal weight. Full Plate is normally worn only on horseback.

Weapon and Armor Quality
Each individual weapon, shield and suit of armor has a quality rating which affects item performance. These ratings are measured in multiples of 3 dice and range from 3 to 30. Exceptionally fine craftsmanship can produce superior weapons. Items with a quality >= 21 weight 10% less and give Bob a 1 die bonus (to hit or to defense). Items with a quality <= 9 give Bob a 1 die penalty. Item quality will decline as a result of breakage.

Weapon and Armor Breakage
Step 1: Check for breakage only when a melee attack achieves 4 or more victories. Step 2: Check the Magic-Number to find which item is threatened.

Step 3: Compare the original roll to the threatened item's damage threshold. If the original roll exceeds the threatened item's damage threshold, the item is broken and useless. The item can be repaired, but its quality is permanently reduced by 3 dice.

A hit which breaks armor has its damage reduced by 1 victory.

Items should not last forever. Also, it allows items to be usable but have little resale value.