I have an exocortex Mechanic with 10 Strength. I gain Heavy Armor Proficiency. Can I still use Heavy Armor, though I lack the required 13 Strength that is normally required to gain that feat?
I would say yes, since you got the feat without needing to meet the prerequisites in the first place.
thats what i am leaning towards as well. But I am trying not to make assumptions, as this is not Pathfinder.
If the proficiency counts as a feat, then you have to have the strength proficiency. But then at the same time, Adaptive Fighting becomes a fantastic feat that a Soldier can get at Level 1 (it requires three combat feats as a prerequisite).
On the other side, the classes specifically state that you gain proficiency - it does not say you gain a feat. And there's nothing in the equipment chapter that says you need to meet the strength requirement to use it. The strength requirement is for gaining the feat at a later time.
If the proficiency counts as a feat, then you have to have the strength proficiency. But then at the same time, Adaptive Fighting becomes a fantastic feat that a Soldier can get at Level 1 (it requires three combat feats as a prerequisite).
On the other side, the classes specifically state that you gain proficiency - it does not say you gain a feat. And there's nothing in the equipment chapter that says you need to meet the strength requirement to use it. The strength requirement is for gaining the feat at a later time.
So, sounds like you are leaning towards "its a proficiency, not a feat". i.e., Strength doesn't matter in this case.
There are other threads having this same discussion.
Yep, figured that out two days ago, thanks for the update.