New idea for an Armor mechanic in role-playing games

[barking_iguana]

The armor soaks (negates) 80% of the damage (or 100% or 50%, depending on the system, or on the type of armor in a sufficiently complex system) up to the armor's level. At any time it soaks its entire level from one blow, it's level is reduced by 1. The armor does not affect your assailant's chance of making contact.