In the Savage Worlds role-playing game, the concept of “hardness” plays a crucial role in determining the durability and resilience of inanimate objects. Unlike character toughness, which measures a being’s ability to withstand damage, hardness applies specifically to objects, structures, and materials. This article delves into the mechanics of hardness in Savage Worlds, offering insights into its application, differences from toughness, and practical examples to enhance gameplay.
What Is Hardness in Savage Worlds?
Hardness in Savage Worlds represents the resistance of an object or material to damage. It quantifies how difficult it is to break, destroy, or penetrate various items, from simple wooden doors to reinforced steel walls. Understanding hardness allows Game Masters (GMs) and players to navigate challenges involving physical barriers and objects realistically.
Key Mechanics of Hardness
1. Hardness Values
Each object in Savage Worlds is assigned a hardness value, reflecting its structural integrity. When a character attempts to damage an object, the damage roll must meet or exceed this hardness value to have any effect. For instance, a standard wooden door might have a hardness of 5, while a steel door could have a hardness of 10.
2. Interaction with Damage
To damage or break an object, a character’s attack must overcome its hardness. If the damage roll equals or surpasses the hardness value, the object sustains damage, potentially leading to its destruction. Conversely, if the damage roll falls short, the object remains unscathed.
3. Armor-Piercing Effects
Certain weapons and abilities possess armor-piercing (AP) qualities, enabling them to bypass a portion of an object’s hardness. For example, a weapon with AP 2 reduces the object’s effective hardness by 2 points, making it easier to inflict damage. This mechanic encourages strategic selection of equipment based on the challenges presented.
Hardness vs. Toughness: Clarifying the Distinction
While both hardness and toughness relate to resistance, they apply to different entities within the game:
-
Hardness: Applies exclusively to inanimate objects and materials, indicating their resistance to physical damage.
-
Toughness: Pertains to living creatures and characters, representing their ability to withstand injury and remain functional.
This distinction ensures that the game mechanics accurately reflect the differences between damaging a sentient being and breaking an object.
Practical Applications of Hardness in Gameplay
1. Overcoming Obstacles
GMs can use hardness to set challenges involving physical barriers. Players may encounter locked doors, barricades, or walls that require them to apply sufficient force or employ specific tools to bypass. For example, breaching a fortress wall with a hardness of 15 might necessitate the use of explosives or siege equipment.
2. Enhancing Combat Realism
In combat scenarios, understanding the hardness of objects allows players to make informed decisions about cover and weapon choices. For instance, taking cover behind a wooden table (hardness 5) offers some protection, but not as much as a stone pillar (hardness 10). Similarly, choosing weapons with higher AP values can be crucial when facing armored adversaries or fortified positions.
3. Crafting and Equipment Durability
For campaigns emphasizing resource management, hardness can determine the durability of equipment and tools. Repeated use or exposure to harsh conditions might degrade an item’s hardness, leading to potential breakage if not properly maintained. This adds a layer of realism and encourages players to consider the care and upkeep of their gear.
Examples of Hardness Values
To provide context, here is a comparison chart illustrating typical hardness values for various materials and objects in Savage Worlds:
| Material/Object | Hardness Value |
|---|---|
| Paper or Cloth | 1 |
| Glass Window | 3 |
| Wooden Door | 5 |
| Reinforced Wooden Door | 8 |
| Stone Wall | 10 |
| Iron Door | 12 |
| Steel Plate | 15 |
| Reinforced Concrete Wall | 18 |
| Tank Armor | 20+ |
These values serve as guidelines, and GMs can adjust them based on the specific context and narrative needs of their campaign.
Strategies for Players
-
Assess the Environment: Before attempting to break or bypass an object, evaluate its material and estimate its hardness. This assessment can inform your approach and tool selection.
-
Equip Appropriately: Carry a variety of tools and weapons to handle different hardness levels. For example, having both a crowbar for wooden barriers and explosives for reinforced structures can be advantageous.
-
Utilize Armor-Piercing Weapons: When facing objects or enemies with high hardness or armor, weapons with AP capabilities can significantly increase your effectiveness.
Tips for Game Masters
-
Set Clear Expectations: Communicate the presence of hard-to-break objects to players, providing descriptions that hint at their durability.
-
Balance Challenge and Realism: While hardness adds depth, ensure that obstacles remain surmountable and do not impede game flow excessively.
-
Encourage Creative Problem-Solving: Allow players to devise innovative methods to overcome hardness challenges, such as using environmental features or crafting specialized tools.
Conclusion
Incorporating the concept of hardness into Savage Worlds enriches the gaming experience by introducing realistic challenges and strategic considerations. By understanding and applying hardness mechanics, both players and Game Masters can enhance storytelling, combat, and problem-solving within their campaigns.
