Pallys get Platemail Feat but Fighters do not?

[Admiral Caine]

I'm just verifying this because it surprises me.

Paladins get the Plate Mail Feat for free, but the Fighter does not.

Has there been any discussion or comments on this?

If not.. am I understanding this to be correct?

 

[-Avalon-]

You are correct sir! Paladins get plate mail, fighters get scale mail... reasons go beyond me, but I assume for balancing issues...

 

[Caliban]

That is correct. Paladins get 1 more point of AC, Fighters get a smaller Armor Check penalty.

 

[Admiral Caine]

Thank you gentlemen, your replies are much appreciated.

 

[Festivus]

I'm just verifying this because it surprises me.

Paladins get the Plate Mail Feat for free, but the Fighter does not.

Has there been any discussion or comments on this?

If not.. am I understanding this to be correct?

I believe your understanding is correct. I see it as a fighter might be a bit more mobile than a paladin (e.g. diving over some crates to bash into the enemy before they get a chance to strike out, where a paladin might prefer to wade into the room.)

So the plate check penalty might not be something a fighter is looking for, and besides, scale offers nearly as good of protection as plate, with no check penalties.

 

[gizmo33]

I think it's "plate", not "plate mail", so it's more akin to full plate armor. If you're transitioning from earlier editions (esp. 1st), full plate armor was an optional bit of technology anyway. I equate plate mail with scale armor in the new edition since the illustration for scale seems to have it reinforced with large metal plates - basically scale replacing mail in the design.

That being said, you'd think someone called a "fighter" would be proficient with every non-exotic weapon and armor type. I guess think of plate armor as exotic.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Bah.
Nothing stopping a pally from wearing scale.
Pallies also get other funky stuff like lay on hands.

But ... fighters are simply better.

 

[Starglim]

I think it's a flavour choice. A paladin is a knight in shining armour.

It's not a huge difference and can be overcome with one feat.

 

[Dalzig]

40% of Fighter skills have ACP. 14% of Paladin skills have ACP.

Fighters will probably want to use Scale instead of Plate.

 

[Jack99]

I'm just verifying this because it surprises me.

Paladins get the Plate Mail Feat for free, but the Fighter does not.

Has there been any discussion or comments on this?

If not.. am I understanding this to be correct?

Technically, they do not get any feat for free. They are just able to use plate. This might seem like nitpicking, but it helps if you ever run into the whole argument about if your paladin can use the plate if he has too low strength.