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The role-playing game (RPG) world offers countless systems, each with unique mechanics that capture the imagination of players and Game Masters (GMs). Among these is Savage Worlds, a flexible, action-driven system that has gained popularity for its easy-to-learn rules and adaptability. One of the mechanics that set Savage Worlds apart is “hardness,” a feature that provides a unique twist to how inanimate objects and obstacles handle damage. In the latest edition, Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE), this concept of hardness has evolved, further enhancing gameplay and immersion. This article will explore Savage Worlds’ system, the hardness mechanic in SWADE, and practical tips for integrating it into your game for an optimal experience.
What is Savage Worlds?
Savage Worlds is a tabletop RPG system that champions a fast, action-oriented approach. Unlike some RPG systems that can be complex, with intricate rules and detailed backstory requirements, Savage Worlds focuses on keeping things “Fast, Furious, and Fun.” It encourages creative, fast-paced gameplay while remaining flexible enough to fit almost any genre or setting, from high fantasy and sci-fi to historical and horror themes.
The Unique Mechanics of Savage Worlds
Savage Worlds combines ease of play with an innovative, customizable system. This balance makes it an excellent choice for players who want a rich RPG experience without getting bogged down in extensive rulebooks. Let’s take a look at two features that define Savage Worlds gameplay.
Quick Play and Customization
Savage Worlds is known for its quick playstyle. Character creation is streamlined, allowing players to jump into the action sooner. GMs also benefit from customizable rules, which make it easy to modify the system according to the setting and player preferences.
Dice Explosions in Savage Worlds
One of Savage Worlds’ hallmark features is the “exploding dice” mechanic. When a player rolls the highest possible number on a die, they get to roll again, adding the new result to their total. This mechanic heightens suspense, as characters have the potential for astonishing successes that can turn the tide of combat or overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
SWADE: Savage Worlds Adventure Edition
Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) is the latest evolution of the Savage Worlds system. Released to improve the system’s fluidity and narrative focus, SWADE emphasizes streamlined mechanics and a strong focus on storytelling.
Key Improvements in SWADE
SWADE introduces several adjustments to enhance gameplay, helping Savage Worlds become even more accessible and immersive.
Simplified Rules for Faster Gameplay
The rules in SWADE are streamlined to eliminate unnecessary complexity, allowing players to stay focused on storytelling and action. These simplified mechanics mean less downtime and more role-playing opportunities.
Focus on Narrative and Storytelling
With SWADE, Savage Worlds shifts further towards narrative-driven gameplay, giving GMs and players tools to weave a cohesive, character-centered story. This version encourages improvisation, making each game feel more like a collaborative story than a strict set of rules.
What Does “Hardness” Mean in SWADE?
In Savage Worlds, hardness is a feature that applies to inanimate objects like buildings, vehicles, and machinery. Unlike characters, which use Toughness to resist damage, hardness defines an object’s resistance to damage, making it more challenging to destroy.
Comparing Hardness to Other RPG Defense Systems
In most RPGs, defense is typically managed through armor or shields, which characters can wear or carry. Hardness, however, is different. Rather than representing a defense rating, it signifies a material’s inherent resistance to damage, making it especially relevant in high-tech and urban settings where characters may encounter machinery or fortified structures.
Hardness vs. Toughness in Savage Worlds
It’s crucial to understand the difference between hardness and toughness. Toughness applies to living characters or creatures that have a capacity for endurance and recovery. Hardness, however, is strictly for inanimate objects that do not actively defend themselves but are resistant due to their construction.
Hardness for Objects vs. Characters
While characters cannot acquire hardness, they can encounter or wield objects that possess this trait. Hardness typically applies to things like walls, vehicles, and other materials built to withstand impact, giving them unique qualities in Savage Worlds.
Using Hardness in Gameplay
Hardness is not just a stat—it adds a whole new layer of interaction in gameplay, particularly when it comes to combat and environment-based challenges.
Damage Resistance for Inanimate Objects
When characters try to break down a door, crash through a barricade, or destroy an armored vehicle, hardness determines how much damage the object can absorb before breaking. It’s useful for GMs who want to set up challenging scenarios that require characters to adapt and strategize.
Weapons and Their Impact on Hardness
Some weapons are better suited for overcoming hardness. For example, a sledgehammer or a laser cannon might inflict more damage on a hardened surface than a dagger or a club. GMs can factor in these weapon choices to encourage creative problem-solving from players.
Modifying Hardness Values
To match the campaign’s setting, GMs can adjust hardness values. In a high-tech setting, walls and doors might be reinforced with materials that have higher hardness, whereas in a medieval setting, they might be more vulnerable to powerful melee weapons.
Creating Balanced Encounters with Hardness
Hardness can add variety to encounters, but it’s essential to use it judiciously to avoid frustrating players.
Incorporating Hardness into Combat Scenarios
Hardness can create thrilling moments in combat, particularly when characters face enemies using fortified equipment or when they must destroy something to proceed. It’s a mechanic that requires players to think outside the box, considering which weapons or spells might be effective.
Calculating Damage for Hardness
To calculate damage against hardness, subtract the object’s hardness from the total damage dealt. If the result is negative, the object withstands the attack. If positive, the object sustains damage. This straightforward calculation keeps things fast-paced.
Hardness in High-Tech vs. Fantasy Settings
In a high-tech setting, characters might encounter materials like reinforced steel, making hardness particularly relevant. In fantasy settings, magical defenses can act as hardness, offering exciting thematic elements that fit the genre.
Real-World Comparisons to SWADE Hardness
For players and GMs looking for real-world parallels to hardness, think of armor, shields, and fortifications.
Armor, Shields, and Fortification
In real life, armor and shields have varying levels of hardness, providing defense in warfare. Fortified structures and bunkers are also designed to withstand extreme force, making them good comparisons to SWADE’s hardness concept.
Comparing Modern and Ancient Armor Hardness
Different materials have different hardness. Modern armor has much higher hardness due to technological advancements, whereas ancient armor, while strong, has lower hardness ratings.
The Role of Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as corrosion, erosion, and extreme weather, can affect an object’s hardness, making it more vulnerable over time.
Hardness and Player Creativity
Hardness mechanics can bring out players’ creativity, as they strategize and adapt to environmental challenges.
Thinking Outside the Box with Hardness
Players can leverage hardness mechanics in creative ways, like using explosives on a reinforced wall or finding weaker points in hardened structures.
Player Challenges Involving Hardness
Challenges involving hardness often push players to come up with new solutions. For example, breaking through a reinforced gate might involve planning, acquiring special tools, or using teamwork.
Tactics for Overcoming Hardness Obstacles
Players might use various tactics, such as bypassing hardened obstacles, finding alternate routes, or applying magical attacks to weaken barriers.
SWADE’s Hardness and Game Balance
Hardness can add depth to encounters but must be balanced carefully to maintain a fun experience.
Avoiding Overpowered Hardness Mechanics
If hardness is too high, it can stall gameplay, frustrating players. GMs should adjust hardness based on player abilities, ensuring that characters can reasonably overcome or bypass obstacles.
The Importance of Flexibility in Hardness
Flexibility is essential when implementing hardness. GMs should be open to adjusting hardness on the fly, allowing for smoother gameplay and enjoyable sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding SWADE Savage Worlds hardness is essential for enhancing your gameplay experience. This unique mechanic not only adds depth to character interactions and combat scenarios but also encourages creative problem-solving among players. By grasping how hardness influences inanimate objects and balancing encounters, Game Masters can craft more engaging and dynamic narratives. Whether you’re navigating the treacherous landscapes of a fantasy realm or the high-tech corridors of a sci-fi adventure, hardness plays a pivotal role in shaping your adventures. Embrace these mechanics, experiment with them, and watch as your Savage Worlds campaigns come to life with excitement and unpredictability. Happy gaming!
FAQs
How is hardness different from armor?
Armor provides defense to characters, reducing damage from attacks. Hardness, however, applies only to inanimate objects, signifying their inherent resistance to damage.
Can hardness be bypassed?
Yes, in certain situations. Players can often bypass hardness with specific weapons, spells, or creative problem-solving.
How do environmental factors affect hardness?
Environmental conditions like rust or extreme weather can reduce hardness over time, making objects easier to damage.
Can hardness vary by setting?
Absolutely. In futuristic settings, objects may have higher hardness due to advanced materials, while fantasy settings might use magical enhancements.
What happens when hardness meets extreme damage?
When hardness meets extreme damage, such as an explosive impact, the object may break or shatter, depending on the GM’s discretion.
