Armor standardization is now complete. Some pertinent notes:

1. More than 90% of the 1600+ armor objects in the game either got lighter, or increased in weight by less than 4 lbs.

2. You'll probably see body armor increase in weight the most, followed by leg armor (though some of each got lighter). Armor worn on the arms stayed about the same weight, and most foot, hands and head armor got significantly lighter.

3. Weight of armor is based on material as well as malleability (i.e., steel is readily formed into armor via the hammer and forge, is malleable enough to be thin yet still strong, and will therefore most likely be less bulky / heavy, then armor made of, say, stone or crystal).

4. The level of armor sold in shops got tweaked to more accurately represent what it does for you. Level 5 armor probably only gives you a few HP or MANA. Level 30 armor...well, that's pretty good stuff. This is, of course, reflected in cost. Bottom line - don't be afraid to buy armor from shops now, you won't get burned (unless it's iron and you're an elf...:P).

5. AC values got modified to more accurately represent the defensive potential of the material / armor type. I emphasize the word potential because AC revamping is still a future project. That being said, AC values of armor will likely need only superficial tweaking when/if we go in that direction.

6. Armor cost is standardized, and is based on level (which drives AC to a certain extent - call it quality of workmanship), material, wear slot (gauntlets are likely cheaper to make than leggings or body armor) and affects (e.g., HP, MANA, MOVE, etc.).

7. While I was at it, I standardized pens and writable paper. No more 4000 cp pieces of parchment for sale! The more durable the pen's material, or the higher the level of a pen for a given material, the longer it will last.

8. This has been ongoing for about a month now. If you didn't notice...that means I did a good job! If you see anything that you would consider glaringly incorrect or strange, or have any questions, please post or email me so I can take a look at it. I'm human, there were a LOT of numbers involved, I make mistakes.

9. Weapons are next. Cost is the only thing I'll touch for the vast majority of weapons - no messing with weights, materials, levels or averages! The only weapons that might get level or average tweaked are weapons that are for sale in shops, and that would only be to bring them in line with our already existing weapon standards. End state will be (hopefully) weapons for sale in shops that you'll want to buy, that are worth the coin you'll spend for them.

Kastellyn the Devourer of Magic, Lord of Legends

Not sure where you wanted this posted but the breastplate from the elite guards is 56 pounds I think, and the leggings are 44 pounds. Elves are wearing this material? Maybe it's just me, but I think this is a bit excessive.

I direct your attention to #3 above in my original post. With moonstone (or other stone materials), the armor will consist of large slabs of stone vice thinner (though maybe just as strong) sheets of hammered metal.

If the armor was only wearable by elves, I'd decrease the weight a tad - call it elvish craftmanship for elves. However, all the moonstone armor out there is wearable by everyone. Check out the description as well - it talks about the plates of moonstone and the fact that "Unfortunately, it is rather heavy."

Now that's not to say that the material of this armor won't be tweaked at some point in the future - maybe it'll be moonstone-studded mithril or something, so it can keep its special qualities but be a bit lighter. That'll come with the second round of tweaks. For now, if you don't like heavy armor, avoid moonstone - there are plenty of other good options out there.

Kastellyn the Devourer of Magic, Lord of Legends

It is now significantly lighter moonstone-studded leather armor, as of next crash/reboot.

Kastellyn the Devourer of Magic, Lord of Legends

(gauntlets are likely cheaper to make than leggings or body armor) and affects (e.g., HP, MANA, MOVE, etc.).

From recent personal experience in trying my hand at making armor, material costs for leggings might be more, but what really drives the price up is time and effort spent. gauntlets are a beast! all that articulation in the fingers. yuk! I'd rather make a breastplate.

The other thing that drives the price is the 'reknown' of the armorer.
Just thought I'd throw that in because dwarves are 'known' for metal working, so they might be a little more costly to buy from maybe better reactions to other dwarves?

but someone with a name for themselves always charges more, but of course you expect better quality.

Just my 2 cents, Ignore it for game ease, programming ease, or whatever just thought I should point out that less material doesn't mean cheaper to make.