Plate Manica

[Tarbicus]

I'm not so sure! It seems to me that this is the very last thing you would want, as a sword blow there would very likely numb the arm and cause you to drop your sword - however 'good' the protection is.

But, you're gonna be hit there anyway, so surely it doesn't matter either way - numb arm regardless.

Such an arrangement would tend to make a sword catch. In any case, protection is also effected by the thick padding that was worn beneath the armour.

Such a downwards overlapping arrangement would more than likely give great opportunity for the sword point to catch and carry on straight between two plates as it skids up the manica, penetrate the padding, and stab you in your arm. More than a numb arm then, surely? :o

It's up to you I guess. Do you go by an actual item that's been found, or do you interpret artwork? I agree with Mike on this one. I wouldn't feel safe with downward plates.