Syrus wrote:3.7.1. Studded, scaled, or brigandine Armor can only be counted as Armor if 2/3 of the target area is covered by metal or leather, or the studs/rings/plates can not be no more than 1/2 inch apart.
The 1/2" rule is clear enough, but can we get some language that clarifies the 2/3 rule?
Common questions:
I have 2 pieces of armor covering the target area. Does it count?
If 2/3 applies, does 1/2" need to be satisfied?
How do you determine how much is covered by metal or leather?
Does it have to be 2/3 of the WHOLE target area, or just where the target is covered?
Any ideas?
This rule is to determine whether a material is armor or not. It has nothing to do with target areas.
So the answer to your first question is.... this rule does not effect it. The rule that effects it is.
3.3.1. Armor confers one additional hit to the Target Area covered by the Armor. Multiple pieces of Armor on the same Target Area only confer a single hit. A single piece of Armor covering multiple areas confer a hit on each Target Area covered.
3.3.3. Armor must be of a size to cover a significant portion (approximately one-third) of a Target Area. Armor extending continuously from another Target Area is not required to significantly cover neighboring Target Areas to count as Armor.
The answer to your second question is that sort of.
If you have large gaps in your armor material (as opposed to the backing), it is not considered armor where the gaps are. If the area is 2/3 covered with armor material, it is normally considered OK if there are SOME gaps that are more than 1/2". The 1/2" rule is really for when you place studs into leather that is too thin to be armor by itself.
To answer your third question, it really is a subjective appraisal by just looking at it.
Is it more than half covered?
More than 2/3 covered?
90% covered?
If a marshall fails your armor for inadequate coverage you and you think it passes you would probably need to measure each plate and the total area and do a comparison. To be on the safe side shot for something closer to 80% coverage.
As far as your fourth question... see my reply to the first.