Policy-6

The Proposal
==== 1.) More Accommodation in Academic Trials ====
(Proposed by Veloth)
Our academic testing has become a lot more extensive as we've evolved over the years. Unintentionally, we've alienated members who may have special needs in testing. As such we're looking to open up avenues for accommodation.
This policy would make academic trials follow a checkpoint system where each subsection only needs to be passed once.
So for example, let's say you're taking the Grunt academic trial, you pass all subsections except subsection 1.2. The next time you attempt your academic trials, you're only tested on the sections you failed (in this example that would be subsection 1.2).
==== 2.) Buffing Kikko Armor to Chain-Tier Levels of Protection ====
(Proposed by Lachlan)
Kikko armor is armor made up of butted hexagonal squares. They would often be used to span areas that were not easily covered by main armor parts. Kikko are flexible, making them idea for areas that will encounter a lot of movement.
The Empire classifies kikko in two ways:
# Traditional Kikko - Traditional Kikko are sewn in-between fabric layers much like a hidden brigandine armor. The plates are usually domed. Kikko in this style can only be used as auxiliary armor.
# Kusari Kikko - Kusari kikko use flat hexagonal squares that are interconnected by chain. Kikko in this style can be utilized as a main defense armor.
The current policies call for all kikko, in the traditional style, to be classified as leather-tier armor. The proposal would make all styles of kikko classified as chain-tier. We feel kikko is more protective than leather and requires an enormous amount of work to construct. We'd like to reward members for pursuing traditional armor by giving it more effective protection.
Because of the buff to protection, kikko would have to be made to the following quality standards:
* Traditional kikko must be made out of standard thickness material (1.2MM)
* Traditional Kikko must be assembled in a way where the plates are butted together as close as possible
** As a rule of thumb, plates should not be 1/8" or more apart.
* Traditional kikko fabric must contain at least 3 layers of cloth with all but the facing fabric being constructed out of heavy-grade fabrics and/or interfacing.
* Traditional kikko is still only permissible on the knees, neck, and as an under-layer armor such as wakibiki, manchira, and/or tate-eri.
This policy does not affect Kusari-kikko (armor that is already chain tier and only has to conform to chain-standards)