Mainly curious about the development of armor from chain mail hauberks to fully articulated suits of plate. Was any one city or region known for advancing the field, through articulated joints, or superior alloys, or whatever? The development of lamellar armors fits into this question as well.

Related to this question, I understand the greatsword was developed to cut the heads off of opposing pike formations. German soldiers assigned to this front-line duty were called dopplesodner and given double pay. What sort of armor would these soldiers be wearing, assuming their commanders could afford the most practical armor available?