Just finished Blindsighted quest with this armor and seemed to die a hell of a lot more than I did with my Orcish armor!

Very frustrating as had to use as too arduous leaving location to change etc.

Had all four items of Nightingale garb which is supposed to boost protection but very disappointed.

It's for using in stealthy situations, not general play.

It's decent enough, for a light armour character. Stats are similar to Scaled Armour, although the set weighs a bit more, and it has some potentially useful enchantments for a thief, particularly an illusion-user. If you've been using heavy armour throughout the game, though, it's pretty tough switching to light, because the AR is so much lower than your heavy gear which would be enhanced by your HA skill and perks. If you'd been using light armour the whole way through, though, Nightingale is pretty nice.

Yep, agreed with above. Switching to a light armor when you have been using heavy brings it's own set of troubles. Your light armor skill is probably very low, and you likely don't have any perks in light armor.

Having said that...

I love the Nightingale Armor, and do not find it to be lousy in any way. On my light armor characters, I can't wait to get it. It smiths up the same as other armors, if you have the arcane blacksmith perk that allows you to smith enchanted items. I have always been able to get it up to the max armor rating eventually, so it really isn't inferior at all (to my way of thinking, anyway).

Plus, it looks cool!

Probably looks cool on batman.

poopoohead

edit: obviously kindhearted ribbing, I hope!

If you're going from Orcish to Nightingale, you're probably not the stealth type, so I wouldn't use Nightingale armour with a two handed heavy weapon. Go for archery or backstabs, you'll notice a difference. Plus you'll look like a badass. Batman wishes he was a Nightingale

Booyah!

Yeah, Nightingale Armor is really meant for a Batman role play!

And not all armor needs to have a high armor rating. If your character is really stealthy, he/she should never be hit.

I think Nightingale Armor is great as is.

Good point - which is the reason why the +20 stamina is nice - if all else fails, run like the clappers!

Thanks

Just felt that it did not suit me as used Orcish armor throughout.

Or use the extra stamina to slice their thick heads off.

That's fair enough, but FWIW if you're playing a stealthy character, light armour is generally easier to sneak in, and can still (assuming you're a competent smith) be brought up to a good AR, particularly once your LA skill increases. Still, if you prefer heavy armour, go for it!

Lousy? Try washing them once in a while.

Also, try speccing for light armor, smithing the armor, and/or adjusting your play style. Tanking into battle with unsmithed armor that you're not specced for will get you killed.

If you're using Orcish, you're probaly Heavy armor, and a low level.

It's only worth it at high levels.

Why are you trying to use both armor skills anyway?

...moreover, why are you using heavy armor as a thief...?

What it is fun being a thief wearing Heavy Armor. Who would think you are a thief or pick pocketter if you are wearing Heavy Armor.