V1.0
This mod adds a new set of armor called "Improved Ballistic Vests". Think of it like a ballistic vest worn under your pawn's shirt that offers outstanding Blunt protection and so-so Sharp protection, but only for the Torso. Contour Armor occupies it's own Apparel Slot, so theres no need to worry about it conflicting with your existing gear!
It is craftable at a tailoring bench or smithy for 25 steel and 45 fabric or leathers. It will take on the color of the material used and will show up beneath your pawn's skin layer apparel.
From my extensive testing, Outlanders, Spacers, Pirates and the Empire can spawn wearing these. Because their primary purpose is to mitigate and absorb incoming blunt damage and mitigate sharp, you should beware any enemies who arrive wearing Recon, Marine or Cataphract armor with an Improved Ballistic Vest on. Even a Genie would make a fine juggernaut in that getup.
I haven't just slapped some numbers together for the armor values willy-nilly. I used a damage calculator to place the IBVs along the wealth:protection curve set between Flak Armor and Marine Armor. Think of them as an extra tool at your disposal for when you aren't satisfied with the protection offered by flak vests and bandoliers/dusters but aren't ready to commit to mass producing marine armor.
The intent is for you to use Devilstrand as the material, however, I balanced with Plainleather, Thrumbofur and Hyperweave in mind as well. Even if you get a legendary Thrumbofur IBV it won't make your pawn immortal. I didn't test whether or not it is too OP against mechanoid lasers to be able to stack the heat protection of a Devilstrand Duster and Devilstrand IBV, but as the IBV doesn't cover limbs I suspect it won't be as signifigant as Devilstrand shirts and pants.
If you have Anomaly, I highly suggest pairing IBVs with Bioferrite Plate Armor on your melee units. It is highly effective and extremely cost effective, though without a shieldbelt they still are vulnerable to Bolt Actions, Sniper Rifles, Charge Lances, Explosives, Tox, and of course Headshots. Don't forget your Bioferrite Flak Helmets!
