Armor Is Unacceptable in Civilian Venues

The current remake of Shogun gives me the opportunity to point out a historical fact (almost?) completely ignored by fantasy roleplaying games: wearing armor is only acceptable in a few, very specific instances. These are:

• When warriors/soldiers know that combat is likely and imminent. This may or may not include formal duels, depending on time and place.
• When they are mustered as a formal military formation.
• Combat tournaments using weapons.
• Dedicated training periods in dedicated locations.

Even guards on duty in a castle are not armored unless it is actively under siege.

Japanese samurai films (fictional or historical) are the best but not exclusive example of this. The street skirmish in Romeo and Juliet is another. In fact, street skirmish describes most samurai film combat.

Proper war weapons are likewise proscribed. Neither the European rapier nor the Japanese katana are battlefield weapons. They are for “personal defense” in a civilian venue.

To wear armor in town means you intend to have a deadly fight—intend to commit murder. There should be consequences.