Caveat: This post is not intended to start up the bard in plate armor
debate again.

My bards base STR stat is 76 and AGI stat is 99. He is fully outfitted with
banded armor with a couple of bronze pieces mixed in (not tunic and leggings
though) When I created him, I envisioned him protecting himself in combat
by being quick on his feet and dodging blows instead of wearing heavy armor.
However, I have since learned that Dodge isn't always reliable and that I
may have to change my view.

I have gotten enough STR boosting items to raise my STR up to 89. That
still isn't enough STR to wear bronze plate and have any room left over for
carrying loot. My best option may be to get some rubicite but that will be
a long time down the road. In the meantime, I need some advice.

Instead of trying to obtain additional STR boosting items, should I instead
start loading up on AGI raising items? I'm hardly ever the main tank so I
don't really need extra STR for causing extra damage. I primarily need it
so I can carry more stuff. I'm hoping I can offset not wearing bronze armor
by increasing my AGI which will in turn increase my chance to Dodge. I can
equip the STR items if I get encumbered.

A factor in this decision is this: Does the type of armor have an impact on
amount of damage received. I know better armor increases AC but does it
also reduce damage taken? For example, I get hit in combat and the random
number generator says I take 40 points of damage. Currently I'm wearing
Crush's ringmail tunic. If I was wearing bronze plate, would the damage I
received be lower, say like 30pts, due to the plate armor reducing the force
of the attack?

Any and all suggestions welcomed.

Thanks
Galtin of E'ci