Early game--armor or defense?

[Morikal]

I'm playing an Anorithil and found several items, not sure what to wear.

Character: http://te4.org/characters/159830/tome/a ... 0048eb024b

Stone wraps are on already (only reasonable cloak I've found)

I have Silk Current or Robe of Deflection... which to wear?

[themuffinthief]

Defense is garbage, Armor is god. Nuff said.

[grayswandir]

The problem with defense is that a little bit more doesn't really help you much. Stacking a ton of defense might be viable, I haven't gotten a chance to try. But extra armor is always good.

In terms of raw defensive power, the Robe of Deflection is a clear winner here, since the hardiness is especially good.

However, I am partial to the extra movement speed, especially in the early game. Generally you want to not be in melee range more than you want to be able to survive melee better.