Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table : Damage and Durability

Introduction

Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table is a versatile tabletop role-playing game known for its fast-paced gameplay and streamlined mechanics. One key aspect of this system is the Hardness Table, which plays a crucial role in determining the resilience of objects and structures against damage. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Hardness Table, its mechanics, and how to effectively use it in your games.

What is the Hardness Table?

The Hardness Table in SWADE represents the toughness of various materials and surfaces in your game world. Each material has a designated hardness rating that influences how much damage it can withstand before being breached or destroyed. This mechanic adds depth to gameplay by allowing players to interact with their environment in meaningful ways, enhancing the storytelling experience.

How Hardness Works

In SWADE, hardness is measured on a scale from 0 to 20+. The hardness of an object influences the amount of damage required to inflict a specific effect, such as breaking or destroying it. Here’s a brief breakdown:

Hardness 0: Extremely fragile materials (like glass).

Hardness 1-5: Soft materials (like wood or canvas).

Hardness 6-10: Average materials (like brick or steel).

Hardness 11-15: Very strong materials (like reinforced steel).

Hardness 16+: Extremely durable materials (like adamantium or magical barriers).

Damage Calculation

When a character attacks an object, the total damage dealt is compared to its hardness. The process is straightforward:

Roll Damage: The attacker rolls the damage dice according to their weapon’s damage statistics.

Compare to Hardness: Subtract the object’s hardness from the total damage rolled.

Determine Effects:

If the total damage exceeds the hardness, the object takes damage equal to the difference.

If the total damage is equal to or less than the hardness, the object remains unharmed.

Effects of Damage

Damage dealt to an object can lead to various outcomes:

Minor Damage: If the object’s integrity is compromised but it remains intact (e.g., a small dent in a metal door), you might choose to note minor damage without any immediate effects.

Significant Damage: If the damage exceeds the object’s durability but does not destroy it, you may impose penalties or weaken the object’s structural integrity, making it easier to destroy in subsequent attacks.

Destruction: If the damage surpasses the object’s hit points (usually determined by its hardness), it is destroyed or severely compromised.

Examples of Hardness Ratings

Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table Here’s a list of common materials and their hardness ratings to help you integrate this system into your games:

Applying Hardness in Gameplay

Incorporating the Hardness Table into your sessions enhances the tactical options available to players and enriches the narrative. Here are a few tips for effective use:

Environmental Interaction: Encourage players to think creatively about their environment. Allow them to use objects defensively or offensively based on their hardness ratings.

Custom Objects: Consider crafting unique items or structures with specific hardness ratings tailored to your campaign. This can provide memorable challenges or puzzles for your players.

Dynamic Combat: Use hardness ratings to create dynamic battlefields. For example, players might find cover behind a wooden barricade (hardness 2) that could be easily destroyed, prompting them to seek better protection.

Narrative Consequences: Damage to the environment can have lasting effects on your story. A destroyed wall might lead to an unexpected encounter, while a compromised ceiling could create a tense moment for the players.

Case Study: Using the Hardness Table in a SWADE Adventure

Adventure Overview

Savage Worlds SWADE Hardness Table In a recent campaign set in a post-apocalyptic city, the players, a group of scavengers, were tasked with retrieving a valuable artifact hidden within a decrepit building. The setting offered a variety of environmental challenges, including crumbling walls, makeshift barricades, and fragile glass.

Implementation of Hardness Ratings

Environment Design: The Game Master (GM) assigned hardness ratings to various elements:

Glass windows (hardness 0) shattered easily, providing a dramatic entry point for the players.

Wooden barricades (hardness 2) could be breached with minimal damage, encouraging the players to strategize their attacks.

Brick walls (hardness 5) required more effort to break through, forcing players to consider alternate routes or tools.

Tactical Decision-Making: During an encounter, players chose to use a melee weapon against a wooden barricade. The GM rolled for damage, resulting in a total exceeding the barricade’s hardness. This not only opened up the path but also created noise, alerting nearby enemies.

Narrative Development: As the players destroyed sections of the building, they uncovered hidden dangers. A compromised ceiling (hardness 10) led to a dramatic moment when it collapsed during a climactic fight, adding tension and excitement to the session.

Outcomes

The integration of the Hardness Table allowed for dynamic interactions with the environment, emphasizing player agency and creativity. The hardness ratings contributed to the adventure’s pacing, making the world feel responsive and alive.

FAQ about the Hardness Table in SWADE

Q1: What is the purpose of the Hardness Table?
A: The Hardness Table helps determine the durability of objects in the game, influencing how much damage is needed to break or destroy them.

Q2: How do I determine the hardness of an object?
A: Hardness is assigned based on the material of the object, ranging from 0 for fragile materials like glass to 20+ for extremely durable substances like adamantium.

Q3: What happens if the damage rolled is equal to the hardness?
A: If the damage equals the hardness, the object remains unharmed. Players may need to apply more force or find alternative methods to breach it.

Q4: Can hardness ratings vary for specific items?
A: Yes! GMs can customize hardness ratings for unique items or structures to fit the narrative and gameplay needs of their campaign.

Q5: How can I encourage players to interact with their environment?
A: Describe the environment vividly, highlight objects with different hardness ratings, and present scenarios where players must consider how to overcome obstacles creatively.

Conclusion

The Hardness Table in Savage Worlds Adventure Edition is a valuable tool that enhances both gameplay and storytelling. By understanding and effectively utilizing this system, you can create immersive and engaging scenarios that challenge players and enrich their gaming experience. Whether you’re crafting a gritty urban adventure or a high-fantasy quest, incorporating hardness into your game will add a layer of realism and excitement that players will appreciate.