Introduction to Savage Worlds SWADE
What is Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE)?
Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) is a fast-paced and versatile role-playing game system renowned for its adaptability. A core aspect of SWADE is the “Hardness” mechanic, which evaluates how well objects withstand damage. This guide will offer a detailed exploration of the Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table, beneficial for both game masters (GMs) and players interested in mastering the finer elements of the game.
Understanding Hardness in Savage Worlds
Definition of Hardness
In the Savage Worlds system, Hardness measures the capacity of inanimate objects to endure damage. Unlike characters who rely on Toughness, objects are assigned a Hardness rating that signifies their resistance to breakage or destruction. This mechanic plays a vital role in various scenarios, including breaching barriers, demolishing structures, or causing damage to vehicles during intense encounters.
The Significance of Hardness
Understanding Hardness is crucial for GMs crafting realistic and challenging scenarios. It also benefits players by helping them interact with objects in their adventures more strategically. The Hardness Table provides a framework for evaluating how materials perform under stress, impacting the outcome of various in-game situations.
How the Hardness Table Operates
Fundamentals of the Table
The Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table offers a standardized method for determining how different materials resist damage. Each material is assigned a Hardness rating reflecting its durability. The table is used to resolve situations where objects face physical damage, ensuring consistency and fairness in gameplay.
Utilizing the Table in Gameplay
To use the Hardness Table effectively, reference the material’s Hardness rating when calculating damage. For instance, if players are trying to break down a door or damage a vehicle, compare the damage dealt to the material’s Hardness to determine whether the object is successfully damaged or destroyed. This process introduces strategic depth and realism into interactions with inanimate objects.
Practical Examples and Strategies
Breaching Barriers and Objects
When players encounter obstacles like locked doors or reinforced walls, the Hardness Table assists GMs in determining the difficulty of overcoming them. By comparing the damage output of the players’ actions with the object’s Hardness rating, GMs can present a fair and balanced challenge, improving the overall gaming experience.
Damaging Vehicles and Machinery
In scenarios involving high-speed chases or combat with vehicles and machinery, the Hardness Table evaluates the impact of attacks on these objects. Using the table’s ratings allows GMs to simulate realistic damage outcomes, adding excitement and tension to such situations.
Advanced Tips for GMs and Players
Customizing Hardness Ratings
GMs can tailor Hardness ratings to fit specific campaign settings or scenarios. Adjusting ratings for unusual materials or objects can introduce unique challenges and opportunities for creative problem-solving. Customizing the Hardness Table ensures the game remains engaging and tailored to the players’ experiences.
Integrating Hardness into Storytelling
Incorporate the concept of Hardness into your storytelling to enrich the game’s narrative. Highlighting the significance of materials and their resistance to damage can create immersive and memorable moments. This approach not only enhances gameplay but also deepens the role-playing experience.
Analyzing the Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table
Overview of the Hardness Table
The Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table lists common materials and their corresponding Hardness ratings. This table serves as a reference for GMs when resolving actions involving objects. For example:
- Paper/Cloth: Hardness Rating 2
- Wood: Hardness Rating 5
- Stone: Hardness Rating 10
- Metal (Soft): Hardness Rating 15
- Metal (Hard): Hardness Rating 20
- Reinforced Steel: Hardness Rating 25
- Concrete: Hardness Rating 30
The Role of the Hardness Table in Gameplay
The Hardness Table is a critical component of Savage Worlds gameplay mechanics. Its influence spans several game aspects, including:
- Damage Calculation: The Hardness Table helps determine how much damage a material absorbs when attacked. This affects the effectiveness of attacks and the resulting damage.
- Weapon Effectiveness: By using the table, players can assess how well different weapons perform against various materials, adding depth to combat scenarios.
- Environmental Challenges: GMs can use the Hardness Table to create realistic environmental challenges, such as breaching walls or enduring harsh conditions, enhancing the immersive experience of the game.
Common Applications of the Hardness Table
Applying the Hardness Table
The Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table is frequently used in scenarios where characters need to:
- Break Down Doors: Characters might need to force open doors to escape or gain entry. For instance, a wooden door with a Hardness rating of 5 is relatively easy to breach compared to a metal door with a Hardness rating of 15 or more, requiring more effort or specialized tools.
- Smash Objects: Characters may need to destroy items like crates, locks, or machinery. The Hardness rating of these objects determines the success of their attempts.
- Damage Vehicles: In vehicular combat or chases, understanding the Hardness of different vehicle parts is crucial. For example, a vehicle’s exterior Hardness affects the impact of attacks against it.
- Handle Environmental Hazards: GMs can use the Hardness Table to evaluate how environmental effects, such as explosions or collapsing structures, impact various materials in the game world.
Implementing the Hardness Table in Gameplay
Steps for Breaking Objects
When a character attempts to break an object, the GM should:
- Identify the Material: Determine the material of the object and locate its Hardness rating on the table.
- Roll for Damage: The character rolls for damage using their Strength, a weapon, or another relevant skill check.
- Compare Damage to Hardness: Assess if the damage roll exceeds the Hardness rating of the object. If it does, the object sustains damage; if not, the object remains intact.
- Track Object Damage: Monitor the object’s damage as you would with any other target. Objects typically have a damage threshold they can withstand before breaking or being destroyed.
Example: Breaking Down a Wooden Door
Consider a scenario where a player character is trying to break down a wooden door:
- Identify the Material: The GM identifies the door as wood with a Hardness rating of 5.
- Character’s Action: The player rolls for damage using a Strength check or a sledgehammer.
- Roll for Damage: Assume the player rolls a total of 8 damage.
- Compare to Hardness: Since the damage (8) exceeds the door’s Hardness (5), the door sustains damage. If the door’s total durability is 10, it now has 2 points of durability left before breaking.
Understanding Hardness Values and Their Impact
Significance of Hardness Ratings
The Hardness Table assigns numerical values to materials based on their damage resistance. These values help determine how much damage a material can absorb before failing. For instance, a material with a Hardness value of 10 can withstand a significant amount of damage before showing wear or breaking.
Impact of Hardness Ratings
- High Hardness Ratings: Materials with high Hardness ratings, like steel or reinforced concrete, offer greater damage resistance. They can endure severe impacts or attacks before being compromised.
- Low Hardness Ratings: Materials with low Hardness ratings, such as wood or fabric, are more prone to damage. They show signs of wear or breakage more quickly under stress.
Understanding these ratings allows players and GMs to make informed decisions regarding combat and interactions with various materials within the game.
Advanced Uses of the Hardness Table in Savage Worlds SWADE
Customizing Hardness Values for Unique Items
GMs may need to adjust Hardness values for specific items to align with the game’s narrative. For instance, a magical relic made from a rare material might have a unique Hardness rating. GMs can use the Hardness Table as a guide and modify the ratings to reflect these unique attributes.
Combining Hardness with Other Mechanics
Integrating Hardness with other Savage Worlds SWADE mechanics can create more intricate scenarios. Consider these applications:
- Crafting and Repairing: Characters with the right skills might alter the Hardness of objects over time, either weakening them strategically or using specialized tools to change their resilience.
- Combat Scenarios: The Hardness of barriers or obstacles can influence tactical decisions during combat. Characters might need to breach defenses or use them to their advantage.
- Survival Challenges: In survival-focused campaigns, knowing the Hardness of materials is crucial. Characters may need to breach blocked paths, build shelters, or escape traps, involving interactions with objects of varying Hardness ratings.
Common Pitfalls and Strategies to Avoid
Overcomplicating Damage Calculations
To maintain the game’s pace and player engagement, avoid making damage calculations overly complex. Simplicity ensures smooth gameplay without disrupting the game flow.
Ignoring Context
Always consider the specific context when applying Hardness values. Real-world factors and the situation’s context should guide your decisions to ensure they are appropriate and enhance the gaming experience.
Practical Applications of the Hardness Table
Typical Scenarios Using the Hardness Table
The Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table is used in various scenarios where characters must overcome physical obstacles or environmental challenges:
- Breaking Down Doors: Characters may need to force open locked or barricaded doors. The Hardness Table helps determine how difficult this task is based on the door’s material.
- Damaging Equipment: In combat or heist situations, players might need to damage or disable equipment. The Hardness Table helps assess how resilient these items are against attacks.
- Environmental Hazards: The table can also be used for environmental challenges, such as collapsing buildings or explosive impacts, to determine how materials react to these hazards.
Example: Breaching a Reinforced Wall
Suppose players need to breach a reinforced concrete wall with a Hardness rating of 30:
- Identify the Material: The wall’s Hardness rating is 30.
- Character’s Action: Players use explosives or heavy machinery.
- Roll for Damage: The explosives deal a total of 35 damage.
- Compare to Hardness: Since the damage (35) exceeds the wall’s Hardness (30), the wall is breached, creating an opening for the players.
Conclusion
Mastering the Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table enhances both the gameplay and storytelling aspects of your tabletop RPG experience. By understanding and effectively utilizing the Hardness Table, GMs and players can create more engaging and dynamic scenarios, enriching the overall gaming experience. Whether you’re breaching barriers, damaging objects, or integrating Hardness into narrative elements, this guide equips you with the knowledge to fully leverage this important game mechanic.
With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to incorporate the SWADE Hardness Table into your sessions, adding depth and excitement to your Savage Worlds adventures.
