Cost: 46 credits/115 platinum

Availability: Core Worlds

Used much like the bulletproof vests of Earth-That-Was, ballistic mesh is a finely-woven cloth of metal and plastic over polymer sheeting. In basic dummy-talk, the mesh stops bullets, and it isn't as heavy or bulky as other armors. Problem is, it doesn't do much against knives, high caliber rounds, explosives, and so on.

CHAFF SUIT

Cost: 88 credits/220 platinum

Availability: ILLEGAL

A chaff suit is covered with a metallic weave and wired through with a host of electronic signal bafflers. Wearing one screens you from most forms of electronic detection other than visual, weight, or sound-based. It looks fairly ridiculous, like a pair of hooded coveralls covered with short streamers of shiny metal foil, but results don't lie. It offers no other protection.

CHAMELEON CLOAK

Cost: 36 credits/90 platinum

Availability: ILLEGAL

Consisting of a long hooded cloak covered with clumps of fiber optic wires sprouted about. It's baggy enough to cover at least two people if they're snug together. A chameleon cloak has an integral computer wired together with the passel of light sensors and emitters. It offers minimal armor protection.

CHAMELEON SUIT

Cost: 40 credits/100 platinum

Availability: ILLEGAL

Snipers favor these to remain hidden while on the job. Mostly it consists of a baggy set of overalls with clumps of fiber optic wires sprouting here and there, the suit also sports a small computer and dozens of light sensors placed around it. When activated, the suit attempts to match its color to the surrounding area. It does a decently good job if the wearer holds still.

DIVING GEAR

Cost: 18 credits/45 platinum 

Availability: Core Worlds

Based on the old-style SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) gear from Earth-That-Was, diving gear contains a rebreather, mask, flippers, a weighted belt, and a bodysuit. There're fancier ones, but the basics are the same. 

DUSTER, ARMORED

Cost: 6 credits/15 platinum

Availability: Rim Worlds

A long coat fashioned of tough-but-supple leather with armored mesh woven beneath the surface, and rigid plates on the shoulders and chest. Fashionable and functional.

FLIGHT SUIT

Cost: 14 credits/35 platinum

Availability: Everywhere

A snug, reinforced suit for use by pilots and crew onboard planetary air defense vehicles, and some forms of starship without gravity plating. The suit helps the pilot resist G-forces and incorporates a thin layer of insulation, enough to protect the wearer modestly.

GROUNDER MESH

Cost: 80 credits/200 platinum

Availability: ILLEGAL

If you're in the line of work where you find yourself opposed to someone, say Alliance troops, armed with stunners, this is the pair of long-johns for you. A one-piece thin, ground mesh goes under your street clothing and provides protection against any sort of electromagnetic pulse would otherwise send you floorward in a hurry. 

HELMET, INFANTRY

Cost: 16 credits/40 platinum

Availability: Everywhere

A basic metal or composite helmet with a cloth or mesh covering.

HELMET, SQUAD

Cost: 35 credits/88 platinum

Availability: Core Worlds

This helmet originated with the Alliance during the war. It functions in the same ways as an Infantry Helmet, but also includes a small communicator to allow members of a squad to stay in constant communication. Unfortunately, and understandably, the design impedes hearing and peripheral vision.

MASK, NBC

Cost: 8 credits/10 platinum

Availability: Core Worlds

A fancy gas-mask, this gadget lets you breathe safely in an area contaminated by nuclear, biological, or chemical hazards. Unfortunately, the mask doesn't let you see all that well, and it doesn't protect the rest of your body.

NBC BODY SUIT

Cost: 32 credits/80 platinum

Availability: Core Worlds

A full-body, airtight, hazardous environment suit provides complete protection from nuclear, biological, and chemical hazards. The mask allows for slightly better vision than the NBC Mask. The bulky material makes it difficult to handle small objects or perform feats that require coordination.

PLATE VEST

Cost: 30 credits/75 platinum

Availability: Everywhere

Ceramic inserts sewn into a ballistic mesh offer torso protection on both the back and the front. Unlike the ballistic mesh, the plate vest will protect against sharp instruments (knives, axes), as well as bullets. The upside - the plate looks like a normal garment. The downside - the weight and bulk restrict movement slightly.

RIOT GEAR

Cost: 92 credits/230 platinum

Availability: Core Worlds

Full law-enforcement riot gear consists of composite and ceramic plating sewn in various special pockets all over a specially made ballistic mesh suit. The suit includes a helmet with a face plate. Unfortunately, the helmet impairs hearing and vision, and the suit is bulky enough to be a mite cumbersome - but then, there's some as like to see the law slowed down a bit anyway.

SHIELD, HEATER

Cost: 8 credits/20 platinum

Availability: Core Worlds

An old-fashioned shield from times long gone, used for defense in a less civilized time, called heaters for their shape. For use against melee situations or if you're lucky as light cover. 

SHIELD, TACTICAL

Cost: 10 credits/25 platinum

Availability: The Alliance

A big clear rectangle of reinforced ballistic polymers, this shield generally sees use in riots or crowd control situation -- where a group of Alliance soldiers or constabulary line up and make a wall, one that's flexible enough to shove back. A lot more useful than a heater, but not exactly anywhere near as obtainable.

TACTICAL SUIT

Cost: 110 credits/275 platinum

Availability: ILLEGAL

This is the armor Alliance Federals wear, usually with a Squad Helmet. The suit covers the entire body and is armored with ceramic and composite plates, along with heavy padding. It will stop a heap of damage, but tends to rattle when you walk.

VACUUM SUIT

Cost: 67 credits/168 platinum

Availability: Everywhere

Heavy, bulky, and generally restricting, vacuum suits are an absolute essential out in the black. They can be tricky to get on and off, though, so allow yourself some time to get into it. You need to take good care of these to keep 'em working. A bullet hole or similar can be closed up with patch tape, but it is generally worthwhile to invest in a new suit when you get the credits.