Powered Armor

*"Feels like you can take on the whole Universe in there, doesn't it?"*

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>  *-Attributed to Llucerian Morningstar, Luminarch of The Ist Legion as he spoke to the rediscovered Xann Vakosa, Luminarch of the IXth Legion upon her first donning of Power Armor*
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**Imperial Power armor** stands as a pinnacle of advanced combat gear, serving as the formidable battle-plate primarily worn by the esteemed Imperial Legions. Nevertheless, customized variants have been developed for employment by mortal forces within the Stellar Imperium. These exoskeletal suits, often fully enclosed, boast a fusion of cutting-edge technologies, combining shaped Trungenite and plasteel plates, intricate circuitry, and delicate hydraulics. The outer layer varies, offering either ceramic Trungenite or Adamantine ablative layers based on the wearer's requirements or station within the Imperiums Militant Hierarchy.

Beneath its imposing exterior, each suit of Power armor is equipped with a comprehensive suite of life-support systems, ensuring the wearer's survival in hostile and variable environments. These systems include automated medicae capabilities, providing rudimentary first aid to an injured wearer, as well as state-of-the-art tactical targeting and threat analysis systems collectively referred to as Automatic Neuro-linked Smart senses or simply "smart-senses."

Despite its imposing weight and bulkiness, Power armor design incorporates electrically-motivated fiber bundles that mimic and enhance the wearer's movements, augmenting their physical prowess. For the Imperial Marines, this augmentation surpasses their already impressive superhuman abilities. In a symbiotic union with the wearer's nervous system, a Marine's armor seamlessly integrates, creating a haptic layer that enhances their performance on hostile battlefields. Crafting a single suit of power armor demands an extensive time investment, often spanning several solar years, and each suit is meticulously maintained by skilled Legion serfs or even by the wearers themselves. These suits are revered as unique artifacts, cherished by their respective Legions for their individual spirit and storied history.

Most Power armor marks boast an array of auxiliary systems that significantly enhance the wearer's combat effectiveness. Among these enhancements are thought-activated communications systems, augurs for gathering vital information, audio filters, targeting reticules, and a multitude of other cutting-edge features.

The life support functions integrated within the armor encompass pain suppressors, combat stimulants, and anti-venoms, further ensuring the wearer's survival in perilous situations. Reinforced greaves incorporate gyroscopic stabilizers and power units that magnetize the soles of the armor's boots, facilitating combat in zero-gravity environments and vacuum voids.

While power armor is most commonly associated with the renowned Imperial Legions, it also finds application within the Emperor's Guard Regiments and among the operatives of the Ordos Quintus of the Imperial Security Systems. However, these alternate armors may not possess the same strength-enhancing properties or comprehensive life-support functions found in the Legion Tier power armor. Similarly, they may not offer the same level of protection or mobility, representing a divergence from the pinnacle of Power armor technology.

## Design

The formidable suits of Imperial power armor are meticulously crafted utilizing thick ceramic-Trungenite alloy plates, which encase the wearer completely. And without the aid of electrically motivated fiber bundles, these suits would prove cumbersome, but these bundles faithfully replicate the movements of the bearer whilst augmenting their physical strength. Within the realm of power armor, distinct design Generations exist, each encompassing different patterns or "marks" of armor that exhibit significant variations in appearance and function. Many of the older marks hold special significance for particular Legions, often donned by their ceremonial honor guards or elite units.

The responsibility of maintaining power armor falls upon skilled Artificers, who are typically not the direct bearers of the armor. Instead, they are mortal human servants dedicating their lives to serving the Legion. Exceptionally talented Artificers are highly celebrated, and their crafted suits are held in great esteem.

The fully sealed nature of power armor isolates the wearer from the external environment, safeguarding them against chemical and biological weapons, as well as toxic atmospheres. Furthermore, power armor commonly incorporates a multitude of auxiliary systems, including radio frequency communicators, smart-senses, and more.

The Neuro-Enhanced Machinery Operating System (NEMOS) Link, a sophisticated biotechnology facilitates the integration between the human nervous system and machine systems, be they weaponized or otherwise. This advanced system of neuroactive, black fibrous material is carefully implanted directly under the skin of the Bearers torso, thighs, upper-arms and forelimbs, in conjunction with The S.I neural augment that spans along the spine. This biomechanical link establishes a direct and instinctual neural connection between the Bearer and their power armor, effectively transforming it into a seamless second skin.

The advanced systems integrated into Imperial power armor continuously monitor the Bearers biological functions through the NEMOS and S.I, relaying pertinent medical data to the wearer and, if necessary, to the Imperial Medical Forces in the event of injury.

Located within the posterior power-pack of the armor is its primary power source—a Micro Arc-Reactor, a sub-atomic microfusion generator. Additionally, a backup solar power converter and a set of 100 micro solar cell batteries are present to store absorbed solar energy.

The backpack also houses the armor's environmental and life support systems, along with supplementary movement stabilizer thrusters designed for combat in low-gravity or zero-gravity environments.

## History and Development

> "*Shells, blades, fire or claw - none shall slow the march of a power armored Son of The Emperors Legions.*"
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Power armor has been in use by humanity millennia before the Age of the Stellar Imperium, utilized by humanities armies in the Golden Age of Mankind, and inevitably worn by the techno-barbarian clans that dominated Terra during the Long Dark. It would also be worn by the early genetically-engineered warriors that formed part of the Emperor's retinue during his unification of Terra towards the end of the Long Dark in the 90th Millennium.

In the armor's earliest incarnation, the suit was not fully sealed or life-supporting, being an unnecessary function whilst its use was still confined solely to Terra. But over the history of the Imperium though, power armor has developed into many different forms. Need, circumstances and the recovery of new materials and lost advanced technology, this so-called archeotech, has shaped the armor's evolution. The common image of the Emperor's Imperial Luminous Marines is of mighty warriors arrayed in imposing suits of armor made of ceramic Trungenite plates, adorned with the Heraldry of their Legions and Homeworlds.

All the recent types are still in active use, to varying degrees, by the existing Imperial Legions, whilst earlier pre-powered patterns have been seconded to other arms of the Imperial Army. And working examples of the older powered marks, meanwhile, are often extremely rare and valued as a physical link to the history of the Imperial Marines. Older patterns of power armor are reserved for ceremonial guards or used as the badge of office of high-ranking officers. It may be noted that there appears to be a steady improvement in engineering and design through the years.

However this progress is often not because of any particular invention or creativity. Rather, the changes were triggered by the gradual rediscovery of knowledge and materials from the Golden Age of Technology, as the Emperor's Great Crusade reconquered the galaxy.

## Armor Iterations

The **AEGIS** (*Advanced Exoskeletal Gear for Integrated Supremacy*) Powered Assault Armor, also known as The Luminous Armor in its later iterations, represents a pinnacle of technological advancement in the realm of combat exoskeleton systems. Specifically engineered to enhance the physical capabilities of the esteemed forces within the Imperialis Militant, the cutting-edge armor of the Stellar Imperium provides a monumental boost to strength, speed, agility, reflexes, and overall durability. It serves as a game-changing asset across the entire spectrum of the Imperium's military, extending from the formidable Mortal armies of the Emperor's Guard Regiments to the battle-hardened Imperial Legions and their Luminarch Leaders in the heat of conflict.

## Gen 1 Imperial Power Armor Variants

Its initial design plans were not completed until Dr. Nysa and Sr. Research Engineer Dr. Lethos acquired the plans for their Project: AEGIS and brought the armor into existence. Its design was developed from the rudimentary powered combat armor worn by the techno-barbarians that plagued Old Terra near the end of the Long Dark. It was used during the Emperor's campaign to retake and reunite the Terran solar system before the Great Crusade. But it was by no means unique to the first Imperial Marines though -- in fact, the techno-barbarian warriors the Emperor fought during the conquest of Terra wore it too, and the Emperor's early forces of genetically-enhanced I'cartes were wearing it even before the first true Imperial Marines were created.
However, because it was designed with fighting in a terrestrial environment solely in mind, it was not fully enclosed, with no means to support the wearer in a vacuum. Due to this only the upper body was powered, in part to the fact that during the Emperor's conquest of Terra, ranged weapons were difficult to make due to technological constraints, and so a warrior's upper-body strength was his most important asset.
It takes its name from the fact it is the base of all subsequent Patterns and Marks of Imperial Power Armor. That fact gave the armor its most common present-day name -- Basalic Armor. This early armor was produced on a completely local basis. There was no standard design, individual suits varied heavily and their exact designs were often a matter of personal taste.
The main part of the armor was the massive powered torso which enclosed the chest and arms. Coiled energy cables beneath the armor plating transmitted energy from the power pack on the back to the arms, greatly increasing the warrior's physical strength. The legs of this mark of armor were not powered at all though, but enclosed in tough padded breaches, though simple steel plates were sometimes also used. Although uncommon, the best-equipped warriors sometimes wore armored greaves and armored boots. However, this ancient suit of power armor was noticeably noisier than later models, perhaps due to the unpowered legs, making stealth operations nearly impossible in it.

## Gen 2 Imperial Power Armor Variants

The Carapace Armor emerged as a frontline assault suit primarily utilized by the Imperial Legions. While it prioritized advanced survival capabilities, it offered minimal biological support technologies. The Mark II variant of this armor harnessed the durability of lightweight Plasteel plating, eschewing the incorporation of true power sources, servos, and actuators that would later become hallmarks of subsequent armor iterations.
Featuring a reinforced helmet and a composition of fibrous and composite materials, the Mark II Carapace Armor resembled more of a robust body armor rather than a fully-fledged power armor, earning it the fitting moniker of 'Carapace.' In due course, as advancements in power armor design took center stage, the majority of Mark II suits, along with their subsequent sub-patterns, found their purpose in serving the Emperor's Guard regiments.
The EVA variant of the Mk II Carapace Armor is predominantly donned by void-engineers who undertake crucial repair operations in the unforgiving expanse of open space. The suit boasts noticeable padding and possesses a more modest amount of armor plating compared to other iterations. Its design focuses on providing micro-meteor resistance and shielding against hazardous radiation.
To enhance the capabilities of the armor, it is often equipped with Omni-Directional Void Gear (OVM). This revolutionary equipment, developed by the Stellar Imperium, enables remarkable mobility in void operations. By incorporating magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters into the OVM harness, bearers gain the ability to navigate in a three-dimensional space rather than being confined to a two-dimensional plane. The OVM takes the form of a body harness that encompasses a significant portion of the wearer's body below the neck, further augmenting their maneuverability and adaptability in the void.
Constructed with meticulous attention to detail, the armor incorporates a unique arrangement of microscopic circular armored rings. These lightweight ceramic plates are skillfully layered over and under each other, resulting in a formidable defense that exhibits exceptional durability. However, the intricate nature of this armor configuration renders repairs a time-consuming task. Nevertheless, the trade-off for its arduous maintenance is a level of resilience that enables the Deep-Dweller Suit to withstand the harshest conditions.
The larger armor plates, comprising the aggregated arrangement of microscopic rings, are interconnected to promote enhanced maneuverability. This interconnected design allows for greater ease of movement despite the considerable weight of the armor. To minimize external vulnerabilities and streamline the operational functionality of the suit, the power cables required for its functioning are meticulously threaded within the plating, reducing their exposure and susceptibility to damage.
The Mark II Sub-Pattern of the Hazard Suit was not intended to supplant the primary Mark II Pattern, but rather to serve as a specialized suit offering enhanced protection in environments akin to the hazardous conditions prevalent on the Ju'rralae homeworlds. It found its primary utility in scenarios such as mining operations, subterranean complexes, and the confined corridors of spacecraft. In comparison to the standard Mark II Armor, the Hazard Suit boasts augmented frontal defense, while the weight of the rear armor is reduced to maintain a balanced configuration.
This specialized suit features a heavy armored helmet with sloping plates deliberately designed to deflect incoming shots from both the left and right sides, hence earning its fitting moniker, the Hazard Pattern. Notably, the design of the helmet serves as a direct inspiration for subsequent iterations such as the Mark IV and VI helmet designs. The distinctive semi-wedge-shaped helmet, adept at redirecting frontal attacks, lays the foundation for the iconic Corsair helmet seen in the Mark VIII Pattern.
The Hazard Suit finds its primary adoption among the Vth, Xth, XIth, XIVth, and XVIIIth Imperial Legions, owing to its superior protective capabilities and suitability for their operational requirements.

## Adaptability

A remarkable characteristic shared by power armor patterns Mark II through Mark VI is their exceptional ruggedness and remarkable adaptability. It is not uncommon to witness a suit of power armor, worn by the valiant warriors of various Imperial Marine Legions during the eras of Angelus and Luminous, amalgamating components sourced from three or even four distinct patterns salvaged from fallen battle-brothers on the battlefield. The Mark VI armor, in particular, was intentionally designed with a modular framework, enabling seamless integration of diverse elements.

Within the vast array of Imperial Marine Legions, each employs a unique combination of power armor patterns, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Some legions prioritize equipping their marines with the latest and most advanced armor patterns available to them. On the contrary, other legions hold deep reverence for the older patterns, cherishing their historical significance and endeavoring to preserve them in a state of combat readiness for as long as possible.

In many instances, only fragments or sections of ancient armor patterns endure, ingeniously adapted to harmonize with the more contemporary Mark VI armor suits. Yet, even a solitary shoulder plate or gauntlet, bearing the weight of millennia and bearing witness to numerous battles, stands as a cherished relic of a Legion. The Luminaire who earns the privilege of wearing such a precious artifact commands great honor, as they become the custodian of a tangible symbol of their Legion's glorious history.

This amalgamation of armor components, spanning across different epochs and fused together through meticulous adaptation, epitomizes the rich tapestry of traditions and lineage woven within the Imperial Marine Legions. It exemplifies the enduring spirit of valor and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood that transcend time, lending strength to those who bear these relics into the crucible of war.

## No Helmet Custom

The practice of Imperial Marines choosing to remove their helmets in combat, especially among certain Legions like the Frostwind Hounds and Scarlet Lions, is indeed an uncommon and controversial custom within the Imperium. While it is generally frowned upon for Marines to be without their helmets, some Legions view this act as a display of honor, courage, and defiance against their enemies.

However, it's important to note that removing the helmet carries inherent risks and sacrifices. By doing so, Marines lose the benefits of their suit's A.N.S-senses, which provide enhanced sight and hearing. To compensate for this loss, Marines who choose to go helmetless often utilize earpieces or ocular enhancement devices to maintain situational awareness.

It's crucial to adhere to proper rituals and ensure a correct environmental seal when removing the helmet, which can take additional time. This practice is not suitable for combat in a vacuum or hostile atmosphere since it eliminates the suit's environmental and life support systems.

When commanding their fellow Marines, leaders who embrace this custom can earn respect and foster unit cohesion due to their unwavering willingness to face the increased risk. However, in the event of a major firefight or entry into a hostile environment, promptly donning the helmet becomes the prudent course of action.

After the helmet is replaced, it takes time for the suit's A.N.S-senses and full vox-link to reactivate, as the armor's VI Mind requires a period to reawaken. Among the Frostwind Hounds, The Carcharodon Sons and Scarlet Lions Legions, who possess heightened olfactory senses, fighting without a helmet allows them to gather information through subtle changes in scent. This reliance on scent-based perception is so ingrained in these Legions that they may experience a sense of disorientation and claustrophobia when forced to don their helmets due to circumstances.

## Other Imperial Power Armors

Although power armor is most closely associated with the Imperial Marine Legions, it is also used by the Imperial War Sisters and some more martial-minded Inquisitors of all four of the Holy Ordos.

It is anointed and inscribed with prayers and wards, ritually consecrated and psychically-charged. Working in tandem with the Drake Knights' formidable psychic powers, the Emperean warding within the armor protects the wearer from psychic attack unleashed by the effects of the Immaterium and the Daemons it spawns, using the wearer's own psychic power as its energy source.
The armor's ritual blessings and psychic resonance also serve to confound the psychic perception of any enemy that draws upon the power of the Warp, resulting in an effect called "the Shrouding."
As well as its psychic properties, the armor itself incorporates an Arc-Rifle weapon that is similar in function to a standard Marine Arc-Rifle, albeit with a larger design and more robust manufacture. These weapons are common to the Grey Knights and often mounted on the wrist so that they might have a free hand to wield their Nemesis Force Weapons two-handed.
The suits are generally based on components from any ImperiaI power armor designs, with a modified helmet design that is reminiscent of the Mark III.
Unlike the typical power armor made of Plasteel or Carbon Ceramic, the Seraph Armour is fashioned with the rare and precious Sola-Titanite alloy, reminiscent of the armor worn by the Emperor Himself. This golden alloy adds to the regal and majestic appearance of the Seraphim Guard. Each suit is individually crafted and customized to its wearer, making every suit a unique and master-crafted work of art.
In addition to its exquisite aesthetics, the Seraph Armour boasts formidable defensive capabilities. It is equipped with proximity sensors that provide enhanced situational awareness to the wearer, allowing them to detect and react to nearby threats more effectively. The inclusion of Refraction Field generators further enhances its defensive capabilities, making it even more resilient against enemy attacks.
The Seraph Armour embodies the honor and sacred duty of the Seraphim Guard, serving as a symbol of their dedication to protecting the God Emperor. It combines exceptional craftsmanship, rare materials, and advanced technologies to create a suit of armor befitting the guardians of the most revered figure in the Imperium.