Hey all. I'm curious about heavy armor and improving that skill. Specifically, how many or which pieces of heavy armor are needed to advance the skill by being hit?

The reason I ask is I'm thinking of my next playthrough and I'm currently debating the look I'd like. I'm toying with a spellsword-esque and like the look of the novice mage robes and hood with the Imperial bracers/gauntlets and Steel shin boots. Does having those bracers/boots equipped count towards improving the heavy armor skill (if even only in a small way)?

Robes don't count as armor, do they?

If those pieces are the only pieces you'll be wearing, the Heavy armor stat will be the only one the game has to check when you take hits, and that'll provide your skill ups.

Yes, those armor pieces would advance the skill.

Excellent, thanks gents (or ladies).

Yep you only need one piece on to get skillups. I was naked in the intro except for boots and got some heavy armor skillups (no heavy armor in the tutorial unless you get lucky)