Armor is typically an overlooked feature of the game because AC is affected by so many other facets of the game and armor is already seen as balanced. This is true to an extent, but I cannot help but notice there are some armors that still never get used, because, why would you? Padded armor is terrible AND gives disadvantage on stealth. Scale Mail is the same as a Breastplate but gives disadvantage on stealth. Now I understand that GP cost is the main difference in why you would choose the poor option, particularly with the latter, but after a few good paying quests, the players never touch armor ever again for the rest of the campaign. I find that a little stale. Thus the Improved Armor table, including cooler shields, because shields suffer from that same thing. The purpose is to make the underdeveloped/unused armors more useful in higher level games, and add more interest to tactically choosing your equipment. This is unplaytested, I plan to implement it into my next game as a trial.

The Armors and Shields seen below gain the following benefits: