N12 - Energy Shields

-Description-

This mod adds craftable Energy Shields that can be installed on any standard modifiable apparel. This shield system was heavily inspired by the Energy Shields found in Halo which offers a layer of protection withstanding incoming damage acting as an outer layer of defense, absorbing damage from weapons such as bullets, energy blasts, and explosives before the actual armor or body of the wearer is affected.

The shields can only withstand a finite amount of damage before they fail exposing the wearer to harms way. Make sure to get to cover to allow the shielding systems to recharge before reengaging. If you've played Halo before, you will understand how this works but it is easy to pick up.

Be careful when fighting enemies equipped with EM weapons as these will disrupt the shields leaving the wearer vulnerable.

-NPCs-

The shields have been designed to work on any character equipped with the Energy Shield modifications. Also, each major base game faction and enemies will have a chance to spawn with various different shields based on their level and spawn chance set in the Gameplay Options. You can adjust the spawn chance for each faction separately or disable the feature entirely in the options. Additionally, if an NPC or enemy spawns with shields, there is a chance that they will drop components and resources used to craft the shields. You'll need ammo! and aim for the head!

-Vendors-

Several equipment vendors, and even the Trade Authority, now have a chance to stock components essential for crafting energy shields. Additionally, there’s a chance you’ll find pre-fabricated watches already equipped with installed shields available for purchase.

-Crafting-

There are three research tiers to study/unlock, each with there own additions to the crafting system.

-Tier 1- Will unlock the ability to craft Prototype shields to attach to apparel, these shields are the weakest and will fail the quickest.

-Tier 2- Will unlock the ability to craft optimized shields which are greatly improved.

-Tier 3- Will allow you to craft modules that can be equipped along side the optimized shield systems granting the wearer different unique perks to the shielding systems. Only one module can be installed at a time.

The components required to craft the shields can be crafted on the Industrial workbench, you will need various ranks of the "Special Projects" perk for this. The shields have been designed to work on any character equipped with the Energy Shield modifications.

-Modules-

At Research Level 3, you can install one of seven unique modules alongside optimized shields. Each module offers distinct benefits to enhance your performance in various scenarios:

• Atmospheric Protection Automatically activates energy shields when entering a hostile environment without proper protection equipped. This module will provide minimal protection against the elements at the cost of shield efficiency. The more extreme the environment, the harder the shields will work, making them more susceptible to failure during combat.

• Enhanced Durability Significantly increases the amount of damage your shields can absorb before failing.

• Enhanced Recharge Rate Boosts the recharge rate of your shields, allowing them to recover more quickly.

• Electromagnetic Protection Provides resistance to electromagnetic weapons, enabling shields to withstand EM damage and remain intact.

• Explosive Shields Upon shield failure, releases a powerful explosion that knocks back nearby enemies.

• EM Pulse Shields On shield failure, emits an electromagnetic pulse that disables the shields of nearby enemies.

• Stealth Interference While sneaking, undetected, and out of combat, the shields emit subtle electromagnetic interference that disrupts enemy shields over a wide area. However, due to the power draw, shield recharging will be temporarily disabled after activation, and shields will operate at reduced health.

-Sound Themes-

There are now several different Sound Themes that can be switch between in the Gameplay Options changing the sounds produced by the shields including a Starfield inspired theme for immersion. A special thanks to the guys creating the Dune - Project Arrakis mod for providing the sound effects for the new Dune Sound Theme that can be enabled in the settings. Make sure to check their mod out and show support!

-Support-

For the best support, to keep up with development, or to report a bug join our Discord server. https://discord.gg/uZZkqc3VSM