New Isn't Always Better
Legion Sketchbook
New doesn’t always mean better. No one knows this more than the legion.
Over the centuries of their existence, the legion was forced to innovate and improve their gear to counter the ever-increasing threat of the Savages. Using captured tech, the L-com was created out of a need to have an unbreakable communications system for the legion. Armor designed from Tyrus Rech’s own kit formed the basis for the old MK-1 armor system. Innovations in energy storage and distribution pushed the creation of the first blaster rifles, eliminating the need for ammunition drops to isolated worlds under Savage occupation.
But not all changes in military gear are for the better. Sometimes, the bureaucracy and pandering to special interest is so thick, the upgrades are actually downgrades. After the Savage wars, when a House of Reason delegate saw an opportunity to pad the war chest, they took it. Their sponsors benefitted from receiving profitable government contracts, which aided their reelection campaigns.
One of the worst examples of this is the shiny leej armor to replace MK-100 series worn by the legion during the battle of Kublar. The ST-7 was made up of the same blaster resistant, bio-regulating under suit, but instead of hardened plates resistant to impact and heat, they went with thinner armor more suited to parades and guard duty. To make matters worse, a cheap reflective coating meant to “deflect blaster energy” was layered onto the plates.
Legionnaires equipped with the ST-7 proved to be poorly camouflaged and fielding less protective armor. House of Reason delegates saw the new uniform as a glaring win for the legionnaires, as their glistening appearance should engender them to the people they were sworn to protect. The appropriations committee touted this as a win for legion relations and secretly patted themselves on the back, as each suit was a fraction of the cost as a MK-100.
The House of Reason, failing to secure new armor, was on full display when legionnaires sent to collect taxes ran headlong into the famed bounty hunter, Tyrus Rechs. Using a variety of blasters and slug throwers, the wanted war criminal savaged the legionnaires trying to take him down. The shiny plates did nothing against the famed hand cannon, which shattered plates and then instantly sent the man underneath for his own face to face with Oba.
Care to see how a set of ST-7 stands up to the rigors of combat? Check out Galactic Outlaws or pick up Order of the Centurion: Always Legion.
Just like when they made us trade our beloved woodland and the dcu for that crap acu pattern that was good for hiding on grandmas couch or in the bathroom of a Shoney’s when you effed up reaaaaaal bad s’arnt. Although there is a certain amount of psychological damage you do to the enemy when you absolutely dominate the battle space dressed like a karking Minecraft character.
Reminds me of stormtrooper armor. Not as effective as the Clone Army mk2 armor, with an even worse helmet. Meant to look imposing and uniform. The House or Reason was out to whittle the Legion away by attrition, and how best to do it but in logistics and administration. Put the Points in, make the gear worse, make the supply change more opake.