SURVIVAL SUIT (PL 6) The survival suit is the natural extension of wilderness survival gear popularized in the Information Age. Thanks to continued minia-turization of technology along with advance-ments in chemical engineering, the survival suit allows its wearer to function for days or even weeks on end without a source of wa-ter or rations. The basic premise of the surviv-al suit is that in order to continue living in harsh environments the human body must conserve and recycle resources. As a result, the survival suit, which looks much like a wet-suit covered with matte-black pads, is able to control the intake and waste of the human body in an efficient manner. Water is stored in small pouches all over the suit and can be drawn through a small tube that protrudes from the collar; the suit purifies and recycles sweat and urine and refills the pouches as needed. The outside if the survival suit bears a number of partially reflective black pads, which absorb solar en-ergy and heat and store that energy in tiny heat cells throughout the suit. If the tempera-ture begins to drop, these cells can release energy and maintain a comfortable tempera-ture for the human body for up to 8 hours without needing to recharge. If these cells are empty, the suit also has chemical pouch-es that can be activated one time for another 8 hours of heat. A tiny intravenous feeding system provides nourishment when rations and food run out for up to six days. Tiny fans and vents built into the suit cool the body in temperatures of extreme heat without losing body moisture.

MAGGAUNTLETS (PL 6) Often used in conjunction with other types of armor, MagGauntlets provide a small tacti-cal advantage to combatants carrying weap-ons. MagGauntlets provide some defense against attacks, but their real advantage comes in the fact that they project a magnet-ic field that holds metallic objects in the palm of the hand, reinforcing the wearer’s grip on weapons and equipment. MagGauntlets pro-vide a +6 bonus to the wearer’s attempts to resist being disarmed.

FLIGHT SUIT AND HELMET (PL 5+) The flight suit and helmet combination worn by combat pilots doubles as body armor that protects grounded pilots. The flight suit con-tains Kevlar-lined pouches on the chest, back, arms, legs, and abdomen, into which armor plates are inserted. The helmet protects the head. The armored flight suit carries over in-to later Progress Levels. Most military pilots in later eras wear armored flight suits and hel-mets essentially the same as this PL 5 version, though in a design appropriate to their society.

SCOUT ARMOR (PL 6) Scout armor is similar in many ways to light combat armor, but with a few notable excep-tions. Scout armor is painted with camou-flage patterns (woodland, desert, winter, ur-ban, and black are available), which grant a +2 bonus to Hide checks in the appropriate environment. Scout armor lacks the kneepads and leg wear of light combat armor, increasing mobility but decreasing protection. Scout ar-mor often incorporates survival gadgets as fits the terrain for which it is designed.

LIGHT COMBAT ARMOR (PL 6) Light combat armor provides less protection that later, heavier types, but also allows in-creased mobility. Most light combat armors consist of a reinforced blast vest, shoulder and upper arm pads, thigh and abdomen pads, and kneepads. Some also include hel-mets and visors, though not all light combat armors incorporate this aspect of the armor.

CF LONG AND SHORT COATS (PL 6) Designed to resemble a well-made jacket or coat, the CF coat uses extensive weaves of resistant carbon fibers to deflect damage. The long coat almost touches the ground, and can pass as a duster or trench coat. The short coat comes down to the waist and can be worn as part of a suit or as a simple jacket.

CF SOFTSUIT (PL 7) The CF softsuit represents the highest level of carbon fiber advancement. It can be woven into lightweight clothing styles, providing protection that doesn’t look like protection at all.