ARMOR DEFLECTION 'ARMOR DEFLECTION' (2181)

If an attack gets past a defender's ability to avoid it or turn it aside,
armor is the last barrier between it and a painful wound.  While some forms
of armor can be heavy, all can provide some measure of protection.  All PCs
and humanoid NPCs can employ armor to some degree, but the ARMOR USE skill
appropriate to the armor in question allows it to provide more protection.

All armor is not equally likely to be struck.  The torso is the most commonly
struck armor, followed by other large pieces such as those covering the arms
and legs, or worn about the body.  A taller attacker is more likely to strike
a defender high, and a shorter attacker more likely to strike low.  It is
still possible for a gnome to strike a giant in the head, however, when you
consider the movement of combat, especially when the giant is likely stooping
to strike the gnome.  Armor is not broken or degraded by this process.

As a defender, the ARMOR CLASS granted by a piece of armor against a certain
form of attack is a measure of how well it will turn it aside.  Note that
an item's material or properties may modify this-- for example, a steel
breastplate may not be very effective in deterring a creature made of 
lightning. Certain spells and abilities (such as Stone Skin, Strengthen, or 
Carapace) can buttress armor against some or all forms of attack.  If a piece 
of armor's level is far above your own, you will lack the full benefit of its 
protection.

As an attacker, HITROLL lessens the effect of a defender's armor, as accurate
blows are less likely to land on the thickest parts of the armor.  Skills
such as AIM and PRECISE AIM can enhance your hitroll's impact.  Very heavy
weapons can be harder to deflect, especially by thinner armor.

To determine if an object is armor (as opposed to clothing, treasure, or
similar items which are too frail to deflect an attack), or to discover
what material it is primarily made from, EXAMINE it.

As an attacker, see also: HITROLL, AIM, 'PRECISE AIM', 'OPPORTUNITY STRIKE'

As a defender, see also: 'ARMOR CLASS', 'METAL ARMOR USE', 'LIGHT ARMOR USE',
'BONE ARMOR USE', 'STONE ARMOR USE', 'MYSTICAL ARMOR USE', 'SHIELD BLOCK',
'DWARVEN ARMOR DEFLECTION'