Body Armor

Armor doesn’t seem to have been used until the beginning of the Bronze Age, when warfare became organized (see GURPS Low-Tech Companion 2). Helmets and shields appeared first, followed by body armor. Armor design has always been a tradeoff between protection and ease of movement. Through most of history, the military elite equipped themselves with heavy armor. The rest of the army sometimes wore lighter armor and occasionally had nothing but a shield.

Even very light armor can help to protect a warrior from many attacks and incidental injuries. Heavy armor can render him nearly immune to battlefield threats, although it’s fatiguing to wear (see Armor Fatigue, p. 101).

If clothing can be made from fabric, then so can armor. To provide protection, it must be much thicker than regular clothing. This is accomplished either by stuffing two textile layers with padding or by quilting together multiple layers.

Multiple layers of quilted cloth can form a semi-rigid defense. Examples include the Greek linothorax, European padded jack, Indian peti, and hair and fiber armor of South America and the Pacific Islands. Layered cloth armor provides better protection than a similar weight of leather armor. The degree of protection is a function of the number of layers and the weight of the fabric: light, medium, or heavy (see the Armor Table, pp. 110-111). Armor quality depends on the grade of fabric and the spacing between rows of quilting.

Usually either a heavy layer of felt (about 1/4” thick) or a stuffed quilt (two layers of cloth between which rags, tow, horsehair, rock salt, dried grass, or straw is sandwiched).

Other materials can be substituted for similar protection; e.g., sheepskin with the wool on the inside. This is the standard cloth armor on p. B283.

Byzantine medical manuals – and monks such as Carpini, who traveled far into the East – mention the usefulness of silk undershirts. Most suitable is raw silk, which is tougher than refined threads. Mongolian silk dels consisted of several layers of tightly woven raw silk, worn under armor to help resist arrows.

Such a garment doesn’t prevent a weapon from penetrating the body, but engulfs the tip and is pulled into the wound. This reduces the depth of penetration and makes the weapon easier to extract. It also decreases the likelihood of dirt and fragments of fabric entering the wound. Silk gives an extra +1 DR vs. cutting and impaling attacks, and negates the effects of barbed weapons. Against such attacks, it grants +1 to First Aid rolls to treat injuries and eliminates -2 in penalties to HT rolls for infection due to dirt in the wound (p. B444). Finally, silk prevents skin contact, negating any blood agent or contact poison. Any cloth armor can be made of silk instead of more common textiles. +19 CF; weight is unchanged.

Some campaigns may allow more exotic threads, such as spider silk. This produces a superior fabric when woven into cloth. Treat as regular silk, but with +2 DR vs. cutting and impaling. +99 CF; weight is unchanged.

Aztec nobles wore feathered armor. For this to work, the feathers’ quills must be incorporated into the initial weaving process. Overlapping rows of feathers are assembled in a manner similar to the plates in scale armor (pp. 106-107). A feathered surcoat is both water-resistant and effective at deflecting arrows and darts. Adding feathers to any cloth garment adds +1 DR vs. light missiles (see Arrow Curtains, above). Melee attacks aren’t affected. Firearms are also unaffected, due to the higher velocities. Adds $2,000 to the base price of cloth armor; weight is unchanged.

A loosely hung cloth or light leather curtain is useful against ranged attacks, as light projectiles that encounter such a barrier are less likely to pass through. Some Greek hoplite shields employed a curtain hung from the bottom of the rim to stop arrows and sling shot (protects the legs).

Aztec shields sometimes used a curtain made of feathers. The Japanese horo worked on a similar principle – attached to the wearer’s neck and waist, it billowed out behind like a sail when he rode his horse (protects the back, but only when moving faster than Move 2).

An arrow curtain gives +1 DR vs. any light ranged weapon (arrows, sling shot, thrown knives, etc.). Firearms are exempt because bullets’ higher velocity lets them pass through with minimal interference. A curtain attached to the bottom of a shield makes the shield less maneuverable: -1 to Shield skill. $80, 2 lbs.

“Hide” refers to any kind of animal skin – processed or not. Some hides are more suitable than others for making armor.

There’s no evidence that Stone Age warriors wore garments specifically designed to resist weapons, but a few layers of animal skins are heavy enough to provide DR 1 vs. cutting (only). For stats, see Winter Clothing (p. 98).

Leather has been used extensively to make armor. The size of the animal generally determines its thickness and hence its DR.

Light Leather: Soft, flexible leather, from animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, reptiles, and even fish. Not often worn as standalone armor; it’s usually the backing for something more substantial, such as scale armor (pp. 106-107). Worn on its own, it works like furs (above), providing DR 1 vs. cutting attacks.

Medium Leather: From animals such as bear, aurochs, buffalo, and large crocodiles. Medium leather armor was used from Europe to Indonesia. It’s still flexible, but offers reasonable protection. Medium leather gives DR 2 vs. all attacks except impaling, against which it has DR 1.

Heavy Leather: From large animals, such as elephant, hippopotamus, and rhinoceros. Heavy leather was once widely used throughout Asia; the Asian rhinoceros was hunted to extinction during the Bronze Age as a result. Coastal Chinese clans sometimes used whaleskin once the rhinoceros became scarce. Heavy leather affords DR 3 vs. all attacks except impaling, against which it has DR 2.

Rawhide is basically untanned leather. It’s vulnerable to moisture, and deteriorates quickly. Treat it as hardened leather armor (p. 105), with two exceptions. First, it gives the DR of hardened leather only while dry; if it gets wet, it loses all protective capability until thoroughly dried and reshaped. Second, it has half the HP of hardened leather (see Armor Damage in GURPS Low-Tech Companion 2). Coating it with oil, wax, lacquer, or resin can avoid the first problem (see Wet-Weather Gear, p. 99), but only tanning (see Leathers, p. 22) or a very dry environment can mitigate the second.

Kangaroo leather has a very high tensile strength, three times that of cowhide. Sharkskin is extremely tough, and more resistant to abrasion than any other leather. Giraffe hide is sought after in Africa because it’s both lightweight and extremely tough. Certain sections of horse hide also provide excellent leather. In addition, some advanced tanning methods may improve leather’s quality. Treat superior hides as fine leather armor with +1 DR. +4 CF; weight is unchanged.

In Bronze Age China, warriors wore armor made of several layers of leather. Asian nomads and Eastern Europeans adopted similar armor during the Middle Ages. South American examples have also been recovered. The multiple layers enable it to absorb impact and resist impaling attacks more effectively than a single thick layer. All but the lightest of layered leather cuirasses are rigid. The number of layers and the thickness of each layer determine the degree of protection: light, medium, or heavy (see the Armor Table, pp. 110- 111). Leather scale armor may also be treated as layered leather (for metal scale armor, see pp. 106-107).

Known as cuir-bouilli, hardened leather was first documented in Western Europe near the end of the 12th century. It was used centuries earlier in Asia. Soaking leather in hot water softens it, enabling it to be molded into a desired shape. Then it’s either left to dry naturally or slowly baked in an oven at medium temperatures. Finally, it’s waterproofed with a wax, resin, or lacquer coating. The end product is a very hard, water- and shatter-resistant material, perfect for resisting weapons.

Hardening adds +1 to leather’s DR against impaling damage. It also causes the leather to shrink; more material is required to cover the same area (+25% weight). Light leather cannot be strengthened this way; it would warp and crack. Hardened medium leather is the leather armor on p. B283, with DR 2 vs. all attacks. Hardened heavy leather provides DR 3. Use these stats for both a solid leather cuirass and one assembled from narrower segmented panels.

Textile or leather armor may be reinforced with metal, horn, wood, or shell pieces for additional protection. This option isn’t available for metallic armor. Reinforcing grants +1 DR vs. cutting (only), but adds +0.25 CF and 25% to weight. Recalculate armor HP based on the new weight. Below are some common types of reinforcing.

Bezainted garments have small pieces of horn or bark – or fish scales, coins, or metal discs – attached with rivets or lacing. A surviving Alaskan example consists of a hardened leather cuirass covered with Japanese and Chinese coins. In medieval Europe, this was sometimes called a “pennyplate coat.” If the discs overlap, treat this defense as scale armor (pp. 106-107) instead. Metallic bezainting is TL1.

A sturdy surcoat reinforced with rows of fairly long, rectangular, overlapping plates, set vertically and riveted to the inside of the fabric. It first appeared in Europe in the second half of the 12th century, and was layered over mail (p. 107) for extra protection. By the 13th century, it had evolved into the coat of plates (see Segmented Plate, pp. 107-108).

Example: Treat an armored surcoat as reinforced textile armor. Light layered cloth has DR 2*, and is $150, 12 lbs. Reinforcing increases DR vs. cutting to 3, but adds 25% to both cost and weight. Final cost is $187.50; final weight is 15 lbs.

Often incorrectly called “ring mail,” this armor was used on rare occasions in Asia, and consisted of a cloth or leather garment upon which metal rings were sewn. There’s little proof that ring armor ever existed in medieval Europe. During the Renaissance, a type of ring armor called an “eyelet doublet” was developed; this consisted of a quilted garment onto which hundreds of small rings or eyelets were sewn.

Splinted arm and leg guards were common in many cultures. Construction consists of a cloth or leather item with vertical strips of metal, horn, or wood riveted to either the inside or outside (sometimes alternating). Metallic splints may be concealed by riveting them underneath the foundation and then covering the rivet heads with another layer of cloth (see Concealing Armor, p. 102).

Example: We want splint reinforcing on hardened leather shin greaves. Hard medium leather torso armor has DR 2, and is $125, 15 lbs. Greaves cover only the shins; from the Armor Locations Table (p. 100), we find that shins have 50% the cost and weight of torso armor, so they’re $62.50, 7.5 lbs. Reinforcing raises DR vs. cutting to 3, but adds 25% to both cost and weight. Final cost is $78.13; final weight is 9.38 lbs.

Narrow metal bars or splints are aligned along a limb (arm or leg) to offer additional protection. A small length of chain – maybe three or four links – joins the bars together while allowing the limb to articulate. Sometimes a small metal cup covers the knee or elbow.

Nonmetallic armor can be made from materials other than cloth and hide. A region’s raw materials determine what kinds of armor are prevalent among the locals.

Dead bone is too brittle to make decent armor, but it was used on occasion. Examples include the bone-splint breastplates of the American Plains Indians, and the animal-skull helmets of some South American and African tribes. Treat as horn armor (p. 110), but semi-ablative (see p. B47).

Common among the Inca of Peru and on many Pacific Islands, cane was sometimes used in Europe. One method of construction is to lace rattan to a tree-bark lining. Another is to weave flexible cane rods into the desired shape, such as a helmet, breastplate, or greave. Cane is combustible – it can catch fire if burning damage penetrates DR! See Making Things Burn (p. B433); treat the armor material as resistant.

This includes antler, ivory, hoof, turtle shell, and baleen. Such materials are light and tough, and can be molded when heated in water, making them good for fashioning armor – most commonly a kind of scale armor (below). Horn armor was popular in regions with few resources, such as the Asian steppes and the Arctic Circle. An early example is the boar’s tusk helms worn in Greece by the ancient Mycenaeans. Another is the scale armor worn by the Neolithic Sarmatians, made by slicing horses’ hooves into scales and sewing them onto a garment with sinew.

Although heavy and uncomfortable, straw-mat armor offers decent protection at a bargain price. During his final expedition, the English explorer Captain James Cook tried to subdue a Hawaiian native with musket small shot. His opponent fell to the ground, but the man’s straw-mat breastplate prevented serious injury. Straw is as combustible as cane (above).

Solid chunks of wood can be carved into shapes that are fitted to the body. Armor may also be assembled from wooden slats or rods tied together with cord or rawhide and suspended from the shoulders, hanging loosely against the body. Wooden armor is semi-ablative (see p. B47).

In 1999, archaeologists in China discovered a huge tomb southeast of the Qingshihuang Mausoleum containing several types of stone armor. Every piece was chipped and polished from stone into different shapes, which were then connected with wire to create a type of lamellar armor. It is unlikely that this armor was ever meant for fighting, however; it was probably created purely for funerary purposes. Treat as heavy scale armor (p. 110), but semi-ablative (see p. B47), and with -0.5 CF and double weight.

The Chinese believed that jade could preserve the physical body after death. Ceremonial suits of jade armor were crafted as funerary goods for powerful individuals. Jade is extremely tough, however, and could be used for actual combat! Treat as stone armor (above), but it gives +2 to reaction rolls and has +4 CF. Gem-quality jade armor would give +3 to reaction rolls and have +9 CF.

In Japan, the peasant hat called a jingasa was sometimes made of several layers of rice paper (p. 24), coated with lacquer. This keeps the rain off, and offers a little head protection (DR 1).

In most cases, however, what’s really meant by “paper armor” is barkcloth (see Paper and Its Cousins, p. 24). Laminated barkcloth was issued to common soldiers as cheap, disposable armor. In Korea, it was called jigap. This material is remarkably efficient at distributing impact, and its multiple layers can trap weapon points. Treat as layered cloth (p. 110), except that it can catch fire if burning damage penetrates DR. See Making Things Burn (p. B433); the armor material counts as resistant. -0.25 CF; weight is unchanged.

Barkcloth can be proofed against light firearms by combining it with a few layers of silk. This version is TL4. Like other paper armor, it’s combustible.

Metal has been preferred for armor since the dawn of the Bronze Age. The earliest examples were Sumerian copper helmets – but soon, elite troops were wearing bronze scale armor. Pound for pound, work-hardened metals such as bronze and iron afford better protection than any other material available to a low-tech society.

These are the oldest known types of metallic body armor. Both consist of small plates laced to each other in overlapping rows. If the plates are fastened to a cloth or leather backing, then the armor is scale. If they’re assembled so that no backing is required, then the armor is lamellar – an example of which is the o-yoroi worn by Japan’s samurai.

The plates’ thickness and degree of overlap determine the level of protection. Three grades of scale armor approximate this on the Armor Table (p. 110): light, medium (most common), and heavy. Heavy scale is usually only worn on the chest, although panels can be made into guards for shoulders, abdomen, and thighs.

Armor made from scales shaped like the Chinese character for “mountain.” When assembled, the surface of each scale resembles a star; thus, this armor is also known as “star scale.” This construction is flexible like scale armor, but the scales lock together on impact, creating a rigid surface that’s less susceptible to blunt trauma – a behavior called “shock hardening.” Treat this as light or medium scale without the -1 DR vs. crushing. +1 CF; weight is unchanged.

Probably the most successful type of body armor ever devised, mail seems to have been invented in Central Europe in the fourth century B.C., and was soon adopted by the Celts and then the Romans (who called it lorica hamata). It saw continuous use for the better part of 2,000 years in most metal-using cultures, with the exception of China. In essence, it’s a fabric of interlocking metal rings, each linked through four others – two in the row above it and two below – and riveted closed. There are variations, but this “four-in-one” pattern is by far the most prevalent. The diameter of each link and the thickness of the wire determine mail’s effectiveness.

Fine Mail (TL2). Made from small links of light wire, this material flows through the fingers like metallic cloth, yet can resist all but the heaviest sword cuts and spear thrusts. The earliest finds date to the Roman period.

Light Mail (TL2). Consisting of fairly large links of light wire, this mail was more often layered with other armor than worn by itself.

Heavy Mail (TL2). Has large links of heavy wire. Historically, mail worn as primary armor (Roman, Viking, Norman, etc.) tended to be heavier than that meant to be layered under other armor.

Jousting Mail (TL3). Mentioned in some medieval accounts, this seems to have been specifically designed for tournaments at a time when jousts involved fully sharpened war lances! It isn’t entirely clear how it differed from field mail, but it was likely more rigid and heavier. As with jousting plate (p. 109), the armor’s construction hampers movement: -1 to all DX-based skills except Lance.

Mail and Plates (TL3). Sometimes called combined mail, this consists of mail armor with vertical rows of overlapping plates incorporated into it. It appeared in India, Russia, and the Middle East around the 14th century. It has better resistance to crushing damage than heavy mail.

Mail – like many types of armor – is usually worn over light padding. This might be a separate layer (an aketon or pourpoint; see Arming Garments, p. 101) or sewn to the back of the mail. Such padding is rarely thick enough to add DR. Mail’s main disadvantage, however, is that it’s flexible, and susceptible to blunt trauma (p. B379). To mitigate this, it’s sometimes layered with padded cloth (DR 1) or more-rigid armor. This gives a DX penalty; see Layered Armor (p. 103).

Heavy wire links bent into rings that aren’t riveted closed. While cheaper, it provides less protection against impaling attacks – weapon points can easily open the rings! Historically, butted mail is rare except as ceremonial armor, but modern recreationists prize its ease of manufacture. Treat butted mail as heavy mail, but with only DR 2 vs. impaling and 40% manufacture time. -0.6 CF; weight is unchanged.

Light mail with horizontal strips of leather woven through every other row to stiffen the weave and increase resistance to blunt trauma. This rare construction is unsuitable for hit locations that require flexibility – arms, legs, abdomen, etc. – and is normally only used on collars to protect the neck (see Mail Collar, p. 113). Negates the -2 DR vs. crushing. +0.5 CF; +50% weight.

A mail shirt sandwiched between two layers of light padding and/or fine leather. The word is derived from the Arabic kazaghand; its earliest recorded use is in the 12th century, in the Middle East. With this construction, the mail is sewn inside the padding rather than worn over it. The most common form of concealed armor, jazerant can be based on any regular mail, typically fine mail. It has the underlying armor’s weight and DR; modify cost to reflect the Holdout modifier, as explained in Concealing Armor (p. 102).

European jacks usually consist of overlapping plates – similar to scale armor – sandwiched between two layers of lightly padded fabric and held in place with cord. Oriental jacks have individual pockets into which the plates are sewn. Either type of armor resembles quilted cloth, making it fairly easy to conceal (+1 to Holdout).

Segmented plate is made from large horizontal bands, curved around the body and overlapped to allow some articulation. The best-known variety is the lorica segmentata of the Roman legions, but such armor also saw use in the Middle East and Asia. The earliest known example is the bronze Dendra panoply (Greece, dating to around 1400 B.C.), which consists of a solid cuirass protecting the chest, with hide-laced segmented plates hanging below to protect the abdomen and thighs.

A more advanced version is the coat of plates (TL3), which probably evolved from the armored surcoat (p. 105). This segmented variant differs in that the horizontal plates are riveted to the inside of a foundation garment so that only the rivet heads are visible on the surface. It’s often layered over a light mail shirt for additional protection.

Most of the evidence for this armor was excavated from Scandinavian graves at the site of the Battle of Wisby (1361), although it was also worn in Russia and Asia. Segmented armor is much easier to fashion than solid plate because the metal sections required are smaller, and the armor requires less tailoring to a given wearer. Once the segments have been forged, assembly is quick and simple. Lace, wire, or rivets connect adjacent bands, or the plates can be riveted to canvas or leather. The rules for increasing DR under Heavy Plate (p. 109) are applicable to segmented plate.

Well-tailored, close-fitting armor consisting of small, overlapping metal plates riveted to the inside of a cloth or leather garment. The name has nothing to do with thieves or bandits! The term “brigand” originally denoted a foot soldier; thus, “brigandine” simply describes a type of armor for infantry.

Brigandine first appeared in Europe in the middle of the 14th century, evolving from the coat of plates (see Segmented Plate, above). Similar armor was developed in Asia, and became fashionable as courtly wear. Within a generation, brigandines grew very popular, remaining in fashion until the end of the 16th century. Many commentators regard it as a civilian armor worn by Renaissance gentlemen, but it made frequent appearances on the battlefield, where it provided excellent protection; some examples were proofed against firearms (see Heavy Plate, p. 109), and had lancerests (see Jousting Plate, p. 109).

Brigandine can be concealed by hiding the rivets under a textile or fine leather cover (see Concealing Armor, p. 102); however, while it might seem ideal for this treatment, it was rarely concealed historically. Brigandines were the height of fashion – flamboyantly displayed, with expensive textiles and gilded rivets arrayed in attractive patterns. They were even emulated in civilian dress both in Europe and in Asian courts. Cloth garments known as faux brigandine were cut and tailored like brigandines, with rivets attached in similar patterns, but without metal plates behind them. Such clothing is sometimes erroneously called “studded armor,” but provides no DR.

The Basic Set lists plate armor as TL3 (see p. B283). Historically, solid plate torso protection made from iron was exceedingly rare before TL4. Earlier attempts (e.g., Japanese tanko) relied on smaller plates that were riveted or welded together, and made of poorer-quality iron. These were heavy and required an exceptional craftsman to fashion. Solid plate armor began to advance only after the development of blast furnaces (see Iron and Steel, p. 20) that could smelt iron blooms large enough to create a single- piece breastplate, and of water-powered trip-hammer mills that reduced the labor and manufacturing costs.

Treat the TL3 plate in the Basic Set as an early attempt to create such armor – or to fit anachronistic armor into TL3 fantasy. Its weight is higher than many real TL4 examples. This applies only to torso armor and complete suits, though. Smaller pieces of iron plate, such as helmets and greaves, are available starting at TL2. Full suits of bronze plate are available from TL1, with the usual +3 CF.

The stats for metallic armor assume worked iron. However, metal armor can be and often was made from bronze – and sometimes copper.

Very early TL1 societies sometimes used unalloyed copper for armor; e.g., in helmets. Copper’s metallurgical qualities make it poorly suited to this application. Copper armor is of cheap quality, yet has full cost; see Armor of Quality (p. 109).

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin (see Copper, Bronze, and Brass, p. 20); the higher the tin content, the harder the metal. Approximately 10-12% tin was common for weapons, while 8-10% was usual for armor. Properly cast and work-hardened, bronze is as effective as iron for armor.

Even during the Iron Age (TL2), bronze was the most common metal for plate armor. This was because iron had to be forged from relatively small billets, which made it extremely difficult to fashion larger plates, and the laborious hand-forging and careful tempering required relied on techniques not widely known before late TL2. The Roman desire for massproduced armor led to solid bronze plate armor being abandoned in favor of segmented iron protection (see Segmented Plate, pp. 107-108). Iron’s key advantage was availability – it enabled a far higher proportion of an army to be equipped with metal arms and armor, while bronze was reserved for the elite. Not until quench-hardened steel was fully understood at TL4 (see Hardened Steel, p. 110) did iron articles begin to surpass bronze ones in actual effectiveness. All types of iron armor can be made of bronze. Bronze armor is as good as iron armor, but adds +3 CF. Weight is unchanged.

Full suits of iron plate first appeared in Western Europe in the late 1300s. Over the next century, they evolved into fully articulated protection far surpassing anything previously developed. Plate armor could be surprisingly light and, if custom fitted to an individual and articulated properly, quite comfortable. It allowed a full range of movement, and weighed less than any other low-tech armor offering similar protection. A plate suit (called a “harness”) used pieces of varying thickness, with the lightest on the least-susceptible areas (ribs, forearms, shins) and the heaviest on the most-vulnerable ones (head and chest). See Heavy Plate (above) for additional details.

By the 15th century, jousting plate was well-developed. This cumbersome and highly specialized form of protection is the source of many misconceptions about plate armor. Its awkwardness gives -1 to all DX-based skills except Lance. A knight who’s knocked over or unseated needs two Change Posture maneuvers for each posture change (treat him as being in the original posture until the end of the second maneuver). Additionally, Move is reduced due to encumbrance – jousting plate isn’t light.

Such armor’s specialized protection is concentrated at the front torso, left arm, neck, and head. Other locations are more lightly protected, as they’re less likely to be hit while jousting. The cuirass is fitted with a lance-rest: +1 to Lance skill, $50, 0.5 lb.

There are three ways to arrive at this kind of armor:

• Use purpose-built jousting plate. That is, a heavy harness designed exclusively for jousting, unsuitable for the battlefield or adventuring. Build such armor by using Heavy Plate (above) to add extra DR in strategic locations. A knight who owns a suit like this will also want a separate harness (called “field armor”) for fighting in battle.
• Add a grand-guard. A grand-guard is a piece of armor specially designed to bolt on top of another plate harness. Purchase it as a separate suit of armor, with an extra $100 to cover the connectors. This arrangement allows two layers of rigid armor that otherwise follow the rules under Layered Armor (p. 103).
• Buy a garniture. A garniture consists of modular heavy pieces – built using Heavy Plate (above) – that can replace individual articles of field armor, converting it into jousting armor. One piece is worn on any given location at a time, but only the heaviest arrangement of the garniture suffers the problems of jousting plate listed above. Because the heavy pieces are made to match another harness, they cost extra; each piece that can be swapped out has +0.2 CF. Still, money is saved by not having to purchase separate harnesses for jousting and battle!

Plate can be very thick, but high DR is costly and massive. For every +1 DR, add 50% to base cost and weight. All armor made with large plates – including segmented plate (p. 107) and brigandine (p. 108) – can use these rules.

Example: A DR 3 iron cuirass is $1000, 8 lbs. For every +1 DR, add $500, 4 lbs. Thus, a DR 6 cuirass is $2,500, 20 lbs. See the Armor Table (pp. 110-111) for other examples. The thickest plate that can be manufactured before TL5 has DR 14. This is at the upper range of historical examples – specialized jousting plate (above) or the heaviest proofed armor (p. 110). Anything above DR 10 is usually only worn on the head or chest; a complete suit would be too cumbersome and difficult to articulate.

Developed in the 15th century and perfected during the 16th, the sliding rivet is integral to the production of well-articulated plate armor. The rivet’s head is burred over and fixed in the upper plate, while the lower plate is slotted for about 3/4”, so that it can slide up and down on the rivet’s shank, allowing more mobility than the previously used “arming nail” (fixed rivet). This helps to produce an evenly distributed system of interlocking plates, permitting excellent freedom of movement. Primitive TL3 plate doesn’t use sliding rivets; this weakness reduces the penalty for targeting chinks in armor (pp. 101-102) by -2, to -6 or -8.

Skillfully crafted armor that’s custom-fitted to a particular wearer affords improved protection. Metal armor made from better grades of steel – or with added ribs and fluting – is likewise superior. Conversely, poorly made armor has reduced effectiveness. Thus, armor has quality grades besides the good quality assumed by the Armor Table (pp. 110-111).

This might be mass-produced munitions armor, issued to an army’s rank and file; an early example is the lorica segmentata (Segmented Plate, pp. 107-108) of the Roman legions. Alternatively, the armor could be the work of an inexperienced armorer, or incorporate low-grade materials. Cheap armor has -1 DR. -0.6 CF; weight is unchanged.

Fine-quality armor has increased DR and/or reduced weight. Such weight reductions don’t lower HP. Calculate HP from weight before quality adjustments. Below are some common examples. These can be combined unless noted otherwise; DR modifiers, CF, and weight reductions are additive. For instance, masterfully tailored, fluted armor has +33 CF, -40% weight. Many other types of fine-quality armor are possible. Two examples are Silk (p. 104) and Leather of Quality (p. 105). Exotic materials – dragon hide, spider silk (p. 104), and so on – may provide additional benefits, increasing DR or reducing weight even further.

Low-Tech assumes that all but cheap-quality armor is custom-fitted to the owner. An experienced armorer can improve the fit even further. This adds -1 to penalties to target chinks in armor (pp. 101-102). +5 CF; reduce weight by 15%.

This is very fine armor, made by one of the world’s best armorers. As above, but +29 CF and reduce weight by 30%.

All plate armor (pp. 108-109) is specifically shaped to cause blows to glance off harmlessly, but adding flutes, ribs, and bosses in key areas allows a weight reduction with no loss of strength. Scale and lamellar armor (pp. 106-107) can likewise be strengthened with a boss or vertical medial rib raised on each scale. Not available for other armor. +4 CF; reduce weight by 10%.

Typical metal armor is made from good-quality bloomery iron, which is reasonably tough and ductile – but heavy weapons can cause dents and tears in light plate. Armorers worked out fairly early how to add carbon and heat-treat the result to get hardened steel, but this isn’t a mature technology until the late Middle Ages. All metal armor, including mail and scale, may be made from hardened steel. It provides +1 DR. +4 CF; weight is unchanged.

Duplex Plate (TL4). This is an advanced form of hardened steel; see Armor of Proof (below). It’s only an option for plate armor. As above, but +8 CF and reduce weight by 10%.

There are several ways to improve armor’s resistance to powerful bows and firearms. One is to bolt an additional plate called a plastron over the breastplate; handle this with Layered Armor (p. 103), as explained in Jousting Plate (p. 109). Another is use thicker plate; see Heavy Plate (p. 109). However, these methods proved impractical as firearms improved – they made armor unbearably heavy. A more advanced technique involved trying to determine the ideal heat treatment for shot-proof plate, but the process was too complex to yield reliable results with medieval technology. The most elegant solution was to rivet or weld together two plates of different hardness; this duplex plate provided both the hardness and toughness to resist firearms without complicated heat treatments; see Hardened Steel (p. 110).

See Armor Tables (p. B282) for an explanation of the notation and abbreviations used here. In brief:

TL: The tech level at which this armor is available.

Torso Armor: The armor’s name. All armor here protects the torso (areas 9-11, plus vitals). Use the Armor Locations Table (p. 100) to determine the weight and cost of armor covering other hit locations.

DR: The amount of Damage Resistance the item gives. The DR of some armor, such as mail, varies depending on damage type (see the notes after the table). “*” means that the armor is flexible and susceptible to blunt trauma (p. B379).

Cost: The item’s price, in $.

Weight: The item’s weight, in pounds.

Don: The time required, in seconds, to put on this armor; see Donning Armor (p. 102).

Notes: Many items have special features or restrictions; see the notes after the table.

Notes:

• [1] Combustible. If DR is penetrated by burning damage, it can catch fire. See Making Things Burn (p. B433); treat the armor material as resistant.
• [2] -1 DR vs. impaling.
• [3] Semi-ablative. Loses 1 DR per 10 points of basic damage it resists (see p. B47)
• [4] -1 DR vs. crushing.
• [5] -2 DR vs. crushing.
• [6] -1 DX, except for Lance skill.

A wide array of armor and protective equipment appears at TL5-8. These items are listed in approximate order of appearance within their TL, to make it easier for the GM to decide whether they exist yet in a campaign set at that TL. See Armor Tables (p. B282) for an explanation of the notation and abbreviations used in this section’s tables.

Body armor is heavy, and stifling even in temperate conditions. In hot weather, it increases FP costs (see Fighting a Battle, p. B426) and can contribute to heatstroke (see Heat, p. B434). To mitigate heat problems, use a climate-control system (p. 74) or wear a wicking undergarment (p. 64).

Versions of the low-tech armor on pp. B283-284 still see use at TL5-8. Notably, scuba divers and industrial workers wear high-tech mail, while reenactors construct modern versions of ancient armor from TL8 materials.

Steel (TL5). Metal armor (mail, scale, plate, etc.) and shields built using TL5+ steel and machining enjoy twice the DR of their low-tech equivalents; cost and weight don’t change. Alternatively, halve cost and weight without doubling DR.

Smart Foam (TL8). This foam is made from “shear thickening liquid” – a substance that is normally quite flexible but becomes rigid on impact. It’s concealable under normal clothing. It provides DR 4 vs. crushing damage, DR 1 vs. all other damage. Weighs the same as cloth armor, but cost is x10.

Titanium (TL8). Metal armor and shields made of titanium offer the same DR as their low-tech equivalents at 1/3 normal weight. Cost is x5.

Steel Vest (TL5). A concealable armor vest, relatively lightweight and cheap. An example is the Soldiers’ Bullet Proof Vest, produced by carriage-maker G. & D. Cook & Co. of New Haven, Connecticut during the American Civil War. It was a standard, military-style blue vest with pockets for two steel plates in the front. These overlapped in the center where the vest buttoned. Infantrymen thought it too heavy and hot during long marches – and of little value against musket fire in any event. Nevertheless, it was a common sight on the battlefield. Legend has it that Wyatt Earp wore one, although he vehemently denied it.

Steel Corselet (TL5). The body armor of the heavy cavalryman. Before WWI, every major European government had at least one regiment of cuirassiers – big men on big horses, trained to charge home with the sword. Their armor was highly polished for show (and often used as a mirror!), but had a cloth cover for field duty.

Silk Vest (TL6). A thickly padded silk vest of the type often worn by affluent gentlemen. Most observers who notice it are unlikely to assume that it’s armor. A famous example is the tightly woven vest that Catholic priest Casimir Zeglen developed after the 1893 murder of a popular Chicago mayor. The London Daily Mail reported that none other than Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Hapsburg dynasty, was wearing such a vest the day he was assassinated; other accounts suggest that he declined to wear it in Sarajevo’s stifling heat. Regardless, the bullet struck him in the neck and he bled to death in minutes from a severed jugular vein. During the Russo-Japanese War, 50,000 vests with a steel plate sandwiched between silk padding were issued to Russian troops.

Composite Body Armor (TL6). A cuirass and groin protector made from layers of resin-impregnated silk, linen, and cotton. An example is the Chemico Body Shield, made by the Country Chemical Company of Birmingham, England. About an inch thick, it had a duck cloth cover with ammunition pockets on the front. It was the only practical body armor issued to British troops during WWI – and only from 1917.

Sentry Armor (TL6). A steel breastplate such as the Infanterie-Panzer, worn by German soldiers during WWI. Nicknamed Sappenpanzer (“trench armor”), some 500,000 were issued – mostly to machine gunners and sentries.

Light Body Armor (TL6). Steel armor with thick, spongerubber padding. It covers both front and back, and is designed to protect against shell splinters and pistol bullets. Arm and leg protection is also available (pp. 67-68). The Engineering Division of the U.S. Ordnance Department developed it during WWI. Mainly experimental, but small lots were sent to France in the war’s closing days.

Bulletproof Vest (TL6). A vest of overlapping steel plates riveted between layers of cloth, made to look like an ordinary suit vest. It covers the front and back of the torso. In the 1920s and 1930s, Elliott Wisbrod’s Armored Police Vest Company marketed a concealable vest that became a favorite of criminals and government agents alike; the Dunrite Manufacturing Company sold similar body armor. Wisbrod launched a unique national publicity campaign to demonstrate his confidence in his product: he was shot in the chest in front of crowds of police officers, city officials, and curious onlookers in cities all over the U.S.! His campaign worked. Baby Face Nelson and John Dillinger were repeat customers, and even Franklin Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin were reported to have worn Wisbrod vests. Japanese troops during WWII wore similar gear.

Flak Vest (TL7). “Flak” is an abbreviation for Fliegerabwehrkanone, German for “anti-aircraft gun.” The flak vests of WWII were designed to protect flight crews against anti-aircraft shell bursts. The American M1 was made of Hadfield manganese steel riveted to a nylon backing. It was heavy, bulky, and not designed to be concealed.

Fragmentation Vest (TL7). A nylon vest with aluminum plate inserts to shield the vitals from the front. It’s intended to protect against fragments from artillery and hand grenades, not to stop bullets. The U.S. Marine Corps ordered 50,000 such vests in the closing days of WWII – too late to see action in that conflict. They were used extensively in Korea, however.

Improved Fragmentation Vest (TL7). A typical protective vest constructed of ballistic nylon or similar fibers. Examples include the U.S. M1952 and M69, worn by American ground troops in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Some models can be fitted with heavy ceramic-fiberglass plates; vehicle drivers, tankers, and boat crews were issued such plates in Vietnam. The table lists the vest, plus a set of front and back plates (7.5 lbs. apiece).

Aircrew Armor (TL7). A rigid aluminum oxide and glassreinforced plate inside a ballistic nylon carrier. Such armor was issued by the U.S. Army from 1966; helicopter crews called it “chicken plate.” The table entry assumes a vest with only a single plate in the front of the carrier, as worn by pilots and copilots. Helicopter door gunners wore a back plate as well. This provides protection for the front and back of the torso, but increases cost to $1,100 and weight to 34 lbs.

Shoulder Pads (TL7). This is gridiron armor for American-style football. It protects the upper torso and shoulders.

Fragmentation Vest (TL8). At TL8, frag vests use aramid fibers that are five times stronger than steel. An example is the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) vest, adopted by the U.S. Army in 1976. Later versions – such as Germany’s Mehler Splitterschutzweste MIL-120 – are much lighter (5.7 lbs.) and better-designed. In the 1990s, the PASGT vest was upgraded with a carrier for ceramic plates (8 lbs. each) and called the Interim Small Arms Protective Overvest, or ISAPO (DR 30, $700, 25 lbs.).

Early Concealable Vest (TL8). A concealable vest representative of those on the market since the late 1970s. It may be available in TL7 campaigns set during this period (GM’s option).

Concealable Vest (TL8). The lightest and most concealable protective vest currently on the market. It can be fitted with a trauma plate.

Assault Vest (TL8). A heavy ballistic vest, worn by SWAT teams and soldiers. The removable trauma plates provide protection against rifle-caliber weapons; the groin protector is also detachable. The Interceptor OTV (Outer Tactical Vest) is the current U.S. military-issue vest in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Anti-Stab Vest (TL8). A tight-weave ballistic vest – like those in the EnGarde Eagle Eye series – that can stop impaling damage as well as other attacks. It’s worn by corrections officers, and by police in areas with high levels of violent crime that doesn’t involve firearms (stabbings, beatings, etc.).

Advanced Body Armor (TL8). Pinnacle Armor’s SOV looks like a run-of-the-mill tactical ballistic vest – albeit thinner – but is much more advanced. Instead of relying on bulky plates, it takes a so-called “scalar” approach, using overlapping ballistic-resistant scales (each 2”-3” in diameter) made from a patented titanium-ceramic matrix. This makes it the only concealable vest capable of resisting rifle fire over the whole torso rather than just the vitals. Gives +4 (quality) to Holdout attempts to conceal it.

At TL8, soft ballistic vests typically have built-in pockets for removable “trauma plates” or “anti-stab plates.” Such plates increase the armor’s cost and weight, but significantly enhance the protection it affords. Assume that plates are available for any flexible torso armor.

Ballistic plates are rigid, and greatly increase a vest’s bulk. Those made from ceramic are also brittle – they work by cracking, which absorbs some of the bullet’s energy, and lose effectiveness after a small number of shots. The GM who enjoys gritty realism may treat trauma plates as semi-ablative DR (p. B47).

Anti-Stab Plate (TL8). A small plate of lightweight metal alloy, intended for protection against knife attacks, not firearms. It covers the vitals from the front only. Gives +4 DR. $150, 0.5 lb. LC3.

Small Trauma Plate (TL8). A small ceramic plate that protects the vitals from the front only. Gives +25 DR. $250, 3 lbs. LC3.

Trauma Plate (TL8). A large ceramic plate that protects the entire torso from either the front or the back – two are needed for full torso coverage. Gives +25 DR. $500, 4 lbs. LC3.

Layers of paper (newspapers, magazines, etc.) and duct tape can be fashioned into a thick vest capable of providing some protection against knives, shotgun pellets, and shell fragments. It won’t tolerate water, though, and will come apart in damp weather. Constructing it requires an Armoury (Body Armor) roll at +5 – an IQ roll, if working at default – and 30 minutes’ work. Gives the torso DR 3. 18 lbs.

A pair of heavy snips or bolt cutters can turn a plastic bucket or barrel into a quick-and-dirty lorica segmentata (p. B283). This requires an Armoury (Body Armor) roll at +3 and 3 hours’ work. Gives the torso DR 3. 11 lbs.

In a post-apocalyptic setting, those with the Armoury (Body Armor) skill and suitable tools can recycle old road signs and car bodies into real shields and armor.

Notes:

• [1] Concealable as or under clothing.
• [2] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against piercing and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.
• [3] Provides DR 8 to the vitals from the front.
• [4] Protects the torso (1/6) and arms (1/6). Use DR 3 against crushing attacks; use DR 1 against all other damage types. Gives +1 to damage inflicted and DR 3 against damage received when making a slam (p. B371).
• [5] Use the lower DR versus crushing attacks only.

To conceal armor from somebody who’s looking for it, you must win a Quick Contest of Holdout (p. B200) vs. his Search skill (p. B219). Holdout suffers a penalty equal to DR for rigid armor, DR/3 (round up) for flexible armor. Armor designed specifically to be concealed gives +1 to +4 toward negating this penalty. Also add the bonus for clothes worn over the armor (e.g., Long Coat, p. 64, and Undercover Clothing, p. 64). Range penalties apply to Search.

While neither as popular nor as essential as torso armor (pp. 65-67) and headgear (pp. 69-70), limb armor has occasionally found its way onto the modern battlefield. These items protect the entire length of the limb – and both its front and its back – unless specified otherwise. Exceptions use the notation explained in Hitting ’Em Where It Hurts (p. 69).

Chaps (TL5). Chaparreras are worn by cowboys to protect from thorns and scrub brush while working cattle.

Shin Guards (TL5). Steel greaves were developed for soldiers during the American Civil War, but used only briefly. They protect only the lower leg (2/6 protection) – and only from the front.

Light Body Armor (TL6). This is part of the experimental steel armor developed for trench fighting during WWI (see also “Light Body Armor” under Torso Armor, p. 66). While 50 sets were shipped to France before the Armistice, it’s doubtful that any of it saw combat. It has foam-rubber backing and is painted a dull khaki or olive drab color. The armor covers most of the limb (5/6 protection).

Aircrew Leg Armor (TL7). A heavy ballistic shin guard of the type worn by helicopter crewmen during the Vietnam conflict. It protects the front of the lower leg, from just above the knee to the ankle (3/6 protection).

Riot Gear (TL7). A set of leggings and sleeves made from thick plastic backed with padding. It’s worn by riot-control and corrections officers. It can blunt the impact of a thrown rock or brick, and is light enough to wear in a foot chase. Very similar armor is used in many contact sports. Ballistic Leggings (TL8). Flexible, ballistic-fabric leggings, worn by assault troops. They’re bulky and not easily concealed.

Sharp-Protective Armor (TL8). A layer of ballistic fiber worn by corrections officers, lumberjacks, and industrial workers exposed to “sharps” during the work day. It’s easily concealed under clothing.

Deltoid and Axillary Protectors (DAP) (TL8). “DAP” is military-speak for an upper-arm protector worn with an assault vest. The flexible ballistic cloth covers from just above the elbows to the shoulders (2/6 protection).

Notes:

• [1] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against piercing and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.
• [2] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against impaling and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.
• [3] Concealable as or under clothing.

At TL5, shoes are a simple affair, only approximately sized to the feet, with square toes. There’s no such thing as a right/left pair. Leather or canvas gaiters are worn to protect the tops of the shoes, shoelaces, and calves. At TL6, shoes are built for either the left foot or the right foot, and come in standard sizes. Other advances include rubber soles, steel shanks for arch support, and waterproofing. At TL7-8, synthetic footwear is breathable and long-wearing, with athletic shoes becoming much better fitting and more supportive.

Footwear can be a deciding factor in the success of a stealthy approach. Some of the footgear described below gives a modifier to the wearer’s Stealth skill when trying to move silently. Items that list neither a penalty nor a bonus have no effect on Stealth.

Boots (TL5). Standard Wellington or “cowboy”-type boots, in either a pull-on or lace-up version. High heels keep the feet from slipping through saddle stirrups. At higher TLs, these are rugged work boots, combat boots, or hiking boots.

Boots, Arctic (TL5). Heavily insulated and waterproof boots. At TL7-8, double price but halve weight. Arctic boots are often worn with crampons (p. 56). -1 to Stealth.

Boots, High (TL5). Bucket boots were popular in the 1700s. These pull-on riding boots extend to the knees or even mid-thigh. Wearers often turn down the high tops, pirate fashion.

Moccasins (TL5). Light, thin leather footwear preferred by hunters, Indians, and other people who need to move quietly. Use the same statistics for any light, functional shoes; e.g., Japanese tabi. +1 to Stealth.

Cleats (TL6). Athletic shoes fitted with spikes. They give Terrain Adaptation (Mud and Dirt). -1 to Stealth on tile floors, concrete, bare rock, etc.

Sneakers (TL6). Duck cloth uppers vulcanized to thick rubber soles. Later TLs introduce air-cushioned soles, zippered pockets, and even tiny impact-activated lights. +1 to Stealth.

Boots, Steel-Toed (TL6). Industrial or construction boots, with a box of metal around the toes.

Boots, Jungle (TL7). Boots with steel shanks in the soles for protection against attacks from below (nails, spiked pits, caltrops, etc.).

Boots, Blast (TL7). A pair of clumsy, heavy boots, worn by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel when clearing minefields. They have ballistic material in the soles to protect against attacks from below. -1 to Stealth.

Boots, Firefighter (TL8). These rubber-soled, waterproof boots are nearly indestructible. They have steel toes, and steel shanks protect the bottom of the feet. -1 to Stealth.

Shoes, Climbing (TL8). Shoes with sticky rubber soles that are soft and pliable enough to allow the wearer to feel the surface beneath his feet. Give +1 to Climbing when scaling a vertical stone wall or other slick surface (see Climbing, p. B349). +1 to Stealth.

Those trekking off into danger wearing footwear that hasn’t yet been “broken in” must make a HT, Hiking, or HT-based Soldier roll. Equipment Modifiers (p. B345) apply for custom-made footwear, which is of good or fine quality. Success means the footwear breaks in quickly, with a minimum of discomfort. Failure results in moderate pain (p. B428) for 2d days. Critical failure leads to terrible pain or even a crippled foot – GM’s decision.

Notes:

• [1] Concealable as or under clothing.
• [2] Give +1 to kicking damage (p. B271).
• [3] With the tops turned up, provide 3/6 protection to the legs; see Hitting ’Em Where It Hurts (p. 69).
• [4] Split DR: use the first, higher DR when – in the GM’s opinion – the boot’s steel toe box would protect (e.g., dropping an item on the foot or crushing the toes in heavy machinery) or when an attack on the foot hits the toe (2/6 protection); use the second, lower DR against all other attacks.
• [5] Split DR: use the higher DR when an attack strikes foot from beneath.

Hockey Glove (TL7). A modern padded sports glove for one hand. Gives Ham-Fisted 1 (p. B138) when using that hand for fine work.

Frisk Gloves (TL8). Policemen often wear thin leather gloves with ballistic fiber liners which provide some protection against “sharps”: needles and other objects that might stick or cut an officer during a pat-down search.

Sharp-Protective Gloves (TL8). Gloves that protect the hands much as sharp-protective armor (p. 67) protects the limbs.

Notes:

• [1] Concealable as or under clothing.
• [2] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against impaling and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.

Body armor is heavy, and stifling even in temperate conditions. In hot weather, it increases FP costs (see Fighting a Battle, p. B426) and can contribute to heatstroke (see Heat, p. B434). To mitigate heat problems, use a climate-control system (p. 74) or wear a wicking undergarment (p. 64).

Versions of the low-tech armor on pp. B283-284 still see use at TL5-8. Notably, scuba divers and industrial workers wear high-tech mail, while reenactors construct modern versions of ancient armor from TL8 materials.

Steel (TL5). Metal armor (mail, scale, plate, etc.) and shields built using TL5+ steel and machining enjoy twice the DR of their low-tech equivalents; cost and weight don’t change. Alternatively, halve cost and weight without doubling DR.

Smart Foam (TL8). This foam is made from “shear thickening liquid” – a substance that is normally quite flexible but becomes rigid on impact. It’s concealable under normal clothing. It provides DR 4 vs. crushing damage, DR 1 vs. all other damage. Weighs the same as cloth armor, but cost is x10.

Titanium (TL8). Metal armor and shields made of titanium offer the same DR as their low-tech equivalents at 1/3 normal weight. Cost is x5.

Steel Vest (TL5). A concealable armor vest, relatively lightweight and cheap. An example is the Soldiers’ Bullet Proof Vest, produced by carriage-maker G. & D. Cook & Co. of New Haven, Connecticut during the American Civil War. It was a standard, military-style blue vest with pockets for two steel plates in the front. These overlapped in the center where the vest buttoned. Infantrymen thought it too heavy and hot during long marches – and of little value against musket fire in any event. Nevertheless, it was a common sight on the battlefield. Legend has it that Wyatt Earp wore one, although he vehemently denied it.

Steel Corselet (TL5). The body armor of the heavy cavalryman. Before WWI, every major European government had at least one regiment of cuirassiers – big men on big horses, trained to charge home with the sword. Their armor was highly polished for show (and often used as a mirror!), but had a cloth cover for field duty.

Silk Vest (TL6). A thickly padded silk vest of the type often worn by affluent gentlemen. Most observers who notice it are unlikely to assume that it’s armor. A famous example is the tightly woven vest that Catholic priest Casimir Zeglen developed after the 1893 murder of a popular Chicago mayor. The London Daily Mail reported that none other than Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Hapsburg dynasty, was wearing such a vest the day he was assassinated; other accounts suggest that he declined to wear it in Sarajevo’s stifling heat. Regardless, the bullet struck him in the neck and he bled to death in minutes from a severed jugular vein. During the Russo-Japanese War, 50,000 vests with a steel plate sandwiched between silk padding were issued to Russian troops.

Composite Body Armor (TL6). A cuirass and groin protector made from layers of resin-impregnated silk, linen, and cotton. An example is the Chemico Body Shield, made by the Country Chemical Company of Birmingham, England. About an inch thick, it had a duck cloth cover with ammunition pockets on the front. It was the only practical body armor issued to British troops during WWI – and only from 1917.

Sentry Armor (TL6). A steel breastplate such as the Infanterie-Panzer, worn by German soldiers during WWI. Nicknamed Sappenpanzer (“trench armor”), some 500,000 were issued – mostly to machine gunners and sentries.

Light Body Armor (TL6). Steel armor with thick, spongerubber padding. It covers both front and back, and is designed to protect against shell splinters and pistol bullets. Arm and leg protection is also available (pp. 67-68). The Engineering Division of the U.S. Ordnance Department developed it during WWI. Mainly experimental, but small lots were sent to France in the war’s closing days.

Bulletproof Vest (TL6). A vest of overlapping steel plates riveted between layers of cloth, made to look like an ordinary suit vest. It covers the front and back of the torso. In the 1920s and 1930s, Elliott Wisbrod’s Armored Police Vest Company marketed a concealable vest that became a favorite of criminals and government agents alike; the Dunrite Manufacturing Company sold similar body armor. Wisbrod launched a unique national publicity campaign to demonstrate his confidence in his product: he was shot in the chest in front of crowds of police officers, city officials, and curious onlookers in cities all over the U.S.! His campaign worked. Baby Face Nelson and John Dillinger were repeat customers, and even Franklin Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin were reported to have worn Wisbrod vests. Japanese troops during WWII wore similar gear.

Flak Vest (TL7). “Flak” is an abbreviation for Fliegerabwehrkanone, German for “anti-aircraft gun.” The flak vests of WWII were designed to protect flight crews against anti-aircraft shell bursts. The American M1 was made of Hadfield manganese steel riveted to a nylon backing. It was heavy, bulky, and not designed to be concealed.

Fragmentation Vest (TL7). A nylon vest with aluminum plate inserts to shield the vitals from the front. It’s intended to protect against fragments from artillery and hand grenades, not to stop bullets. The U.S. Marine Corps ordered 50,000 such vests in the closing days of WWII – too late to see action in that conflict. They were used extensively in Korea, however.

Improved Fragmentation Vest (TL7). A typical protective vest constructed of ballistic nylon or similar fibers. Examples include the U.S. M1952 and M69, worn by American ground troops in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Some models can be fitted with heavy ceramic-fiberglass plates; vehicle drivers, tankers, and boat crews were issued such plates in Vietnam. The table lists the vest, plus a set of front and back plates (7.5 lbs. apiece).

Aircrew Armor (TL7). A rigid aluminum oxide and glassreinforced plate inside a ballistic nylon carrier. Such armor was issued by the U.S. Army from 1966; helicopter crews called it “chicken plate.” The table entry assumes a vest with only a single plate in the front of the carrier, as worn by pilots and copilots. Helicopter door gunners wore a back plate as well. This provides protection for the front and back of the torso, but increases cost to $1,100 and weight to 34 lbs.

Shoulder Pads (TL7). This is gridiron armor for American-style football. It protects the upper torso and shoulders.

Fragmentation Vest (TL8). At TL8, frag vests use aramid fibers that are five times stronger than steel. An example is the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) vest, adopted by the U.S. Army in 1976. Later versions – such as Germany’s Mehler Splitterschutzweste MIL-120 – are much lighter (5.7 lbs.) and better-designed. In the 1990s, the PASGT vest was upgraded with a carrier for ceramic plates (8 lbs. each) and called the Interim Small Arms Protective Overvest, or ISAPO (DR 30, $700, 25 lbs.).

Early Concealable Vest (TL8). A concealable vest representative of those on the market since the late 1970s. It may be available in TL7 campaigns set during this period (GM’s option).

Concealable Vest (TL8). The lightest and most concealable protective vest currently on the market. It can be fitted with a trauma plate.

Assault Vest (TL8). A heavy ballistic vest, worn by SWAT teams and soldiers. The removable trauma plates provide protection against rifle-caliber weapons; the groin protector is also detachable. The Interceptor OTV (Outer Tactical Vest) is the current U.S. military-issue vest in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Anti-Stab Vest (TL8). A tight-weave ballistic vest – like those in the EnGarde Eagle Eye series – that can stop impaling damage as well as other attacks. It’s worn by corrections officers, and by police in areas with high levels of violent crime that doesn’t involve firearms (stabbings, beatings, etc.).

Advanced Body Armor (TL8). Pinnacle Armor’s SOV looks like a run-of-the-mill tactical ballistic vest – albeit thinner – but is much more advanced. Instead of relying on bulky plates, it takes a so-called “scalar” approach, using overlapping ballistic-resistant scales (each 2”-3” in diameter) made from a patented titanium-ceramic matrix. This makes it the only concealable vest capable of resisting rifle fire over the whole torso rather than just the vitals. Gives +4 (quality) to Holdout attempts to conceal it.

At TL8, soft ballistic vests typically have built-in pockets for removable “trauma plates” or “anti-stab plates.” Such plates increase the armor’s cost and weight, but significantly enhance the protection it affords. Assume that plates are available for any flexible torso armor.

Ballistic plates are rigid, and greatly increase a vest’s bulk. Those made from ceramic are also brittle – they work by cracking, which absorbs some of the bullet’s energy, and lose effectiveness after a small number of shots. The GM who enjoys gritty realism may treat trauma plates as semi-ablative DR (p. B47).

Anti-Stab Plate (TL8). A small plate of lightweight metal alloy, intended for protection against knife attacks, not firearms. It covers the vitals from the front only. Gives +4 DR. $150, 0.5 lb. LC3.

Small Trauma Plate (TL8). A small ceramic plate that protects the vitals from the front only. Gives +25 DR. $250, 3 lbs. LC3.

Trauma Plate (TL8). A large ceramic plate that protects the entire torso from either the front or the back – two are needed for full torso coverage. Gives +25 DR. $500, 4 lbs. LC3.

Layers of paper (newspapers, magazines, etc.) and duct tape can be fashioned into a thick vest capable of providing some protection against knives, shotgun pellets, and shell fragments. It won’t tolerate water, though, and will come apart in damp weather. Constructing it requires an Armoury (Body Armor) roll at +5 – an IQ roll, if working at default – and 30 minutes’ work. Gives the torso DR 3. 18 lbs.

A pair of heavy snips or bolt cutters can turn a plastic bucket or barrel into a quick-and-dirty lorica segmentata (p. B283). This requires an Armoury (Body Armor) roll at +3 and 3 hours’ work. Gives the torso DR 3. 11 lbs.

In a post-apocalyptic setting, those with the Armoury (Body Armor) skill and suitable tools can recycle old road signs and car bodies into real shields and armor.

Notes:

• [1] Concealable as or under clothing.
• [2] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against piercing and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.
• [3] Provides DR 8 to the vitals from the front.
• [4] Protects the torso (1/6) and arms (1/6). Use DR 3 against crushing attacks; use DR 1 against all other damage types. Gives +1 to damage inflicted and DR 3 against damage received when making a slam (p. B371).
• [5] Use the lower DR versus crushing attacks only.

While neither as popular nor as essential as torso armor (pp. 65-67) and headgear (pp. 69-70), limb armor has occasionally found its way onto the modern battlefield. These items protect the entire length of the limb – and both its front and its back – unless specified otherwise. Exceptions use the notation explained in Hitting ’Em Where It Hurts (p. 69).

Chaps (TL5). Chaparreras are worn by cowboys to protect from thorns and scrub brush while working cattle.

Shin Guards (TL5). Steel greaves were developed for soldiers during the American Civil War, but used only briefly. They protect only the lower leg (2/6 protection) – and only from the front.

Light Body Armor (TL6). This is part of the experimental steel armor developed for trench fighting during WWI (see also “Light Body Armor” under Torso Armor, p. 66). While 50 sets were shipped to France before the Armistice, it’s doubtful that any of it saw combat. It has foam-rubber backing and is painted a dull khaki or olive drab color. The armor covers most of the limb (5/6 protection).

Aircrew Leg Armor (TL7). A heavy ballistic shin guard of the type worn by helicopter crewmen during the Vietnam conflict. It protects the front of the lower leg, from just above the knee to the ankle (3/6 protection).

Riot Gear (TL7). A set of leggings and sleeves made from thick plastic backed with padding. It’s worn by riot-control and corrections officers. It can blunt the impact of a thrown rock or brick, and is light enough to wear in a foot chase. Very similar armor is used in many contact sports. Ballistic Leggings (TL8). Flexible, ballistic-fabric leggings, worn by assault troops. They’re bulky and not easily concealed.

Sharp-Protective Armor (TL8). A layer of ballistic fiber worn by corrections officers, lumberjacks, and industrial workers exposed to “sharps” during the work day. It’s easily concealed under clothing.

Deltoid and Axillary Protectors (DAP) (TL8). “DAP” is military-speak for an upper-arm protector worn with an assault vest. The flexible ballistic cloth covers from just above the elbows to the shoulders (2/6 protection).

Notes:

• [1] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against piercing and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.
• [2] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against impaling and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.
• [3] Concealable as or under clothing.

At TL5, shoes are a simple affair, only approximately sized to the feet, with square toes. There’s no such thing as a right/left pair. Leather or canvas gaiters are worn to protect the tops of the shoes, shoelaces, and calves. At TL6, shoes are built for either the left foot or the right foot, and come in standard sizes. Other advances include rubber soles, steel shanks for arch support, and waterproofing. At TL7-8, synthetic footwear is breathable and long-wearing, with athletic shoes becoming much better fitting and more supportive.

Footwear can be a deciding factor in the success of a stealthy approach. Some of the footgear described below gives a modifier to the wearer’s Stealth skill when trying to move silently. Items that list neither a penalty nor a bonus have no effect on Stealth.

Boots (TL5). Standard Wellington or “cowboy”-type boots, in either a pull-on or lace-up version. High heels keep the feet from slipping through saddle stirrups. At higher TLs, these are rugged work boots, combat boots, or hiking boots.

Boots, Arctic (TL5). Heavily insulated and waterproof boots. At TL7-8, double price but halve weight. Arctic boots are often worn with crampons (p. 56). -1 to Stealth.

Boots, High (TL5). Bucket boots were popular in the 1700s. These pull-on riding boots extend to the knees or even mid-thigh. Wearers often turn down the high tops, pirate fashion.

Moccasins (TL5). Light, thin leather footwear preferred by hunters, Indians, and other people who need to move quietly. Use the same statistics for any light, functional shoes; e.g., Japanese tabi. +1 to Stealth.

Cleats (TL6). Athletic shoes fitted with spikes. They give Terrain Adaptation (Mud and Dirt). -1 to Stealth on tile floors, concrete, bare rock, etc.

Sneakers (TL6). Duck cloth uppers vulcanized to thick rubber soles. Later TLs introduce air-cushioned soles, zippered pockets, and even tiny impact-activated lights. +1 to Stealth.

Boots, Steel-Toed (TL6). Industrial or construction boots, with a box of metal around the toes.

Boots, Jungle (TL7). Boots with steel shanks in the soles for protection against attacks from below (nails, spiked pits, caltrops, etc.).

Boots, Blast (TL7). A pair of clumsy, heavy boots, worn by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel when clearing minefields. They have ballistic material in the soles to protect against attacks from below. -1 to Stealth.

Boots, Firefighter (TL8). These rubber-soled, waterproof boots are nearly indestructible. They have steel toes, and steel shanks protect the bottom of the feet. -1 to Stealth.

Shoes, Climbing (TL8). Shoes with sticky rubber soles that are soft and pliable enough to allow the wearer to feel the surface beneath his feet. Give +1 to Climbing when scaling a vertical stone wall or other slick surface (see Climbing, p. B349). +1 to Stealth.

Notes:

• [1] Concealable as or under clothing.
• [2] Give +1 to kicking damage (p. B271).
• [3] With the tops turned up, provide 3/6 protection to the legs; see Hitting ’Em Where It Hurts (p. 69).
• [4] Split DR: use the first, higher DR when – in the GM’s opinion – the boot’s steel toe box would protect (e.g., dropping an item on the foot or crushing the toes in heavy machinery) or when an attack on the foot hits the toe (2/6 protection); use the second, lower DR against all other attacks.
• [5] Split DR: use the higher DR when an attack strikes foot from beneath.

Hockey Glove (TL7). A modern padded sports glove for one hand. Gives Ham-Fisted 1 (p. B138) when using that hand for fine work.

Frisk Gloves (TL8). Policemen often wear thin leather gloves with ballistic fiber liners which provide some protection against “sharps”: needles and other objects that might stick or cut an officer during a pat-down search.

Sharp-Protective Gloves (TL8). Gloves that protect the hands much as sharp-protective armor (p. 67) protects the limbs.

Notes: [1] Concealable as or under clothing. [2] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against impaling and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.

• [1] Concealable as or under clothing.
• [2] Partial coverage: sandals give DR 1 to the underside of the foot, while breastplates protect only from the front.
• [3] Split DR: use the lower DR against crushing attacks.
• [4] Helmet gives wearer the No Peripheral Vision disadvantage (p. 151) while worn.

All TL7+ armor electronics and powered systems (including the battlesuit) work for (TL - 6) ¥ 6 hours before they require recharging or refueling.

• [1] Split DR: use the first, higher DR against piercing and cutting attacks; use the second, lower DR against all other damage types.
• [2] Concealable as or under clothing.
• [3] DR increases with TL. After the TL of introduction, consult the following table:

^ TL ^ DR Multiplier ^

* [4] Biomedical sensors allow remote monitoring of vital signs, giving +1 to Diagnosis skill when examining the wearer. In addition, the suit is climate-controlled.

• [5] Requires NBC Suit skill – but at TL9+, the suit does not limit DX. Worn with a mask or a helmet with note [7], the combination provides the Sealed advantage.
• [6] Split DR: use the higher DR only if the attack strikes the torso (if body armor), skull (if headgear), or underside of the foot (if footwear).
• [7] Provides Filter Lungs, Protected Smell, and Protected Vision – but before TL9, it also gives the No Peripheral Vision disadvantage.
• [8] Provides Protected Vision.
• [9] Suit’s DR applies only against burning or corrosion damage.
• [10] Requires Vacc Suit skill. If worn with its helmet, the suit gives Doesn’t Breathe (for 12 hours), Protected Smell, Sealed, and Vacuum Support.
• [11] Provides Protected Hearing, Protected Vision, and Radio. At TL9+, add Absolute Direction (Requires Signal), Infravision, Night Vision 9, and (TL - 8) levels of Telescopic Vision. TL9+ helmets also include a head-up display (HUD) compatible with “smartgun” electronics (p. 278). Battlesuits add Hyperspectral Vision and Laser Communication.
• [12] Requires Battlesuit skill. Gives Lifting ST +10, Striking ST +10, and Super Jump 1. Add +5 to Lifting ST, +5 to Striking ST, and +1 to Super Jump per TL past TL9. With its helmet in place, it also grants Doesn’t Breathe (for 12 hours), Protected Smell, Sealed, and Vacuum Support. Do not count suit weight toward encumbrance!

The armor tables follow the same format as those in the GURPS Basic Set; see p. B282 for an explanation of abbreviations and location coverage. Some items have special features or restrictions; these are detailed in the item’s description.

High DR doesn’t provide much defense against chemical weapons, great heat, microbes, and so on. These dangers demand specialized protection that corresponds to particular advantages. Below are several common classes of “threat protection” used in descriptions of protective gear:

Climate Control: The equipment provides protection against climatic extremes equivalent to the Temperature Tolerance advantage. Climate control systems remove waste heat as well as providing insulation and air conditioning. They extend the wearer’s comfort zone to the range noted. If the suit is not sealed, treat as if it were merely air conditioned and insulated. If the wearer’s own comfort zone is greater, the equipment may fail before its user does!

Air Supply: The equipment provides air for the wearer. The air supply times listed are an approximation (different people use air at different rates), and assume an external pressure of one atmosphere or less. For game purposes, assume that most adults use about the same amount of air per hour, and that children under 12 use half as much. It takes 10 seconds to hook up a tank and two seconds to jettison it. Air refills are $5 per hour, but most vehicles with life support systems incorporate air compressors that can top them up for free.

Glare-Resistant: The equipment screens out bright light. It is equivalent to Protected Vision (p. B78, and works against the deleterious effects of “dazzle,” “flash,” and “strobe” weapons.

Hearing Protection: The equipment screens out noise, and is equivalent to Protected Hearing (p. B78).

Radiation PF: The equipment has a radiation Protection Factor. Divide radiation by the PF before applying its effects, as if the user had Radiation Tolerance (p. B79).

Pressurized: The equipment is resistant to pressures greater than one atmosphere. Pressurized comes in three levels, each equivalent in effect to a level of Pressure Support (p. B77). This protects against crushing ocean depths and superdense atmospheres like those of Venus and Jupiter.

Sealed: Impervious to penetration by liquids and gases. This corresponds to the Sealed advantage (p. B82). It prevents all harm from noncorrosive bioweapons, chemicals, and nano, as well as ordinary rust and waterlogging. Vacuum Support: Protects the wearer or occupants from the deleterious effects associated with vacuum and decompression (other than lack of air). This corresponds with the Vacuum Support advantage (p. B96).

These unpowered suits and armored garments require no special skill to use. All body armor can come in any desired color, including camouflage patterns. It takes three seconds per piece to don or remove most body armor.

Ultra-tech body armor is available in a variety of standard styles.

Bodysuit: This outfit covers the torso, groin, arms, and legs. The neck, head, or extremities are uncovered, making it easy to add customized boots, gloves, and helmets.

Gloves: A pair of armored gloves. They’re made of thinner material than other armor types to avoid compromising the wearer’s manual dexterity.

Jacket: This is a heavier outfit that covers the torso and arms. It zips up and has plenty of pockets.

Suit: This head-to-toe outfit includes a hood and face mask with eye slit. It’s a useful exploration suit, supers costume, or ninja suit. It is also used as the basis for tailored armor (pp. 174-175).

Trousers: A pair of long pants, protecting the groin and legs (but not the feet). It is not obviously armor, and can pass for a normal pair of work pants or jeans.

Vest: A sleeveless t-shirt covering the torso.

All concealable armor styles can pass as normal clothing, although bodysuits and complete suits are likely to be conspicuous.

Additional styles can be created using the tailored armor (pp. 174-175) rules.

This armor uses flexible materials to resist high velocity projectile attacks as well as cutting blows. It’s the ultra-tech successor to modern bulletproof vests. On a practical level, TL9+ ballistic armor’s major advance is that it can provide full protection for areas other than the torso without sacrificing mobility. Since bullets are among the most effective ways to deal damage at TL9-10, ballistic armor is widespread at these tech levels. At TL11+ it often declines in popularity, superseded by armor optimized against beam weapons. Ballistic armor is flexible with a split DR: it provides full protection against piercing and cutting attacks, and uses its reduced DR against all other types of damage. As material technology advances, ballistic armor continually improves. Examples of progressively-better ballistic armor types are reflex, nanoweave, and monocrys armor.

Reflex (TL9): This ballistic armor is a fabric woven from para-aramid fibers (such as Kevlar), polyethylene, or synthetics inspired by the molecular structure of spider silk. It is soaked in a “shear thickening fluid” of hard ceramic nanoparticles suspended in liquid. During normal handling, the armor is very flexible, but when a bullet or fragment strikes it, it becomes a rigid material.

Nanoweave (TL10): This armor is similar to reflex armor, but is reinforced for extra strength by woven carbon nanotubes. Nanoweave armor can be fitted with various accessories, using “smart” properties that can be engineered into it.

Monocrys (TL11): This is a single-crystal weave of synthetic diamondoid fibers, also called “nanocrystal.” It is very light, but diamondoid materials melt at high temperatures, which means that monocrys is not particularly useful against beam weapons.

For heavier, non-concealable versions of reflex, nanoweave, and monocrys, see the descriptions of tactical vests (p. 173) and tactical suits (p. 178).

* Flexible.

This thick, sleeveless, jacket-like vest covers the torso and groin, with front and back pockets for inserting rigid ceramic or alloy plates.

A tactical vest is made of similar materials to concealable body armor, but is heavier, and is obviously body armor. It provides full protection against cutting and piercing damage, and reduced protection against all other attacks. Its trauma plates provide full protection against all damage types. It takes three seconds to insert or remove the plates.

* Flexible.

These armored boots add metal or ceramic inserts to the sole of a ballistic fiber. At TL9-11 they provide their full DR against attacks to the underside of the foot (e.g., stepping on a stake, a contact-detonation mine, etc.) but half DR against attacks from other angles. TL12 boots provide full protection from all angles.

Hiking: Ultra-tech combat boots incorporate smart-matter responsive fabrics and biomaterials that treat or prevent blistering from long marches. They count as the best quality equipment and add +TL/2 to Hiking skill.

Ultra-tech lasers are capable weapons at TL9 and become common at TL10, resulting in the development of flexible body armor optimized to counter them.

This is similar to reflex armor, but made of plastic fabric designed to vaporize when struck by a laser beam. Since the armor is damaged by the attack, ablative armor is more useful against a single assassin than it is in a lengthy combat mission!

Ablative armor has a split DR. Its full DR is used against the burning or crushing explosive damage inflicted by any type of laser (including X-ray and graser models). This DR is also semi-ablative: For every 10 points of basic laser damage rolled, remove one point of DR from the location struck, regardless of whether the attack penetrated or not. Its lower DR is used against all other attacks, and is not ablative.

Reflec is a light, highly-reflective armor of polished metallic fibers that reflects laser fire. It is useless against other attacks, but can be worn over other armor. Reflec has a split DR: It gets its full DR against microwaves and lasers (but not X-ray or gamma-ray lasers), but provides no protection against other weapons. Reflec is an excellent radar reflector: any stealth benefits against radar are negated, and add +1 (+2 if wearing a full suit) to rolls to detect its wearer.

Reflec is not superscience, but is a cinematic technology. Realistically, mirrored material is not very effective against laser weapons, although it will function against microwave beams.

Any rigid helmet can be made reflective for $50. It gains +20 DR vs. lasers and microwaves.

This is advanced ablative armor made of tailored carbon nanotubes. It has higher DR, but it is otherwise equivalent to TL9 ablative armor.

This superscience reflec armor is embedded with polished, metallic fibers covered with millions of tiny spherical lenses. The micro-mirrors reflect laser fire back at the attacker. The armor “bounces back” half the damage from visible-light or near-infrared lasers that the DR actually resisted. The remaining damage affects the wearer normally.

If he wasn’t suspecting the reflection, the attacker doesn’t get an active defense against the first attack reflected back at him. He gets his usual defenses against subsequent reflected attacks, or if he knew the armor would be retro-reflective. Retro-reflec only works against direct hits!

* Flexible.

Bioplas is a strong, pseudo-alive smart matter material that is light and comfortable to wear – see Smart Bioplastic (p. 171). Flexible armored suits and clothing are made out of this material. Like other bioplastic equipment, it can heal rips and tears if it has access to moisture and heat, such as sweat and body heat. Bioplas is also a popular material for swimwear and other sports clothing. Bioplas is flexible armor with a split DR. Unlike ballistic body armor, bioplas provides its full DR against burning and piercing damage, but gets only one-third DR vs. other damage types. Thus, it’s very effective against a bullet or most energy beams, but not that much use against a powerful blow or a vat of acid. See Space Biosuit (p. 179) for a sealed environmental suit version.

* Flexible.

This is an option for any bioplas outfit and the space biosuit (p. 179). It does not protect against laser fire, but otherwise is the same as any other bioplas vest or suit. The suit adjusts around the user’s body, and is almost invisible when worn. (A Vision roll from a yard or less will spot it, and anyone touching the wearer will notice it.) Transparent bioplas also comes in translucent colors; by covering up strategic areas, a wearer of a tinted bodysuit can look as if he or she is wearing a swimsuit while protecting the entire body. Transparent bioplas costs twice as much as ordinary bioplas, but is otherwise identical.

This light and easily-concealed armor is an ultra-tech ballistic fiber similar to monocrys. Its hyperdense “fabric” is resistant to nearly all forms of attack. It is flexible, but gets its full DR against all damage types.

* Flexible.

These are non-flexible pieces of non-sealed armor used to protect particular body parts.

This armor protects the head or eyes. It is made of rigid armor plastic or composites.

Sunglasses with armored lenses are available. They are glare-resistant and can be built into any of the video glasses described in Chapter 3.

These helmets resemble those used by 20th-century soldiers. They have no built-in electronics, and are often worn with armored shades (above) or an optional visor attachment. The visor is glare-resistant, and is often fitted with a HUD (p. 24), although this is not standard.

This hinged cuirass consists of sloped, molded composite laminate reinforced by an inner layer of flexible armor. It is favored by soldiers who don’t want to carry around the weight of a full suit of armor, but do want plenty of protection where it counts.