Armor (Action)
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| Heroic Action Role-Play |
Armor in action is something of an oddity, depending on genre. The benefits offered by armor are often dubious, and it attracts undue attention in many places, more so than weapons. It is also possible to bypass armor in various ways. Still, where appropriate, armor can be a great defensive asset, especially against masses of mooks.
| Armor | Protection | Reflex Penalty | Size | Tech | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuirass | 1 | -1 | Large | Ancient | |
| Bronze Full Armor | 2 | -2 | Large | Ancient | |
| Mail Shirt | 1 | Medium | Blacksmith | ||
| Piece Metal Armor | 2 | -1 | Large | Blacksmith | |
| Plate Mail | 3 | -2 | Large | Blacksmith | |
| Breastplate | 1 | Large | Clockwork | ||
| Half Plate | 2 | Large | Clockwork | ||
| Full Plate | 4 | -2 | Large | Clockwork | |
| Flak Jacket | 4 | Large | Combustion | Static | |
| Bomb Disposal Suit | 6 | -2 | Large | Combustion | Static |
| Undercover Vest | 1 | - | Small | Electronic | |
| Bulletproof Vest | 3 | - | Large | Electronic | |
| Armored Clothing | 2 | - | Medium | Fusion | Slick |
| Ceramic Breastplate | 3 | - | Medium | Fusion | |
| Armored Exoskeleton | 5 | -1 | Large | Fusion | |
| Scout Armor | 6 | -1 | Large | Fusion | Powered |
| Combat Hardsuit | 8 | -3 | Large | Fusion | Powered |
| Assault Hardsuit | 10 | -5 | Large | Fusion | Powered |
Table Key
Size of armor is more an indication of concealability than actual size; armor are larger than weapons of the corresponding size. Small armor can be worn under street clothes. Medium armor can be hidden with a coverall or trenchcoat, Large armor is generally unconcealable.
Slick
The armor does not attract much attention in most cases, even if noticed it can be taken for legitimate civilian wear.
Static
The armor is not made for moving around quickly. You may not take a move as a part of a basic action when wearing this type of armor.
Powered
The armor has servo-motors powering it, directed by sensors inside the armor so that it matches body movement. If the power fails, the armor turns rigid and it is generally time for emergency escape. If the control uints are overidden remotely, you are in deep trouble.
Armor Descriptions
Cuirass
A hardened breastplate of boiled leather, hardened linen, or soft metal like bronze. Often worn with arm and leg bracers. Modern equivalents include protective sportswear made from plastic or cork.
Bronze Full Armor
An all-encompassing suit of soft metal armor, very heavy and clunky. Extremely expensive for its time. Modern protective wear made for goalies in ice hockey and similar heavy protective wear fall in this category.
Mail Shirt
A soft shirt made of mail rings expertly forged into a fine mesh. This armor remains popular for a long time, worn under outer clothes. As military armor, it is considered second rank at best.
Piece Metal Armor
Either a full coat of mail, a mail long shirt called a hauberk, or composite armor like scale mail or the Roman the Lorica Segmentata. Affordable military-grade armor.
Plate Mail
Full mail armor reinforced with metal at joints and over the chest; very encumbering.
Breastplate
A metal breastplate protecting the vital organs, often worn with bracers and a helmet. The basic armor of its time, it replaced mail in the military.
Half Plate
A breastplate with segmented armor covering vital areas of the body. A development of Full Plate, as weapons became more powerful, protection was shifted away from the limbs and concentrated on vital areas.
Full Plate
A custom-made bodysuit covering the whole body like a second skin, Full Plate is amazingly expensive.
Flak Jacket
A heavy plated vest worn by gunners to protect them from shrapnel, the Flak Jacket is not intended for general combat.
Bomb Disposal Suit
A bulky bodysuit of metal and heavy cloth, to be worn when disarming lethal devices, this is unsuited to general fighting.
Undercover Vest
New fibrous materials make small lightweight concealable vests possible. These can be worn under street clothes, but is warm and uncomfortable.
Bulletproof Vest
A development of the flak jacket using flexible shock-absorbing materials reinforced with metal or ceramic plates, this is generally restricted to heavily equipped police and military units.
Armored Clothing
Armor can now be made to resemble normal cloth, light and flexible but going rigid when exposed to attacks. This material can be fashioned into combat fatigues or street clothing, but is still not good for evening wear.
Ceramic Breastplate
A lightweight rigid breastplate and greaves worn over armored combat fatigues, this is the armor worn by the futuristic grunt.
Armored Exoskeleton
A full plate made of modern light materials, self-supporting and highly durable. The final development on unpowered armor.
Scout Armor
A light power armor made to be mobile and flexible.
Combat Hardsuit
General duty power armor made for urban assault, rescue operations, bomb disposal and other highly dangerous duties.
Assault Hardsuit
A dedicated heavy armor, generally worn only by elite troops cybernetically enhanced to control it effectively.