Granite Shell + Shields Options

[Umidori]

Granite Shell (15 BP): The character’s skin contains massive calcite inclusions that make it appear grayish and hard as rock. Treat Granite Shell as 3/3 armor that counts as Hardened Armor (p. 288, SR4). This quality is not compatible with any worn armor and counts for Armor and Encumbrance (p. 161*, SR4A*).

Helmets and shields do not count as separate pieces of armor; instead, they modify the rating of worn armor by their rating (Armor and Encumbrance, p. 161).

Armor and Encumbrance

If a character is wearing more than one piece of armor at a time, only the highest value (for either Ballistic or Impact) applies. Note that some armor items, like helmets and shields, provide a modifier to the worn armor rating and so do not count as stacked armor.

Too much armor, however, can slow a character down. If either of a character’s armor ratings exceeds his Body x 2, apply a –1 modifier to Agility and Reaction for every 2 points (or fraction thereof ) that his Body x 2 is exceeded. Note that this may affect Initiative as well. If a character is wearing multiple armor items, add their ratings together before comparing to Body.

So Granite Shell gives you 3/3 Hardened Armor, and it counts as worn armor, per the Armor and Encumbrance rules.

Helmets and shields do not count as worn armor, but modify the rating of worn armor, which Granite Shell counts as. By RAW, it seems that having the Granite Shell quality, carrying a Ballistic Shield, and wearing any of the +2/+2 helmet varieties would give you a modified Hardened Armor of 11/9.

Not sure if intended... but I'm having a hard time arguing against it based purely on RAW.

~Umi