The holo-suit provides coversave, and the flip-belt save in cc.
You want to add an armoursave for the DJs?
Refractor and conversionfields were common in RT and 2nd ed. They are all but gone now. It will be tough to reintroduce them. I think it is simpler this way, but if you can make it work then please let me know how.
I started out with RT and 2nd ed, so I might be more comfortable with the concept that the new generation players. Most of which have never even heard of the fields.
I noticed they are part of the pirate lists, but pirates aren't likely to be officialy introduced for a long time i think.
Refractor fields ar very "harlequenish" in my opinion, as old fluff says refractor fields are identifiable as a shimmering blur of lights, much like the holosuit itself.
Conversion fields transformed the raw energy into blinding flashes of light, which is also harlequenish imo. And I wonder at the reason why they totally removed the concept of personal protection fields. Races like Tau and Eldar in particular would likely employ these, and perhaps some high ranking imperials. Dark Eldar might use them aswell.
GW might have removed the concept, but then "reintroduced" personal field in the harlequin lists, like the holo field and domino field. And you still have the rosarius, which originally incorporated a conversion field. Not sure they still use the wording though. You also have Dante's familiar with the helmet still, right?
So it seems the concept isn't entirerly gone, and so would not really be reintroduced, just used again.
As for Eldar, I can't see aspects using it, as they are bound within they're chosen aspect, and the gear they use. Farseers and warlocks have their rune armour, and so wouldn't need it. Pirates would use them, and certainly harlequins. A few high ranking exodites might use them, although I imagine they would be in few numbers.
Chapter masters, possibly other high ranking space marines, like Librarians might, chaplains already do.
Certain commanders of the IG might, Yarrick has his own special field.
THe differend Ordos would certainly have access to these fields, inquisitors and their like.
With todays armour rules, you could only use one save at any time anyways, and they would count as invunerable saves for all intents and purposes.
This is my general breakdown of protective fields.
As for death jesters, their heavy weaponry might make them less mobile than other eldar, and them standing still might make a Carapace more realistic. But what would be the point of the holo field then? a 4+/4+ cover save? The carapace would work against template weapon like flamers.
The difficult part I suppose is the problem of having two unmodifiable saves. Maybe holofields can work like stealth? adding to cover save?
Any other suggestions?
EDIT:Ursakar Creed has a refraction field. Just found that out. So the technology is still there.
The biggest problem is not reintroducing the fields, they already exist in 4th ed, though far from common. The problem is how to work them into an army list.
Perhaps say the holofield always adds 2+ to any cover save, and all harlequins come equipped with refractor fields, with an option for HQ's squad leader etc to buy carapace armour or conversion fields?
