It is a hot day in Qeynos, at Crow's Pub and Casino. At a table near the wall, Luti and his Paladin friend play King's Court. Nearby, at another table, Kitasi, a stunningly handsome bard, drinks alone, something he's trying to rectify apparently, judging by the warm smiles he flashes at every pretty serving wench.
I am Luti, a 4th generation Bard. My friend Windraven, a Paladin, and I,
daily go out to rid Qeynos Hills of the evil gnolls. I am wearing Leather
armor because that is what my father and his father before him always wore.
Windraven has a suit of Plate handed down from his grandfather. When we go
out to hunt the gnolls, Windraven has to protect me. His platemail easily
turns back the rusty weapons of the Blackburrow gnolls. But the same swords
bite deeply into my Leather tunic. I wish I was able to wear the Plate.
So one day Windraven and I are down at Crow's playing some cards. It was a hot day and Windraven decided to take off his armor. After another flash of mead, Windraven had to "excuse" himself yet again. Looking at his Plate, I decide to see what it feels like to wear it. So I remove my Leather boots and put on his Steel Plate Boots. Wow, these would protect my feet much better when Fippy steps on them. And they don't affect my singing or instrument playing at all. Then I put on the Platemail Helm. It is heavy, but the faceplate is open, allowing easy access for my flute and brass horn. I try on the rest of the pieces and they feel great. The Breastplate flexes enough for me to get deep breaths needed for my songs. The Plate Girdle actually has a hook for me to hang my drum on. The leg, back and neck pieces don't interfere with any of my abilities.
Only with the Plate Gauntlets do I see any difficulties. I can't see how I'd play my instruments with these gauntlets on. I thought the same about my Leather gloves when I tried playing my Lute. But with much practice, I was able to manage. Maybe I could manage to practice and learn to play with these Gauntlets too.
I hear a great laughter behind me. Windraven is rolling on the floor. He says "Silly Bard, you can't wear Plate". "Why not?" I ask.............
As he waited for her to return he turned his gaze to the pair of adventurers
playing King's court over by the wall. A tall burly type all decked out in
plate and his stylish friend with a drum by his chair. A fellow bard he
wondered to himself? He noticed that the warrior type was drinking rather
heavily, and sweating nearly as much.
