Trauma Plates

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.

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.