Understanding Hardness in Savage Worlds: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In the realm of tabletop roleplaying, Savage Worlds stands out for its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay. Hardness is a crucial mechanic within the system that influences the resilience of objects, barriers, and even enemies. This guide delves into the intricacies of Hardness in Savage Worlds, providing a comprehensive understanding of its implementation and application.

Defining Hardness

Hardness represents the resistance of a material to damage. It is expressed as a numerical value that indicates the number of dice required to penetrate or destroy the object. The higher the Hardness value, the tougher the object.

Hardness in Combat

In combat, Hardness plays a significant role in determining the effectiveness of attacks. When an attack roll is made against an object with Hardness, the number of damage dice rolled is compared to the Hardness value.

• If the Hardness value is higher than the damage dice, the attack has no effect.
• If the Hardness value is equal to or less than the damage dice, the object is damaged or destroyed.

For example, if a character attacks a wooden door with a Hardness of 4 with a weapon that deals 3d6 damage, the attack will have no effect. However, if the same character attacks a steel door with a Hardness of 2 with the same weapon, the door will be destroyed.

Hardness of Materials

Different materials have varying Hardness values, as shown in the table below:

Hardness and Obstacles

Hardness is not limited to combat. It also plays a role in overcoming obstacles and traversing hazardous environments.

• Barriers: Walls, doors, and other barriers can have varying Hardness values. Characters must either possess the necessary damage output or find alternative means to overcome these obstacles.
• Terrain: Certain types of terrain, such as ice or heavy undergrowth, can have Hardness values that impede movement or navigation.

Hardness and Healing

In Savage Worlds, Healing rolls are affected by the Hardness of wounds. Wounds with higher Hardness values require more successes on the Healing roll to be healed effectively.

Calculating Hardness

The Hardness of an object can be determined using a variety of methods:

• Table Lookups: Many materials have predetermined Hardness values that can be found in various resources.
• Formula: The Hardness of some objects can be calculated using a formula based on their mass, density, and thickness.
• GM Ruling: The Game Master has the final say in determining the Hardness of an object, particularly in unique or improvised situations.

Step-by-Step Approach to Hardness

To fully understand the application of Hardness in Savage Worlds, consider the following step-by-step approach:

1. Identify the object's Hardness: Determine the Hardness value of the object in question using the methods described above.
2. Compare Hardness to damage: When making an attack or attempting to interact with an object, compare the number of damage dice rolled to the object's Hardness.
3. Apply effects: If the damage dice exceed the Hardness, the object is damaged or destroyed. If the Hardness is higher, the attack has no effect.
4. Consider modifiers: Certain abilities, equipment, or environmental factors may modify the Hardness of objects or the damage dealt to them.

Pros and Cons of Hardness

Pros:

• Provides a simple and intuitive mechanic for determining the resilience of objects.
• Encourages players to use creative strategies to overcome obstacles.
• Adds depth and realism to combat and environmental interactions.

Cons:

• Can be challenging for new players to grasp.
• Can slow down gameplay if excessive calculations are required.
• May require extensive use of tables or formulas for precise Hardness values.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the highest Hardness value possible?
   - There is no theoretical limit to the Hardness value, but it is highly unlikely to encounter objects with Hardness values exceeding 20 in practical gameplay.

2. How can I increase the Hardness of an object?
   - Certain magical effects or technological advancements can temporarily or permanently increase the Hardness of objects.

3. What happens if I attack an object with multiple Hardness values?
   - The Hardness values are cumulative. For example, if a wooden door is reinforced with steel plates, its total Hardness is the sum of the Hardness values of wood and steel.

4. Does Hardness affect damage from area-of-effect attacks?
   - Yes, area-of-effect attacks can damage objects with Hardness, but the damage is reduced by the Hardness value.

5. How does Hardness interact with armor?
   - Armor has its own Hardness value that reduces the damage dealt by attacks. Hardness does not stack with armor, meaning that the damage reduction is not doubled.

6. Can I destroy an object with a single attack if my damage output exceeds its Hardness?
   - Yes, if the damage output of a single attack exceeds the Hardness of an object, the object is destroyed instantly.

7. What is the purpose of Hardness in non-combat situations?
   - Hardness can also be used to represent the resilience of obstacles, terrain, and environmental hazards, such as ice or debris.

8. How do I adjudicate Hardness in improvised situations?
   - The Game Master has the final say in determining the Hardness of objects in unique or improvised situations.