Introduction
Greetings, readers! Today, we embark on an in-depth exploration of the enigmatic concept of "Hardness" in the Savage Worlds roleplaying game. This multifaceted attribute plays a pivotal role in combat and survival, influencing everything from damage reduction to injury severity. So, grab your dice and prepare yourself for a comprehensive journey into the realm of Savage Worlds Hardness.
Harnessing the power of Hardness, players can effectively maneuver their characters through treacherous encounters, mitigating damage and safeguarding their well-being. GMs, too, benefit from a thorough understanding of Hardness, as it enables them to craft challenging and engaging scenarios that test the limits of their players’ resolve.
Understanding Hardness: The Foundation
What is Hardness?
In Savage Worlds, Hardness represents a character’s physical resilience and ability to withstand punishment. It is expressed as a numerical value that ranges from 0 to 12, with higher numbers indicating greater toughness.
Armor and Soak
Hardness is closely tied to armor and Soak, two complementary mechanics that augment a character’s overall protection. Armor is a physical barrier that reduces the amount of damage inflicted by an attack, while Soak is an innate ability to shrug off wounds. Hardness acts as a modifier to Soak, providing an additional buffer against incoming damage.
Hardness in Combat
Damage Reduction
Hardness plays a crucial role in damage reduction during combat. When a character is attacked, their Hardness is subtracted from the amount of damage inflicted. For example, if a character with Hardness 5 is hit by an attack that deals 10 damage, they will only take 5 damage thanks to their Hardness.
Injury Severity
Hardness also influences the severity of injuries sustained in combat. If a character’s Hardness is exceeded by the damage inflicted, they will suffer a more severe injury. For instance, if a character with Hardness 4 is hit by an attack that deals 6 damage, they will sustain a Serious Wound instead of a Minor Wound.
Hardness in Survival
Environmental Hazards
Hardness is not limited to combat situations. It also comes into play when dealing with environmental hazards, such as falls, extreme heat, or exposure to toxic substances. A character’s Hardness can help them withstand these hazards and avoid debilitating injuries.
Healing
Hardness can also influence the rate at which a character heals from wounds. Characters with higher Hardness tend to recover more quickly from their injuries, while those with lower Hardness may face slower healing times.
Hardness Value Breakdown by Material
| Material | Hardness |
|---|---|
| Leather | 2 |
| Heavy Clothing | 3 |
| Light Metal | 4 |
| Medium Metal | 6 |
| Heavy Metal | 8 |
| Obsidian | 10 |
| Adamantium | 12 |
Conclusion
Harnessing the power of Hardness in Savage Worlds is essential for both players and GMs. By understanding the mechanics of Hardness and its applications in combat and survival, players can empower their characters to face any challenge that comes their way. GMs, too, can create dynamic and engaging scenarios that test the limits of their players’ strategies.
As you delve deeper into the intricacies of Savage Worlds, we invite you to explore our other articles that delve into additional aspects of this captivating roleplaying game. Together, let’s continue our journey through the realm of imagination and adventure!
FAQ about SWADE Savage Worlds Hardness
What is Hardness in SWADE?
Hardness represents the durability of an object against being damaged or destroyed.
How is Hardness Measured?
Hardness is measured in numerical values, with higher numbers indicating greater durability.
What Are the Hardness Ranges?
Hardness ranges from 0 to 12+, with 0 being the most fragile and 12+ being virtually indestructible.
How Does Hardness Affect Results?
Attacks that roll above the Hardness of the target deal more damage, while attacks that roll below do less damage.
How Can I Improve Hardness?
Hardness can be increased through various means, such as material enhancements, magical protections, and technological advancements.
How Does Hardness Interact with Armor?
Armor provides additional Hardness to the wearer, making them more difficult to damage.
What Are Some Examples of Hardness Levels?
- Paper: 0
- Wood: 2
- Steel: 4
- Concrete: 6
- Diamond: 12+
How Does Hardness Affect Vehicle Damage?
Vehicle Hardness reduces the amount of damage taken from attacks and obstacles.
Can Hardness Be Bypassed?
Certain attacks and abilities can bypass Hardness, allowing them to damage even the most durable objects.
How Does Hardness Affect Terrain Damage?
Terrain with high Hardness is more difficult to traverse and can damage vehicles and characters.
