And for some kinds (i.e. ALL the D&D or Warhammer versions, where they have separate breasts), it would transfer the force of a crushing blow into a lethal wedge poised right over the sternum. *nodnod* It's not practicality, though, it's the Rule of Cool. Breasts make an adventurer look more feminine and less manly,which is often a consideration for people such as myself (and most other dudes who draw fantasy chicks).
On the other hand, I did add a gorget in order to counter the deflection problem, and made the front flat instead of completely sculpted. So my "breast-plates" are slightly less impractical than some.
I never do that kind of thing, because I like manly adventurers who chop peoples' heads off with axes, then chop the axe off with their heads.
Also, I just noticed that when fantasy chicks have weapons and are supposed to be relatable at the same time, they tend to have light ones (i.e. bows, spears, short swords, rapiers, etc.). Another reason I use manly adventurers (LONGSWORDS! 2H SWORDS! GREATAXES! SCOURGES WITH 50 HEADS!).
Also, duh on the "breasts make the adventurer more feminine and less manly" thing.
...shall we get back on topic, to avoid looking like the Funniest Names thread and its endless stream of crude jokes?
Also, I'm going to be drawing what I pictured when I found an engraving of someone "devouring a donkey" later.