Ryzom

Assuming you can afford heavy armor, is there any point at all in using light or medium?
As far as I can see the penalties only apply when crafting, harvesting and using magic - and for the two former, it seems like most crafters/harvesters run around pretty much naked any way. I will assume that even medium armor is too much for magic users.

So melee fighting - why light/medium? Any dodge bonuses or similar, or are they just there for variation (which is no shame of course )?
Not asking from a powergamer's perspective, just curious.

Well, wearing heavier armour affects the stamina cost of actions just as it affects sap/focus cost of other actions. So if you keep finding yourself running short of stamina in the middle of a fight, switching to a lesser weight class may be something to consider.

I had completely forgotten about the increased stamina cost (sap less important since I doubt mages would wear heavy anyway). Well, guess there might be a reason afterall then .

Don't forget the "Focus" stanzas that can be used during construction as well.

These add directly to HP, Sap or focus for each piece imbued. So even a first level imbued set of light armour can give you +25 to HP, Sap or focus and then there's weapons and jewelry on top..........

Not many people making imbued items yet - but once people have built up crafting these things should be popular .