Thieves and Heavy Armor

Thieves are known for many different skills including: moving silently, hiding in darkness, and attacking from behind surprising their foes. Though not all of these impressive skills are unique to a thief, they are able to execute these skills best.

Typically thieves train extensively unbound by such heavy implements as armor. Forgoing the protection for mobility. If such a case arises where a thief chooses to don heavy armor they are unable to receive its full benefit due to the lack of training in the armor, receiving a -2 to all attacks, losing the ability to use missile weapons, attack with surprise from behind, and becoming encumbered. In addition, the thief looses all bonuses to thief skills, instead throwing skill die equal to that of a fighter.

Due to the meticulous nature of thief skills, a thief who goes without utilizing their skills in adventures, will start to lose them, resulting in the dual-class option.