See also: Armor Qualities
Protective armor exists in the Star Wars universe, but only the lightest types see widespread use. Heavier armor is considered to be too expensive, too restrictive, and just not worth the trouble unless it serves an additional function (such as providing environmental protection, as in the case of Imperial Snowtrooper Armor).
Many forms of armor are restricted or even illegal outside of approved military uses. In locations where armor isn't prohibited, the wearer of armor identifies himself as someone who either expects to cause trouble or expects trouble to come his way.
List of armors by Proficiency:
- Light Armor: The most common Armors, found anywhere from civilians to experienced hunters.
- Medium Armor: Considered the standard other armors compare themselves to, these Armors are typically used by military troopers, and various militia.
- Heavy Armor: Top of the line armor, primarily used by military specialists, and high-spec mercenaries.
Armor Check Penalty[]
While wearing armor with which you are not proficient, you take an armor check penalty on attack rolls, as well as Skill Checks made using the following Skills:
The type of Armor worn determines the size of the penalty: Light Armor, -2; Medium Armor, -5; Heavy Armor, -10. Additionally, you do not gain the armor's Equipment bonuses.
For example, a character not proficient with Light Armor who dons a suit of Stormtrooper Armor takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls and certain Skill Checks (see above). In addition, they do not gain the Armor's Equipment bonus on Perception checks, and cannot apply the Armor's Equipment bonus to his Fortitude Defense.
To Wear Armor Or Not[]
See also: Wearing Incomplete Armor
A character's Reflex Defense can be improved with Armor; however a character who wears armor chooses to apply the armor's bonus to Reflex Defense instead of their Heroic Level. They also choose to take a penalty on certain Skill Checks, as noted in the above section.
As a character gains levels, Armor bonuses become less enticing. For example, a 5th-level heroic character has less reason to wear Armor that grants an Armor bonus of +5 or less, unless the armor confers some other useful benefit or the character has the Armored Defense or Improved Armored Defense Talents. Still, some characters enjoy the benefit of having a higher Fortitude Defense and Damage Threshold; against very dangerous opponents, Armor can literally be the difference between life and death.
Encumbrance by Armor[]
Main Article: Encumbrance
Your armor defines your maximum Dexterity bonus to Reflex Defense, your Armor Check Penalty, your Speed, and how fast you move when you Run. Unless your character is weak or carrying a lot of gear, that's all you need to know. The extra gear your character carries, such as weapons and Medpacs, won't slow your character any more than your Armor already does.
If your character is carrying a really Heavy Load, however, then you'll need to calculate Encumbrance by Weight.