Got a question - had some shoulder surgery where they took part of my collar bone. Not the end of the world but I'd like to make sure to protect that area a BUNCH. I know that plastic (not period, etc) doesn't count as armor, but I'm really only interested in the protection it affords. I'm looking at some hockey shoulder pads (they cover all of my bad spots and give a pretty good range of motion, too). If I toss a good garb over it, could I still wear it (and not get the armor bonus)? I do have some leather that's pretty well padded underneath, but still want more than that can give me....what are the thoughts on that? Still want to fight, but need to make sure to keep my shoulders stupidly protected....

Thanks a bunch -----------

Yep, this is totally covered under safety equipment. It would be best if you had garb covering it, but it is not strictly required. I'd double check with your doc (if you haven't already) too to make sure they don't have any qualms about you fighting.

Yep, the plan is to cover it with cool garb (got some nifty ideas)....annnnnd, the docs are mixed, depending on who I talk to - some say, yes, some say no - either way, I've had to alter my fighting style to keep my shots tighter to my center and to know when I've had enough, lol!

Yeah, some people will try to argue that you couldn't wear it as it could potentially give the impression that you are wearing armor and will change their fighting to reflect that, but in this case, especially because you are going to be covering it for garb, it is 100%, without question, safety gear in my mind.

I agree with Derian. Bulk up the arm and do a boss Bugbear kit!