Amazing Tank Wearing Robes

[misterbill5]

After clearing the King's Castle area, I was able to sell all the worn Orc weapons and shields and upgrade to Ceremonial Armor (the kind the King's guards wear) from Rebel armor. After opening the Mora Sul Temple, I had more Orc gear to sell, but not enough gold for Paladin armor. Then I noticed the ability to Improve Robes and now had enough Ancient Knowledge to do it, so took a look at the Fire Mage robe with the perk that doubles robe protections. I was amazed to find that was significantly better than my Ceremonial Armor protection (one handed using Skull Shield):
Blades 162 to 190
Impact 162 to 190
Missiles 87 to 100
Fire 0 to 30
Ice 0 to 60
Energy 0 to 30
I couldn't believe at first that robes could be that much better than plate for my mostly-melee/archer character, but the numbers don't lie...The Fire Mage Robe is sold by the Mage upstairs from the Throne Room...

[kris.aalst]

The defense from armor (robes and other types) has been completely off since day 1. First of all, as you say, it doesn't make sense that a robe provides more protection than a set of plate armour. Second, the protection that armor is supposed to give you is almost negligable. Wearing the first armour you get in the game versus a special end-game armor makes little difference. Even removing your armor makes little difference.

[misterbill5]

And then i retrieved the Crown of Adanos and defensive stats went up to 240ish...wow, I *hope* that makes a difference--it sure seems to--being swarmed by undead used to mean "load last save" and now it seems to be more like "XP party time"...