The book rules regarding armor are actually very good, but they aren't spelled out very clearly in regards to modern ballistic stuff. These rules clarify how modern armor functions in combat. Shields, archaic armor, and other protective devices are not covered here (see page 175 of Armory).
Modern ballistic armor is bulletproof, meaning that it downgrades the damage from ranged projectiles from Lethal to Bashing. This effect applies not only against bullets, but also against arrows and crossbow quarrels. It even degrades damage from rifles, thanks to built-in trauma plates of metal and ceramic. These plates vary in thickness with the weight of the rest of the armor.
Certain armors can be bought without trauma plates installed. The Generic Soft Armor Modification reduces the armor's cost and defense penalty while increasing its concealment modifier, but restricts the armor's effectiveness: any weapon whose damage code exceeds the armor's ballistic rating deals full Lethal damage. This modification is not available for the Kevlar Shirt.
Lighter armor can be worn underneath other clothes to make it less obvious. When worn this way, apply the armor's Concealment rating as a modifier to any Perception-like tests made to find or notice the concealed armor.
Bulletproof armor can still be defeated by Armor Piercing ammunition. This ammo has a hard metal core designed to pierce through the tightly woven ballistic fabric of the armor and into the person wearing it.
Armor Piercing ammo has two main benefits:
Some very expensive and very bulky armor is designed specifically to counter AP ammo. Reinforced Riot Gear always downgrades the damage from incoming firearms attacks from Lethal to Bashing, no matter how much the ballistic rating is reduced.
These are the common types of armor from Armory, with notes.
| Type | Rating | Strength | Defense | Speed | Conceal | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevlar Shirt | 0/1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | • | Only bulletproof vs 1L |
| Kevlar Vest | 1/2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -1 | •• | |
| Bulletproof Vest | 2/3 | 1 | -1 | 0 | 0 | ••• | |
| Vest Accessories | 1/2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | •• | Each piece bought separately (A175) |
| Riot Gear | 3/4 | 2 | -2 | -1 | +1 | ••• | |
| Reinforced Riot Gear | 3/4 | 2 | -2 | -1 | +2 | •••• | Downgrades AP rounds |
| Generic Soft Armor Mod | -/- | - | -1 | - | -1 | -1 | Only bulletproof vs damage code lower than rating |