(06-07-2015, 12:11 AM)Ryoko Wrote: I would like to draw attention to Wikipedia's entry on the Arquebus, because it is likely the most similar weapon to what exists in Final Fantasy.Â
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arquebus
Quote:As a low-velocity firearm, the arquebus was used against enemies who were often partially or fully protected by steel-plate armor. Plate armor worn upon the torso was standard in European combat from about 1400 until the middle of the 17th century. Good suits of plate would usually stop an arquebus ball at long range. It was a common practice to "proof" (test) armor by firing a pistol or arquebus at a new breastplate. The small dent would be circled by engraving to call attention to it. However, at close range, it was possible to pierce even heavy cavalry armor, heavily dependent on the power of the arquebus and the quality of the armor. This led to changes in armor usage, such as the three-quarter plate, and finally the retirement of plate armor from most types of infantry.
Basically this means that, while plate armor isn't great against firearms, it's definitely better than nothing. However, if we want to say FFXIV firearms are closer to muskets, then plate armor is completely useless. Keep in mind that muskets usually fired between .69 and .75 caliber balls. To put that in perspective, think about a .50 caliber rifle, often used as the 'ultimate weapon' in FPS games. Now think bigger.Â
Carbon-fiber or not, that thing is going to punch a hole the size of a doorknob in you.
![[Image: 3952777107_ab2b33a3f0.jpg]](https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2634/3952777107_ab2b33a3f0.jpg)
Except breastplates could stop rounds such as those...
The reason they werent used was because weight and expense. Steel breastplates were perfectly capable of stopping musketd as long as they were not at point blank range. You cannot really get your judgements of bullet physics from "modern fps"
