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Well, I assume you chose mail because you don't want people running around in plate armor (Like this guy) [img]http://www.golden-knots.com/bayarearenfair05/plate_mail.jpg[/img]

The next best thing that is still a step down from full plate, but better than chain mail would be lamellar armor. [img]http://www.plasticlamellar.com/images/Slideshow/6.jpg[/img]
As you can see this is produced by tying small pieces of metal together to form a flexible type of armor. The pieces should overlap in a way that enables a gracing hit or arrow to slide off unless it hits right between two plates. While not as resilient as plate armor the lamellar armor has the distinct advantage of flexibility and speed. It is also extremely easy to make and doesn't have to be tailored to the knight like plate armor. This type of armor has been used (in variants) by many different cultures including the chinese, the roman empire and the vikings. 
[img]http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lbqdbrefXX1qe23mao1_500.jpg[/img]

...And Mythbusters.
[img]http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/247986852.jpg?1298654657[/img][/hider]

Also, please tell me if I go overboard with these things. Once I get going it's hard to stop. :)