Fun fact: while there's this vague understanding that "they were mostly for nobles" a lot of people seem to have absolutely no clue of how insanely expensive a top quality full plate actually used to be.
Having a full armor made by a top Italian artisan could cost the equivalent of a modern top class luxury car. I remember reading estimations rounding it close to 400,000€ if the cost was adjusted for today's inflation.
So you're telling me that back in the ye olden days you couldn't just drop in to your friendly neighborhood blacksmith and pick and choose from a plethora of off the shelf plate armors?
Consider my view of medieval europe shattered. My day is ruined and my disappointment is immeasurable!
