SWADE Hardness Chart: A Guide For Players & GMs
Ever wondered how a mighty fortress stands against a siege, or how a warrior shrugs off a blow from a monstrous creature? The secret lies within the innovative "Hardness" mechanic of the Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) roleplaying game, a system that adds a layer of realism and tactical depth that distinguishes it from many other RPGs. This article delves into the heart of the SWADE Hardness system, explaining how it works and why its essential for both players and Game Masters (GMs) to grasp.
The Hardness chart, a cornerstone of the Savage Worlds system, provides a detailed guideline for determining the resilience of various materials and objects found within the game world. This mechanic, more than just a numerical value, embodies the essence of durability. It quantifies the ability of anything from a characters sturdy armor to a towering stone wall to withstand punishment, representing its resistance to damage. In essence, it answers the question: How difficult is it to break this thing?
Understanding Adamantium
Among the myriad of mechanics that enhance the gameplay experience in Savage Worlds, Adamantium stands out as a metal of unparalleled durability, a legendary substance whose hardness can transform gameplay, enhance storytelling, and add immersive realism to any campaign. Its presence injects a unique element of wonder and challenge.
Adamantium's extraordinary properties make it a favorite choice for crafting virtually indestructible weapons, armor, and even entire structures. Its resilience introduces new dynamics to combat encounters. Battles become more strategic, as players must consider how to overcome the metal's immense resistance. GMs can craft intricate plots around the quest for this rare material, offering unique rewards and challenges.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | A fictional metal of exceptional durability, renowned for its resistance to damage. |
| Hardness Value | Typically assigned a high hardness value in Savage Worlds (e.g., 12 or higher). The exact number is subject to GM discretion based on the setting and campaign. |
| Armor and Weapons | Adamantium armor provides exceptional protection, while adamantium weapons are incredibly effective at penetrating even the toughest defenses. |
| Gameplay Impact |
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| Campaign Integration |
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| Storytelling Potential |
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| Example Usage | Adamantium claws for a super-powered character, an adamantium shield that is near impenetrable, or a weapon made from the substance which guarantees significant damage. |
| Website Reference | Pinnacle Entertainment Group |
The SWADE Hardness table is not merely a list of numbers; it's a fundamental tool, designed to establish the durability of objects and materials encountered throughout the game. Understanding this table is essential for both players and GMs. It helps players and GMs determine how much damage an object can withstand before breaking or becoming unusable. From the humble wooden door to the impenetrable wall of a fortress, the Hardness table provides a framework for realistic and engaging gameplay. This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through the intricacies of Hardness, explaining how it affects damage calculations, weapon effectiveness, and overall gameplay balance.
The concept of Hardness in Savage Worlds extends to characters as well. It reflects their physical resilience, their ability to endure punishment. This is expressed as a numerical value, typically ranging from 0 to 12, although it can extend beyond these values depending on the specific material or the effect.
The Hardness mechanic in Savage Worlds provides a unique twist to how inanimate objects and obstacles handle damage. This isn't just about hit points; it's about how well something resists the impact of attacks. The Hardness value reduces the amount of damage a target receives. The attacker rolls damage, and then the Hardness is subtracted from that result. Only the remaining damage, if any, affects the object or creature. For example, if a character attacks a stone wall (Hardness 8) with a weapon that deals 10 points of damage, the wall takes only 2 points of damage. This system encourages players to think tactically, to consider how their weapons and abilities will interact with the environment.
The current version is the Savage Worlds Adventure Edition, or SWADE. While this article provides a foundational understanding, it is worth noting that the rules have evolved from the previous edition, Savage Worlds Deluxe (SWD). If you're playing SWADE, be aware of this minor detail, while the core principles remain the same.
The SWADE Hardness chart plays an integral role in Savage Worlds, setting the durability of objects and materials. It is central to this system is the SWADE Savage Worlds Hardness table, a vital resource for evaluating the durability of different materials and objects when faced with damage. As you delve into the world of SWADE, understanding hardness becomes essential for both players and game masters alike.
Consider the difference between wood and steel. Wood, with its lower Hardness, is easier to damage or destroy. A sharp blade or a powerful blow will quickly take its toll. Steel, on the other hand, boasts a higher Hardness value, making it significantly more resistant to damage. A character armed with a sword might struggle to make a significant dent, but a powerful siege weapon could eventually break through.
The impact of the Hardness value extends to weapon effectiveness. A weapon's ability to penetrate or overcome Hardness is a crucial factor in determining how much damage it can inflict. This dynamic means that players must consider the properties of their weapons and how they interact with the targets they face. It also means that GMs can create challenging encounters that require players to be creative in how they approach combat.
In addition to these fundamental values, other considerations add depth to the Hardness system. For instance, a critical hit, often called a "raise" in Savage Worlds, can ignore Hardness entirely. This means that a well-placed blow can bypass the objects inherent resistance, inflicting maximum damage. In essence, a lucky shot can turn the tide of battle against even the most formidable targets. This adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the combat, where a characters skill and luck can combine for extraordinary results.
The Hardness values themselves are derived from the material the object or creature is made of. The game rules offer a general framework, providing a starting point for assigning Hardness values to common materials. Players and GMs can also adjust these values depending on the specific characteristics of the object or creature being encountered.
The Hardness mechanic in Savage Worlds encourages both players and GMs to think strategically. GMs can use the Hardness system to create encounters that challenge the players. By understanding the hardness of different materials, players can make informed choices about their equipment and tactics. The Hardness mechanic enriches the gaming experience, adding layers of complexity and realism to the game. Understanding and utilizing this mechanic enhances gameplay by adding layers.
In Savage Worlds, every entity, from intrepid adventurers to formidable monsters, possesses a numerical value known as Hardness. Hardness represents the inherent durability of an object or creature, quantifying its resistance to damage. A well-placed rock or a crumbling wall can realistically integrate hardness into the game and create tactical depth.
The Savage Worlds subreddit serves as a community hub for articles, advice, and discussions related to the game. It's also a great place to find insights into how to use Hardness effectively in gameplay. The pinnacle of RPG game systems, Savage Worlds, published by Pinnacle Entertainment Group, provides a dynamic and engaging experience for players and GMs alike.
The use of miniatures in games can enhance the visual experience. The inclusion of iconic characters, grand backstories, and savage tales adds even more depth to the gameplay experience, ultimately resolving the main plot. The rules regarding cover and obstacles in SWADE provide a comprehensive framework for handling these situations, and cover rules differ slightly from SWADE. SWADE has a chart for how much armor different example obstacles provide.
In SPF, obstacles simply grant armor equal to half their Hardness (since a typical shield has 10 Hardness in both systems, that would mean an SPF shield provides +5 armor instead of +2). The Hardness chart is essential for understanding how materials change when exposed to damage, weathering, or deterioration.
Ultimately, mastering Hardness is crucial for a fulfilling Savage Worlds experience. It offers players and GMs a robust system for determining how objects and creatures react to damage. It adds realism, encourages strategic thinking, and creates opportunities for dynamic and engaging encounters. Embracing the Hardness mechanic will ensure the tables dynamic is engaging, challenging, and, above all, fun.
