http://theboxotruth.com/docs/bot24.htm
So here we have some real world (though hardly scientific) tests with layered armor.
Stepping out of the SR ruleset, what sort of impact would wearing multiple layers of such armor have?
And going back to game rules, how would you translate what is shown in the demonstration into actual mechanics?
Full Version: Possible Context for Layering Armor
I don't know how well it models reality, but older editions had a layering rule that halved the armor value of each layer beyond the first. If I were to allow this, I would still count the full armor values for encumbrance purposes. I figure halving the values should work, because armor value represents a few factors beyond the armor's toughness, such as the completeness of coverage. That said, I have no idea how well that matches up with how armor actually works. I'm just glad none of my players have tried to do it, 'cuz then I'd actually have to make a decision about it. 
| QUOTE (TheOneRonin) |
| And going back to game rules, how would you translate what is shown in the demonstration into actual mechanics? |
You have to separate damage value from armor penetration value. Probably by fiated armor values that will stop type a but not b. Major mechanics change, as the armor depends on where you struck the target. It doesn't matter how many armor vests you are wearing when you get shot in the head. Which means you need to have a decent hit location system. This is much more difficult (to me anyway) then doing a table of armor and bullets
Armor tests (when performed in a more controlled way) show that using a plate twice as thick is typically quite a bit more effective than two half-thickness plates bolted together. But two half thickness plates bolted together will be somewhat more effective than a single plate. Not sure how it works with flexible or nonmetallic armor. But the old rule might not be too bad.
| QUOTE (kzt) |
| Not sure how it works with flexible or nonmetallic armor. But the old rule might not be too bad. |
Flexible armor always consists of multiple layers of sheets.
Whether efficiency is truly linear is an interesting question, but halving the effect of the second layer is a bit much of a reduction.
well it's more of an issue of game balence then anything else. If you allow it to stack then the players can feel safe and that is always a bad thing in my opinion.
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