Combat Upgrade Changes

Many changes come with Publish 15, the Combat Upgrade. Below some of those changes are outlined, especially those that may not be covered in other areas of the site.

Accuracy
According to Tiggs:

Accuracy does two things:


 * Determines probability of hitting the target.
 * If your accuracy is greater than defensive skills of your target, you do additional damage.

Level difference between the player and the target also has an effect on hitting and damage done.

Armor

 * Armor now has three types: Battle, Recon, and Assault. Recon has a slight bonus to energy protection and reduced kinetic protection. Assault has slight bonus to kinetic protection and reducted energy protection.  Each appearance is assigned to one of the types, so that if you see someone in Composite, you know they have Assault armor.
 * In order to wear armor you must be certified for that armor type. Certifications are given at novice elite combat skills.  For example, Novice Doctor is certified for Battle armor.
 * All armor has inherent hindrances: movement speed, rate of fire, and accuracy. These cannot be experiemented during crafting.
 * Each armor type has three levels: Basic, Standard, and Advanced. With each level increase, the maximum protection increases, but so do the hindrances.
 * Hindrances can be reduced and cancelled out by Mitigation, which are granted in elite combat skill boxes. At master elite skill boxes, all hindrances for Advanced armor should be completely mitigated.
 * Factional armor is now available for each armor type and is now craftable. Armorsmiths must purchase limited-use schematics from a faction recruiter using faction points.  Once crafted, the player must use faction points to tie the armor piece to that character.  Faction armor can be worn while a Combatant or Special Forces, but not while On Leave.