Armor

Its what you wear to protect you from harm. It takes many forms and shapes.
Among armor are some sub-types:

• Partial. Armor that covers only a portion of the wearer's body and has a chance to be bypassed.
• Full. Armor that effectively covers the wearer's entire body
• Environmental Armor. Provides a complete airtight seal and covers the entire body.
• Power Armor. Heavier, more protective version of environmental armor allowing for faster movement and carrying heavier weapons.

On Rifts Earth, the supernatural nature of many monsters makes them capable of tearing through most materials with ease. This led to the defenders of earth equipping themselves with armor. The ubiquity of armor became a market of its own and armor capable of defending against not only supernatural creatures, but also the weapons of the modern battlefield became commonplace.
Since high technology materials are rare and expensive, many armors are constructed of materials harvested from these supernatural monsters. There is a solid market for such materials in every community, and many a hunter has made a living off these harversts. The ranchers of the Barony of Testament have begun the domestication of some beasts with supernaturally tough hides for just this purpose.

Used by

• Power Armor
• Environmental Armor

Raw materials & Components

Almost without exception, armor comes in two layers. The first layer is a harness. This is a webwork of straps with the ability to adjust for size and fit and comfort. Upon this harness are attached the actual armor shells. This permits people to repair and replace their armor in pieces.
Environmental armor will typically replace the harness with a reinforced membrane that serves the same purpose but also provides a sealed barrier to the atmosphere.
Due to this methodology, a third-party and customized armor aftermarket has arisen.