Rigid Body Armor (Ultra-Tech)
Rigid Body Armor
These are non-flexible pieces of non-sealed armor used to protect particular body parts.
Headgear (TL9-12)
This armor protects the head or eyes. It is made of rigid armor plastic or composites.
Armored Shades (TL9-12)
Sunglasses with armored lenses are available. They are glare-resistant and can be built into any of the video glasses.
Light Infantry Helmet (TL9-12)
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, although this is not standard.
Rigid Body Armor Table
| TL | Armor | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Armored Shades | eyes | 10 | $100 | +0.1 | 4 |
| 9 | Light Infantry Helmet | skull | 18 | $250 | 3 | 3 |
| + Visor | eyes, face | 15 | +$100 | +3 | 3 | |
| 10 | Armored Shades | eyes | 15 | $100 | +0.1 | 4 |
| 10 | Light Infantry Helmet | skull | 24 | $250 | 3 | 3 |
| + Visor | eyes, face | 20 | +$100 | +3 | 3 | |
| 11 | Armored Shades | eyes | 20 | $100 | +0.1 | 4 |
| 11 | Light Infantry Helmet | skull | 36 | $250 | 3 | 3 |
| + Visor | eyes, face | 30 | +$100 | +3 | 3 | |
| 12 | Armored Shades | eyes | 30 | $100 | +0.1 | 4 |
| 12 | Light Infantry Helmet | skull | 48 | $250 | 3 | 3 |
| + Visor | eyes, face | 40 | +$100 | +3 | 3 |
Clamshell Armor (TL9-12)
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.
Clamshell Armor Table
| TL | Armor | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Heavy Clamshell | torso | 45 | $900 | 18 | 2 |
| 9 | Light Clamshell | torso | 30 | $600 | 12 | 2 |
| 10 | Heavy Clamshell | torso | 60 | $900 | 18 | 2 |
| 10 | Light Clamshell | torso | 45 | $600 | 12 | 2 |
| 11 | Heavy Clamshell | torso | 90 | $900 | 18 | 2 |
| 11 | Light Clamshell | torso | 60 | $600 | 12 | 2 |
Environmental Gear and Suits
These masks and suits are designed to protect the user from the environment as well as from injury.
Environmental suit styles vary widely; civilians often paint suits in garish colors for easy recognition, but outfits worn for combat, stealth, or hunting are usually camouflaged.
Air Masks and Breathing Gear (TL9-10)
These are used when a fully-equipped suit is unavailable or inappropriate. Each mask covers the entire face, providing the Protected Vision and Protected Smell advantages. All masks take three seconds to put on, one second to remove. In all instances, a warning light blinks when power (or air, or filtration) capacity is 90% gone. All systems contain microcommunicators for presenting remaining capacity on a HUD.
Air Mask (TL9)
This mask is used in environments with an unbreathable but otherwise harmless atmosphere. It requires air tanks (below) or a filter (below). It takes two seconds to put on and one to take off.
Air Tanks (TL9-12)
Lightweight tanks that store pressurized air mixtures for breathing. Higher-TL systems use lighter tanks and higher pressurizations, increasing the duration of use. All durations assume the use of rebreather systems that recycle and reuse air.
- Large Tank: Holds 24 hours (TL9), 36 hours (TL10), two days (TL11), or three days (TL12) of air. $200, 10 lbs. .
- Medium Tank: Holds 12 hours (TL9), 18 hours (TL10), 24 hours (TL11), or 36 hours (TL12) of air. $80, 4 lbs. .
- Mini Tank: Holds 10 minutes (TL9), 15 minutes (TL10), 20 minutes (TL11). or 30 minutes (TL12) of air. $50, 0.5 lbs. .
- Small Tank: Holds four hours (TL9), six hours (TL10), eight hours (TL11), or 12 hours (TL12) of air. $60, 2 lbs. .
Artificial Gill (TL9-12)
An artificial gill extracts oxygen from water and mixes it with buffer gases, allowing the user to breathe normally while submerged in any body of water that contains dissolved air. This includes most terrestrial seas, but not polar waters and some freshwater bodies. The gill is backpack-mounted, and includes a mask, an intake system, and a device for separating dissolved air from the water. It takes three seconds to put on and one to take off. At higher TLs, a gill uses nanocatalytic systems to reduce weight and improve efficiency. It runs on a D cell; endurance is eight hours (TL9), 24 hours (TL10), three days (TL11), or 10 days (TL12).
Filter Mask (TL9)
This mask can filter out ordinary contaminants such as dust, pollen, smoke, and even tear gas. It is only effective against nerve gas or other contact agents if combined with a Sealed outfit. The filter medium must be replaced periodically; cost varies from a $10 cartridge (to filter heavy dust or pollen) to replacing the whole mask (in a chemical-warfare environment). It takes two seconds to put on and one to take off.
Respirator (TL9)
This makes thin or low-oxygen atmospheres breathable by concentrating the oxygen. It includes goggles to protect the eyes from the effects of thin air. It takes three seconds to put on and one to take off. It runs on a B cell for one day (TL9), three days (TL10), 10 days, (TL11) or a month (TL12).
Reducing Respirator (TL10)
This mask makes dense or very dense oxygen atmospheres breathable by chemically reducing the partial pressure of oxygen. It includes glare-resistant goggles to protect the eyes from the burning effects of too much oxygen. It requires power and a monthly chemical recharge ($50, 1 lb.). It takes three seconds to put on and one to take off. It runs on a C cell for three days (TL10), 10 days (TL11), or a month (TL12).
Filter Skin (TL11)
A spray-on smart symbiotic nanoskin that covers the entire body, which is effectively sealed. However, it allows the skin to "breathe" by selectively passing air molecules in and sweat out. It's often worn with a filter mask. One spray lasts for 24 hours (TL11) or a week (TL12).
Environmental Gear Table
| TL | Type | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Air Mask | eyes, face | 10 | $100 | 1 | 4 |
| 9 | Artificial Gill | eyes, face | 10 | $2,000 | 25 | 4 |
| 9 | Filter Mask | eyes, face | 10 | $100 | 3 | 4 |
| 9 | Respirator | eyes, face | 10 | $300 | 3 | 4 |
| 10 | Reducing Respirator | eyes, face | 10 | $500 | 5 | 4 |
| 11 | Filter Skin | all | 0 | $20 | 1 | 4 |
Civilian Survival Suits (TL9-10)
These are flexible, multi-environmental, and fully-insulated survival suits, including gloves and a hood with clear plastic visor. The suits are light and comfortable. With the hood sealed and the addition of an air mask or respirator, they protect against atmospheric pollutants or chemical or biological contamination; use NBC Suit skill, but there is no DX penalty.
These suits are popular with natives of hostile regions, survey teams, and rangers; while not armor, their compound-fiber fabric is resistant to damage. The suits are generally legal, but people may frown upon individuals wandering about with the mask sealed. The suits don't protect the face when the mask is rolled up.
Survival suits are often equipped with programmable camouflage for safari or tactical purposes. At TL11+, biosuits or life support belts replace survival suits.
Desert Environmental Suit (TL9)
This full-body survival suit insulates the wearer from the extremes of desert heat and cold. It provides climate control (-20°F to 120°F). It also recycles 90% of the wearer's body fluids, collecting pure water in a reservoir from which the wearer may drink; the user can survive on one-tenth as much water as normal. The water recycling system also acts as part of the suit's cooling system. If the suit is out of power, it can't recycle.
Drysuit (TL9)
A one-piece, light underwater survival suit that is sealed and insulated. It is useful for diving in cold or toxic water. It covers the user's entire body except the face. With an aqualung or gill mask, the suit is sealed and provides climate control (-50°F to 90°F).
Heatsuit (TL9)
A heated suit for survival in freezing conditions, including a mask to protect the face. It provides climate control (-250°F to 100°F). With a respirator (above), it's useful at very high altitudes or on some alien worlds. If the heatsuit runs out of power, it still provides some benefit due to its insulation: climate control is -50° to 90°F.
Protective Suit (TL9)
A simple sealed suit, with a fireproof and chemical-retardant coating but no other features. Cargo handlers, hazmat teams, hangar-bay crews, and some industrial workers often wear them, usually in white or a bright color such as orange or yellow. A rip in the suit causes the smart fabric to change color at the rip. It is sealed with the addition of an air mask.
Expedition Suit (TL10)
This suit uses nanocatalytic filtration systems and transistor thermocouples woven into the fabric for heating, cooling, and recycling liquid waste. It recycles 95% of the user's body fluids and provides climate control (-120°F to 120°F). It prevents heat exhaustion with micropores which enable it to "breathe." These pores can also seal shut in hostile environments. Worn with an air mask, it is sealed. If the suit runs out of power, it provides climate control (-50°F to 90°F) and cannot recycle.
Gill Suit (TL10)
This full-body suit is identical to the drysuit in all respects, except that its surface absorbs oxygen from water. This allows the user to breathe underwater as long as the power supply lasts. It includes a belt-mounted power pack.
Civilian Survival Suits Table
| TL | Type | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Desert Environment Suit | all | 2* | $1,000 | 10 | C/1 wk. | 4 |
| 9 | Drysuit | all | 2* | $200 | 5 | – | 4 |
| 9 | Heatsuit | all | 2* | $500 | 10 | C/24 hr. | 4 |
| 9 | Protective Suit | all | 2* | $50 | 3 | – | 4 |
| 10 | Expedition Suit | all | 5* | $1,500 | 6 | 2C/1 wk. | 4 |
| 10 | Gill Suit | all | 5* | $2,000 | 10 | D/24 hr. | 4 |
Flexible Sealed Combat Suits (TL9-12)
These are sealed suits made of flexible armored fabric. All come with pockets, attachment points, and harnesses for weapons or gadgets.
Reflex, Nanoweave, and Monocrys Tacsuits (TL9-11)
These tactical suits are chemically-coated, contamination-proof coveralls made of flexible ballistic fabric: reflex armor at TL9, nanoweave at TL10, or monocrys at TL11. The suit has a split DR: it provides full DR against cutting and piercing damage, and half DR against other damage types. NBC Suit skill is used to get in or out of the suit quickly or gauge its state of repair, but a tactical suit does not limit DX. In fact, the suit is very comfortable to wear, thanks to its internal microclimate control system.
Tacsuits incorporate biomedical sensors. With an air mask or combat infantry helmet, the suit is sealed and provides climate control (-40° F to 120°F).
Energy Tacsuit (TL12)
This is identical to the ballistic tacsuit, except that it is made of energy cloth with a self-sealing nanogel layer. It is flexible armor providing full DR against all damage types.
Tacsuit Table
| TL | Type | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Reflex Tacsuit | all | 20/10* | $3,000 | 15 | C/12 hr. | 2 |
| 10 | Nanoweave Tacsuit | all | 30/15* | $3,000 | 15 | C/18 hr. | 2 |
| 11 | Monocrys Tacsuit | all | 40/20* | $3,000 | 15 C/24 hr. | 2 | |
| 12 | Energy Tacsuit | all | 50* | $6,000 | 15 | C/36 hr. | 2 |
Counterpressure Vacc Suits (TL9-12)
These suits come in reflex, nanoweave, and monocrys versions. They get full DR against cutting or piercing damage, and use their reduced DR vs. other attacks.
These vacc suits do not inflate. They incorporate a mechanical counter-pressure (MCP) system which uses elastic layers in direct contact with the skin to prevent the expansion of gases and water vapor in blood vessels and tissues. This is more flexible and comfortable than the pressurized suits used at TL7-8.
Several types are available. All require Vacc Suit skill to use.
Skinsuit (TL10-11)
A form-fitting elastic garment resembling a body stocking, with a rigid collar ring for attaching a helmet. A skinsuit is much thinner than a conventional vacc suit (see below), omitting radiation shielding and heavy-duty climate control. It is often worn as normal day-to-day clothing by space crews who done a full suit only for extravehicular excursions. It is also worn on worlds with poisonous atmospheres but moderate climates. The suit does not include air tanks, which must be provided separately. With the addition of a vacc suit helmet, it is sealed, providing climate control (-50° F to 150°F) and vacuum support.
Vacc Suit (TL9-11)
A vacc suit covers the whole body, including a rigid, removable helmet and life support pack. It's usually festooned with exterior pockets, sticky patches, straps, and hooks for access to equipment, plus at least two lifeline hooks for safety when outside a vessel. The suit has a back-mounted life-support pack (LSP), which provides heat regulation, cooling, and energy for the suit's systems. It also includes an air tank with a 12-hour air supply.
The suit has built-in biomedical sensors. It is sealed with the addition of a vacc suit helmet, providing climate control (-459° F to 250°F), pressure support up to 10 atmospheres, radiation protection (PF 2), and vacuum support. A vacc suit takes 30 seconds to put on or take off, though this time can be halved with a successful Vacc Suit skill roll. Different vacc suit models are available:
- Civilian Vacc Suit (TL9): An ordinary vacc suit worn by most spacers at TL9 and TL10.
- Reflex, Nanoweave, and Monocrys Vacc Suit (TL9-11): A heavy-duty tactical vacc suit reinforced with impact-resistant ballistic armor. It has a split DR: Use the higher DR against piercing and cutting damage, and the lower DR against all other damage types.
- Smart Vacc Suit (TL10): An improved civilian vacc suit design using advanced nano-catalytic systems to reduce the life support system's bulk.
- Energy Vacc Suit (TL11): A tactical vacc suit made of energy cloth armor. Its DR protects against all types of attacks.
Space Biosuit (TL10)
This flexible "living" counterpressure vacc suit resembles a form-fitting jumpsuit. Made of smart bioplastic, it absorbs sunlight and recycles waste, giving it an extended air supply (some wastage occurs, but the suit provides full life support for six weeks as long as its power supply can be charged). A small belt pack contains the air needed for recycling and a power pack to supplement the solar power system.
The space biosuit is self-sealing for punctures up to an inch in diameter, and more extensive damage is slowly repaired. It is powered by the user's body heat and lives off his waste products. The suit also includes flexible bioplas gloves and a transparent hood-helmet, which are stored in the belt pack when not in use. These meld seamlessly with the suit when worn. No clothing or armor can be worn under a space biosuit.
The suit is sealed with the hood on, providing climate control (-459° F to 250°F), pressure support up to 10 atmospheres, and vacuum support. Like bioplas, the biosuit has a split DR: use its higher DR vs. most attacks, but its lower DR against corrosion, crushing, and toxic damage. The suit is also a small computer with the "printed" option for flexibility.
Counterpressure Vacc Suit Table
| TL | Type | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Civilian Vacc Suit | all | 6* | $10,000 | 25 | 2C/24 hr. | 4 |
| 9 | Reflex Vacc Suit | all | 20/10* | $12,000 | 30 | 2C/24 hr. | 2 |
| 9 | Skinsuit | all | 2* | $1,500 | 4 | – | 3 |
| 10 | Smart Vacc Suit | all | 6* | $5,000 | 15 | 2C/36 hr. | 4 |
| 10 | Space Biosuit | all | 15/3* | $10,000 | 5 | 2C/6 wk. | 3 |
| 10 | Nanoweave Vacc Suit | all | 30/15* | $12,000 | 30 | 2C/36 hr. | 2 |
| 11 | Monocrys Vacc Suit | all | 40/20* | $12,000 | 30 | 2C/48 hr. | 2 |
| 12 | Energy Vacc Suit | all | 50* | $20,000 | 30 | 2C/72 hr. | 2 |
Sealed Combat Armor (TL9)
These enclosed suits of rigid combat armor are designed to resist ultra-tech rifle fire as well as explosive and biochemical munitions. Thanks to advances in micro-climate control systems and power supplies, they are comfortable to wear, but more expensive than flexible armor. They may be issued to regular infantry soldiers operating in high-threat environments, or limited to special units such as SWAT or hostage-rescue teams. Descriptions of various types are given below.
Combat Hardsuit (TL9-12)
This is a sealed suit of combat armor designed for operations in a terrestrial environment. It is heaviest over the torso, but articulated plates and molded pieces also protect the rest of the body. An anti-radiation layer provides radiation PF 2.
It incorporates an inner garment including biomedical sensors, a waste relief system, and a microclimate control system. The back of the torso clamshells open so the user can step into the armor (it takes three seconds to step in or out). The helmet is not included. When worn with either a combat infantry helmet or space helmet the suit is sealed, with climate control (-140° F to 140°F) and radiation protection (PF 5).
A hardsuit isn't pressurized and can’t operate in vacuum, but with air tanks and a mask or appropriate helmet, it can operate in areas with unbreathable or contaminated air.
Space Armor (TL9-12)
This complete suit of articulated and pressurized plate armor enables its wearer to operate in almost any environment. It could be the standard "space marine" combat armor. Other space crews may also suit up before entering a battle or visiting a hostile environment, and engineering crews may wear it for dangerous damage control tasks – the suit provides good protection against radiation and explosions.
Sealed Combat Armor Table
| TL | Armor | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Combat Hardsuit | all | 50/30 | $10,000 | 30 | 2 |
| 9 | Space Armor | all | 50/30 | $20,000 | 45 | 2 |
| 10 | Combat Hardsuit | all | 75/45 | $10,000 | 30 | 2 |
| 10 | Space Armor | all | 75/45 | $20,000 | 45 | 2 |
| 11 | Combat Hardsuit | all | 100/60 | $10,000 | 30 | 2 |
| 11 | Space Armor | all | 100/60 | $20,000 | 45 | 2 |
| 12 | Combat Hardsuit | all | 150/90 | $10,000 | 30 | 2 |
| 12 | Space Armor | all | 150/90 | $20,000 | 45 | 2 |
Sealed Helmets
These helmets protect the entire head. They take three seconds to attach or remove. Each helmet has a split DR: use its higher DR for attacks to the skull, and its lower DR for attacks to the face and the eyes.
Combat Infantry Helmet (TL9-11)
This rigid full-face visored helmet is usually worn with either the combat hardsuit or a tacsuit. It has built-in GPS, hearing protection, a small radio, and an infrared visor. Filter masks are built into the cheek pieces. With the visor locked into place, the helmet provides an airtight seal to hardsuits and tacsuits.
Space Helmet (TL9-12)
These enclosed helmets are designed to be worn with suits that are sealed or provide vacuum support. There are three styles:
- Bubble Helmet (TL9-12): A fishbowl helmet made of rigid transparent plastic or diamondoid. The user should wear his own vision and communication gear.
- Space Combat Helmet (TL9-12): A heavily-armored combat helmet often worn in conjunction with space armor. It has hearing protection, a small radio, and an infrared visor.
- Visored Space Helmet (TL9-12): An enclosed helmet with a transparent faceplate. This incorporates a small radio, an infrared visor, and hearing protection.
- Flexible Space Helmet (TL10-12): Essentially a pressurized bag, this is made of light, flexible plastic, inflated by a puff of air from the suit. It can be rolled up and stored in a pocket; the user must wear his own communications and vision gear.
Sealed Helmets Table
| TL | Type | Location | DR | Cost | Weight | LC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Bubble Helmet | head | 6 | $2,000 | 5 | B/24 hr. | 4 |
| 9 | Combat Infantry Helmet | head | 18/12 | $2,000 | 5 | B/12 hr. | 2 |
| 9 | Space Combat Helmet | head | 40/30 | $3,000 | 7 | — | 2 |
| 9 | Visored Space Helmet | head | 20/15 | $2,000 | 4 | B/24 hr. | 3 |
| 10 | Bubble Helmet | head | 9 | $2,000 | 5 | B/36 hr. | 4 |
| 10 | Combat Infantry Helmet | head | 27/18 | $2,000 | 5 | B/18 hr. | 2 |
| 10 | Flexible Space Helmet | head | 5* | $500 | 0.5 | — | 4 |
| 10 | Space Combat Helmet | head | 60/45 | $3,000 | 7 | — | 2 |
| 10 | Visored Space Helmet | head | 30/22 | $2,000 | 4 | B/36 hr. | 3 |
| 11 | Bubble Helmet | head | 20 | $3,000 | 5 | B/36 hr. | 4 |
| 11 | Combat Infantry Helmet | head | 36/24 | $2,000 | 5 | B/24 hr. | 2 |
| 11 | Flexible Space Helmet | head | 8* | $500 | 0.5 | — | 4 |
| 11 | Space Combat Helmet | head | 80/60 | $3,000 | 7 | — | 2 |
| 11 | Visored Space Helmet | head | 40/30 | $2,000 | 4 | B/48 hr. | 3 |
| 12 | Bubble Helmet | head | 30 | $3,000 | 5 | B/36 hr. | 4 |
| 12 | Combat Infantry Helmet | head | 54/36 | $2,000 | 5 | B/36 hr. | 2 |
| 12 | Flexible Space Helmet | head | 10* | $500 | 0.5 | — | 4 |
| 12 | Space Combat Helmet | head | 100/60 | $3,000 | 7 | — | 2 |
| 12 | Visored Space Helmet | head | 60/45 | $2,000 | 4 | B/48 hr. | 3 |
Second Skin (TL11)
This genetically-engineered symbiont is often used by scouts and rangers, as well as colonists who wish to live a normal life on marginally-habitable planets. It covers the user's entire body, forming a transparent membrane over the eyes and a self-regenerating filter for the lungs. It lives off body wastes and heat, and can regenerate itself to heal tears or replace its filtering membranes. While it is worn, the user must drink slightly more fluids than usual. It is warmer to the touch than normal flesh, but otherwise appears normal.
Second skin protects the user against ultraviolet radiation and mild atmospheric irritants (sulfur trioxide, for example, or industrial pollutants), but not against extremely corrosive atmospheres. The mouth and nose membranes filter out pollutants and provide some protection against both respiratory and contact agents such as nerve gas: +3 on HT to resist. This bonus is cumulative with modifiers for the Resistant advantage.
In combat, second skin serves as ablative armor. It has DR 4 (ablative) against burning or corrosion damage. Each point of DR lost also reduces the lifespan of the skin by two months. The skin breaks down after eight months of normal wear; time spent in a polluted atmosphere counts double. Growing a skin around a person costs $3,000 and takes three hours using an adult-sized biofab. .