rusty armor should be rusty, lordly armor should be lordly

[rrdrl12]

My suggestion is basic:

rusty armor should have rusty chainmail
reinforced armor should look reinforced
lordly armor should be ornamented
crude armor should not shine, or something like that.

would add more variety on the battlefields, i think.

 

[Askorti]

But every unit is wearing normal version of armour... Anyway that suggestion is good, I like it.

 

[sumguy720]

I agree.

I want to see the "ragged ragged outfit".

 

[Urlik]

it would be fantastic if the weapons and armour had the right look for their description.

 

[Kasimir]

I think it would be impractical to texture multiple different versions of the same armour to reflect their quality. It would be a cool feature, but I think it wouldn't add any significant to gameplay.

 

[rrdrl12]

sure, it would have little effects on gameplay, but it would make the game look better, and to texture some cracks on a helmet or rust on a chainmail is little work, really (i am a texturer)

 

[Sh4d0wbl4d3]

Well, the changes made will be nothing but aesthetic, but I like your idea. It'll be a nightmare for beginner modders though

 

[Qwertyman]

I think it would be impractical to texture multiple different versions of the same armour to reflect their quality. It would be a cool feature, but I think it wouldn't add any significant to gameplay.

Could they not use some kind of texture overlay?  they would not have to have separate textures for all qualities and models.
rust would be easy, just a patchy brownish red overlay,    and the crude one too-  just a feint grey overlay that also dims the shine of the armour/weapon.