It’s time to suit up, and make sure the hero is protected. This week we move away from offense to explore armor and shields. There are any number of directions comics can take the idea of armor, and we will cover several broad concepts to give players a range of options. This article will cover full body armors for complete protection, chest protection, and shields.
Mechanics
While full body armor doesn’t have a lot of extras to it, both chest protection and shields are a bit more nuanced. Let’s look at the differences.
- Chest Protector: Defending center mass protects vital organs and the largest target on the body. However, skilled combatants may be able to get around these defenses with ease. This is represented by the Drawback: Limited: Bypass Armor negates all Armor Provided. Note: The character still gains the Defense Value, even when the Armor does not apply.
- Shield: Instead of focusing on a single part of the body, shields allow the defender to pivot their defense. This allows them versatility, but requires additional focus. This is represented by the Drawback: Limited:Armor only applies on Active Defense. Note: The character still gains the Defense Value, even when the Armor does not apply. Additionally, Shields can be used offensively giving them additional options.
Gear By Power Level
The following section provides examples of weapons appropriate for a given Power Level. As the Power Level increases the example Gear typically becomes more specialized as we move further away from real world counterparts.
Exceptional
Buckler 6
- Parent Attribute: Dexterity or Intelligence
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor) MA2
Secondary Role: Offense MA
(S) Set Up 4
Extra Stamina TY
Limited:Armor only applies on Active Defense.
8 + 12 + 6 + 6 + 3 – 3 = 32 / Gear (8) = MA4
The buckler embodies the idea of less is more. These small shields are held in one hand and allow the wielder to quickly pivot as needed. While not offering great protection, it can be applied in pivotal moments allowing the user the added defense needed. Because of it’s small size the buckler isn’t going to be scoring any big hits, but the compact nature also means the shield gets out of the way when needed, allowing the combatant to set up key strikes.
Bullet Resistant Vest 6
- Parent Attribute: Constitution
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor MA
Passive Defense MA
Resist: Ballistics (Immunity) MA2
Extra Stamina TY
Limited: Bypass Armor negates all Armor Provided
8 + 6 + 6 + 12 + 6 – 3 = 32 / Gear (8) = MA4
A staple of the modern action genre, these vests are designed with overlapping layers of kevlar or other substances to disperse kinetic energy, particularly bullets. The vest is notably more effective against ballistics but offers a degree of protection from all attacks.
Mail & Plate 6
- Parent Attribute: Strength
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor) MA2
Passive Defense MA
Extra Stamina MA
8 + 12 + 6 + 6 = 32 / Gear (8) = MA4
Weaving metal plates between chain links, this armor served as a staple throughout Asia and Europe. Mail & Plate was commonly layered over thick padding for added defense, and to prevent harming the wearer. Mail & Plate can also be used for a lot of other armors such as lamellar or splint.
Low Powered
Ballistic / Riot Shield 8
- Parent Attribute: Strength
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor, Impervious) MA3
Secondary Role: Offense (Full Role) MA2
Extra Stamina MA
Pick One:
- (S) (Combo or Rapid Action) Active Defense – Movement 3
- (S) (Combo or Rapid Action) Movement – Trip 3
- (S) Stagger 3
Limited:Armor only applies on Active Defense.
10 + 18 + 12 + 6 + 5 – 3 = 48 / Gear (8) = MA6
These heavily reinforced shields can stop virtually any attack with swift action. More so, modern designs allow for easy movement, and an ability to push opposing groups. Depending on the style, the shield is typically better at engaging, barricading, or serving as a support weapon to make space.
High Gothic Armor 8
- Parent Attribute: Constitution
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor) MA2
Passive Defense MA
Secondary Role: Offense MA
Extra Stamina MA2
(S) Active Defense 3
Limitation: – 20 for any fine manipulation
10 + 12 + 6 + 6 + 12 + 5 – 3 = 48 / Gear (8) = MA6
Gothic armor comes at a time when metallurgy and firearms are advancing at the same time. High Gothic armor represents a kind of last iteration of plate armors before pivoting to lighter and less cumbersome designs. Lighter than it might appear, and crafted to deflect incoming attacks, Gothic Plate was often embellished with filigree or other artistic touches. This becomes more pronounced as full plate armors transition into more of a ceremonial role.
Late Medieval Shield 8
- Parent Attribute: Dexterity
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor, Impervious) MA3
Secondary Role: Offense MA
Devastating MA
Extra Stamina MA
(S) Heavy Blow 3
Limited:Armor only applies on Active Defense.
10 + 18 + 6 + 6 +6 + 5 – 3 = 48 / Gear (8) = MA6
These sturdy shields were typically layered with metal reinforcing metal to prevent weak spots. Angled for better deflection, and capable of withstanding impacts from charging lancers. While the heater shield is most applicable to their period it may not be the most iconic. This build can be applied to round shields as well, for obvious reasons.
Plate Carrier 10
- Parent Attribute: Constitution
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor) MA2
Passive Defense MA
Resist: Ballistics (Immunity) MA2
Extra Stamina MA1TY
Limited: Bypass Armor negates all Armor Provided
12 + 12 + 6 + 12 + 9 – 3 = 48 / Gear (8) = MA6
The modern plate carrier layers soft armor behind removable armor plating that can be swapped out when damaged. This allows soldiers to both survive what would otherwise be lethal wounds and recover quickly.
Classic
Cuirass of Cortés 12
- Parent Attribute: Mental
- Primary Role: Defense
Ranged TY
Armor (Boost Armor) MA2
Passive Defense MA
Secondary Role: Support: Expression MA
Alter: Greed (Additional Time) MA2
(S) Corrupting The Innocent 3
Extra Stamina MA1TY
Limited: Bypass Armor negates all Armor Provided
14 + 3 + 12 + 6 + 6 + 12 + 5 + 9 – 3 = 64 / Gear (8) = MA8
Said to have been worn by Hernán Cortés, the breastplate is forever tarnished by his lust for wealth and power. Despite being made of steel, the cuirass shimmers gold in sunlight, but shadows seem to seep from the edges around the armor and the wearer themselves as if reaching out from the beyond.
V.O.I.D. Armor 12
- Parent Attribute: Intelligence
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor MA
Passive Defense MA
Secondary Role: Support: Constitution MA
New Communications: Radio TY
New Movement: Flight MA
Extra Stamina MA1TY
(S) Zero-G Operations 3
No Need For Breathing TY
Sealed Body TY
Burnout
14 + 18 + 6 + 6 + 12 + 5 + 3 + 3 – 3 = 64 / Gear (8) = MA8
The Vacuum Operations Integrated Defense (VOID) vac-suit is designed for use in orbital operations. Developed alongside the Odin defense platform, it is standard issue for crew of the Umbral Watch when operating outside the space station. The suit itself is designed to withstand abuse, and provide the wearer protection in any situation.
Refraction Shield 12
- Parent Attribute: Dexterity
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor, Impervious) MA3
Reflection MA
Resist: Energy MA
Secondary Role: Offense MA
Devastating MA
Extra Stamina MA1TY
(S) Reflection Defense 3
Limited:Armor only applies on Active Defense.
Limited: Reflection only applies to energy attacks.
14 + 18 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 9 + 5 – 3 – 3 = 64 / Gear (8) = MA8
Made from advanced polymers with reflective coatings, the refraction shield was originally designed for solar collection, but the chemical overlay proved too ineffective. During a lab break-in by Citizen Red, one of the scientists was saved by the coating by hiding behind one of the discarded panels; when the Red fired his laser and was struck by his own attack.
This led them to refining the panel and coating into the Refraction Shield.
High Powered
Force Shield 15
- Parent Attribute: Dexterity or Wisdom
- Primary Role: Defense
Armor (Boost Armor, Impervious 2) MA4
Secondary Role: Offense (Full Role) MA2
Devastating (Penetrating) MA2
Secondary Role: Support: Perseverance (Full Role) MA2
Barrier (Does Not Root) MA2
Limited:Armor only applies on Active Defense.
Limited: Requires 2 Actions to swap to Barrier.
Locked: Barrier cannot be used with Defense or Offense.
17 + 24 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 – 3 – 3 – 3 = 80 / Gear (8) = MA10
Developed from recovered alien technology following the Lensing Conflict, this prototype force field generator is mounted on a bracer. The shield projects a shapeable plane of energy that can be controlled through hand gestures. This allows the shield to be used both defensively, and offensively at close ranges. Additionally, the shield can lock down, projecting a force barrier for added protection. However, this requires complete commitment from the generator and has been seen more as a means for protection during engagement or disengagement from a combat situation.
Zenith Armor, Mark III-b 15
- Parent Attribute: Intelligence
- Primary Role: Defense
Ranged TY
Armor MA
Passive Defense MA
Secondary Role: Offense (Full Role) MA2
Devastating MA
Secondary Role: Support: Constitution MA
New Communications: Radio TY
New Movement: Flight MA
Extra Stamina MA1TY
No Need For Breathing TY
Sealed Body TY
17 + 3 + 6 + 6 + 12 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 6 + 9 + 3 + 3 = 80 / Gear (8) = MA10
Not a full upgrade to the existing Zenith Armor, the Mark III-b improves internal systems and resolves a number of systems issues that have mired the project in controversy. The Zenith Armor offers complete environmental protection, mobility and personal protection with its integrated energy blasters.
