There are basically two types of armor: powered and non-powered.
Personal Armor
Non-powered armor is pretty generic in nature. This kind of armor that has no internal power source to help the wearer in any way. What the armor is made of is usually more important than who actually produced it. Armor includes any personal protective covering, from reinforced clothing to exoskeletal mechanical suits. For the most part, armor is available in full body suits, or, at a lower cost, some armor is available piecemeal.
| Type | Value (Impact/Energy) | Negate AP (Impact/Energy) | MIN STR | Weight | Cost | Notes |
| Syntheleather | +2/+0 | 0/0 | d4 | 10 | 100 | Can be worn under other armor. |
| Padded | +4/+0 | 0/0 | d4 | 8 | 200 | Can be worn under other armor. |
| Syntheleather Mesh | +4/+1 | 1/0 | d4 | 6 | 600 | Can be worn under other armor. |
| Plastovar | +4/+2 | 2/1 | d4 | 9 | 1000 | Can be worn under other armor. |
| Reflec | +0/+6 | 1/2 | d4 | 10 | 1100 | Can be worn under other armor. |
| Plasteel | +6/+6 | 2/2 | d6 | 12 | 2500 | Can be word over Synthleather or Padded. |
| Blowen Reflec | +4/+6 | 2/3 | d4 | 10 | 1250 | Can be worn under other armor. |
| Reflex | +6/+0 | 2/0 | d6 | 5 | 750 | Can be worn under other armor. |
| Kevlar Mark XX | +4/+2 | 2/1 | d4 | 10 | 600 | Bulky version of Plastovar |
| Reinforced Kevlar Mark XX | +6/+3 | 2/2 | d6 | 20 | 800 | Bulky version of Kevlar Mark XX |
Non-Powered Armor
By far the most common kind of armor available to the general public, most of the non-powered armor sacrifices protection for the twin benefits of mobility and concealment. There is some problems with the law when wearing these armors – they are highly restricted on a fair number of Imperial worlds, but are sometimes a necessity of life on the Fringe.
Syntheleather
Jackets or bodysuits made of synthetic leather, this is better than cloth or flesh at protecting a character, but not by much. It is of some use against impact attacks, but not against energy weapons.
Padded
Two layers of cloth with cushioned material in between, this is better at absorbing shocks than syntheleather but is largely useless against energy weapons. It is commonly worn as an undersuit for power armor.
Syntheleather Mesh
Synthetic leather fiber interwoven with metal mesh to form a light armor similar to chainmail. It is effective against both impact attacks, but not against energy weapons.
Plastovar
Plastovar is a combination of plastic and Kevlar. Thin and light, yet still good protection against attack, plastovar is favored by mega-corporate executives, who wish an unobtrusive armor to wear under their clothing. It is equally effective against all forms of impact attack and mildly effective against energy.
Reflec
This reflective material layered on a plastic base, designed for use against energy weapons. It is of little use against other forms of attack. It can be worn either under or over clothes.
Plasteel
Combining the strength of metallic armor with the relatively light weight of plastic, plasteel is among the best non-powered armor available. However, it does come with a price- increased minimum Strength.
Blowen-Reflec
Blowen-reflec is an alternative to power armor’s standard padded undersuit and is primarily made out of high temperature resistant carbon-fibers layered together. It offers good protection against impact and greater protection against energy weapons.
Reflex Armor
Similar to the gel-vest created by the Glahn, Reflex is a flexible armor that looks just like heavy cloth. When hit, the material turns rigid to resist impact. Reflex armor is effective against impact damage, but not energy attacks.
Kevlar Mark XX
Kevlar armor has been around for centuries, but these days, it’s been largely replaced by plastovar and the like. Still, there are some worlds where Kevlar is in use. Kevlar Mark XX is thick, layered protection that works against impact weapons. It’s less effective against energy weapons. Due to its’ thickness, it can not be used as an undersuit nor can it pass off as normal clothing.
Reinforced Kevlar Mark XX
For 200 credits more, ceramic plates can be added to Kevlar Mark XX between the layers of armor. This doubles the weight of the armor but increases its toughness and helps against energy attacks, since the ceramic disperses heat
Power Armor
Power armor is very producer specific. Many companies make powered armor, and different suits have different capabilities and provide different levels of protection. Power armor has an internal skeleton and various motors to help compensate for the weight of the armor. Some of them increase the strength of the wearer at extra expense.
Just like weapons, power armor is sold as a base model with lots of options that can be incorporated into the suit. These options are, of course, extra, but they allow you to get a suit of armor tailored specifically to your needs and your budget.
Various forms of power armor are now standard issue for both the Consortium and corporate marines. These suits are expensive but give you a better chance of surviving. In addition to the obvious benefits, most suits are loaded with electronic gear that can keep you up and shooting even in hazardous environments. Power armor isn’t available to the general public, in most places.
The Brodie Powered Armor Series
| Powered Armor | Type | Value | Pace | Mods | Wt | Cost | Notes |
| Brodie Mark I ACS | L | +8 | 9 | 6 | 100 | 500K | |
| Brodie Mark II ACS | L | +9 | 9 | 6 | 110 | 600K | |
| Brodie Mark III ACS | M | +10 | 6 | 6 | 200 | 1.1M | Sensor Suite, Bio-Medical Suite, Targeting Systems |
| Brodie Mark IV DSAC | H | +12 | 4 | 8 | 300 | 2M | Sensor Suite, Command Pack, Bio-Medical Suite, Targeting Systems |
| Brodie Mark V DSAC | H | +13 | 4 | 9 | 325 | 2.2M | Sensor Suite, Command Pack, Bio-Medical Suite, Targeting Systems |
| Brodie Armored Avenger | H | +14 | 4 | 5 | 500 | 3M | Sensor Suite, Command Pack, Bio-Medical Suite, Targeting Systems, Weapon (Brodie XAP4 Auto Plasma Blaster), Weapon(Brodie Repeating Laser Pistol), Weapon (Bluster Guided Missiles). |
Power Armor is what made Brodie famous, setting the standard for power armor. More than a few mega-corporations died trying to compete. Currently, a vast majority of the suits on the black market are is just cheap knock-offs of the Brodie design.
Brodie Mark I ACS (Light Powered Armor)
The Brodie Mark I Armored Combat Suit (ACS) was designed for the upper end of the power-armor market. While it provided similar protection to other suits at the time, there were several important differences. First, the Brodie ACS armor was marketed as a complete suit and could not be bought in pieces. Secondly, the Brodie suits had a better integrated servo-motor unit, so it was easier to move around in it. Finally, the Brodie ACS allowed for more add-ons than any other.
Brodie Mark II ACS (Light Powered Armor)
The only difference between the Brodie Mark I and Mark II was a slight increase in the protection provided and some aesthetic improvements to make it look sleeker.
Brodie Mark III ACS (Medium Powered Armor)
The suit provides better protection against attacks than any other at the time of it’s introduction into the market, although not without a price. There was an increased difficulty of free movement. The Mark III comes with a fairly impressive electronic suite installed as standard equipment, including a biomedical and diagnostic scanner, targeting scanner and mapping system, all of which can be projected onto a Heads-Up Display.
Brodie Mark IV DSAC (Heavy Power Armor)
Probably the best armor currently on the market, the Brodie Mark IV Deep Space and Armored Combat Suit (DSAC) is also the most expensive. It is worn both by Consortium marines and corporate troops. Although relatively bulky, it is highly effective against all forms of attack. The Mark IV can be worn with a padded undersuit for a cumulative bonus.
The Mark IV must be customized to the wearer’s body. It is possible to override its programming with customization software, but this can be unreliable. Armor that has not been customized may freeze up or even do damage to the wearer (gamemaster option). The Brodie suit relies on a complicated series of servomotors and micro-hydraulics to operate. It is not sold in pieces, but only as a complete suit. It is equipped with power packs and ports for use with some Brodie energy weapons.
Within each helmet is a small computer that wraps around the wearer’s head from ear to ear. This monitors all of the armor’s functions, including projecting a Heads Up Display (HUD), biomedical systems, scanner programs, and briefing data downloaded from a ship’s terminal. A commander’s suit will often feature a bio-monitor, allowing him to keep tabs on the conditions of his troops.
The helmet also features a port which can attached to a long-range sensor dish, for use on scouting missions. The dish is contained in a small, metallic container which can be fastened to the leg of the suit with electromagnets.
The helmet computer is voice-activated and has complete control over the suit’s systems. It is possible, simply by saying “Glove” firmly and clearly, to increase the Strength of that particular armor unit. Different suits have different “standard” functions, so the gamemaster should work out any special functions (and price increases) for the armor.
Brodie Mark V DSAC
The last version of the Brodie power suit, it looks identical to the Mark IV. It provides a limited increase in armor protection, but it’s main advantage lies in the micro-miniaturization of its systems. This has allowed for an unprecedented number of add-ons in both helmet and suit. Currently, this suit is issued only to Fleet Marine commanders.
Brodie Armored Avenger (Heavy Armor)
The Avenger is a heavy powered armor suit that allows the user to stay on the battlefield for up to three weeks without a recharge. It can also be used to recharge other Brodie suits, although this will diminish its own power supply significantly. The Avenger is designed as mobile fire support for regular troops.
Some have described the Avenger as a box with arms and legs. While not as sleek and pretty as a Mark IV or V units, it is a very effective armor suit. The Avenger features a number of integrated weapons, including a Brodie XAP4 Auto Plasma Blaster (right arm) and a Brodie Repeating Laser Pistol (left wrist). These weapons are linked to the suit’s power system and thus enjoy near continuous fire. The plasma laser has 100 hydrogen fuel cells which are reloaded from the back. Two Bluster guided missiles are mounted on the back of the unit.
WEAPONRY
| Weapon | Range | Damage | RoF | Shots | Mods | Notes |
| Brodie XAP4 Auto Plasma Blaster | 40/80/160 | 2d10 | 3 | 100 | 1 | SA, 3RB |
| Brodie Repeating Laser Pistol | 40/80/160 | 2d8 | 3 | * | 1 | SA, 3RB, Consider this weapon to have unlimited ammo as long as suit is charged. |
| Bluster Guided Missiles | 6d6 | 200/400/800 | 2 | 2 | 1 | AP 8, HW, SBT |
The McGinley Powered Armor Series
| Powered Armor | Type | Value | Pace | Mods | Wt | Cost | Notes |
| McGinley XR Scout Armor | H | +10 | 4 | 8 | 200 | 1M | Sensor Suite, Stealth System, Bio-Medical Suite, Targeting Systems |
| McGinley Paladin Battle Armor | H | +11 | 4 | 8 | 300 | 1.8M | Sensor Suite, Command Pack, Bio-Medical Suite, Targeting Systems |
The McGinley Corporation is one of the last major armor manufacturers still producing its own unique gear and not just ripping off Brodie.
McGinley XR Scout Armor
The XR Scout is made of plasteel, with a light servo-motor system to assist with movement. The XR is designed more for stealth and freedom of movement than for toughness, however. This unit won’t stand up as well as a Brodie units of the same class. Additional features of the armor include a full electronic countermeasures suite, thermal masking, and light absorption paint which covers the entire suit.
McGinley Paladin Battle Armor
McGinley’s affordable alternative to Brodie’s high-cost armor, the Paladin is the matching product to the Brodie Mark IV. It has full ENVI capabilities but does not offer the kind of protection or all the extras that the Brodie does. But it is less expensive than the Brodie suits.