Quote:
In Exile/Avernum, metal is relatively rare, steel quite rare, and magical weapons nearly absent. On the surface, however, there are no such problems. Gear rarity happens because game balance demands more powerful equipment at the end of the game, but the setting has no such requirement. Plate mail is, of course, rarer and more expensive than chainmail, but plenty of people should have it, and the most skilled blacksmiths wherever should be able to make it.
Don't forget, all of Valorim is under quarantine and no supplies are allowed in or out: and this includes steel. This cuts into the resources that armorsmiths can use, since the local mines are relatively limited in supply and quality.
Hence, platemail and high quality (steel) weapons are rare and what little can be made, is generally reserved for use by Empire dervishes.