Swade Savage Worlds Hardnesss

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

01-01-2025

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Savage Worlds, with its fast-paced action and thrilling storytelling, relies on a streamlined system to deliver exciting gameplay. One of the core mechanics that often gets overlooked, yet significantly influences combat and challenges, is Hardness. Understanding how Hardness works and its implications is crucial for both Game Masters (GMs) and players alike.

What is Hardness?

Hardness, in Savage Worlds, represents the durability and resistance of a target to damage. It's a numerical value that modifies the damage a target takes before suffering actual injury. Think of it as a target's "toughness" or its ability to absorb blows before breaking. Unlike Armor, which reduces damage after the Hardness value is considered, Hardness functions as an initial buffer.

How Hardness Works

When a character attacks an object or creature with Hardness, the damage roll is first compared against the Hardness value. If the damage roll is equal to or less than the Hardness, then no damage is inflicted. The target simply withstands the blow. However, if the damage roll exceeds the Hardness, the difference is then applied as damage to the target's actual hit points (or structure points for objects).

Hardness in Practice: Examples

Let's illustrate with a few examples:

• A wooden door (Hardness 4) is attacked with a sword (damage roll of 6). The damage roll (6) exceeds the Hardness (4), resulting in 2 points of damage (6 - 4 = 2) to the door.

• A heavily armored knight (Hardness 8) is struck by an arrow (damage roll of 5). The damage roll (5) is less than the Hardness (8), meaning the arrow does no damage to the knight.

• A reinforced steel safe (Hardness 12) is attacked with a sledgehammer (damage roll of 10). The damage roll is lower than the Hardness; therefore, the safe remains undamaged.

The Strategic Importance of Hardness

Hardness isn't merely a number; it's a strategic element influencing gameplay decisions:

• Choosing targets: Players will strategically target weaker points with lower Hardness to maximize damage.
• Weapon selection: Certain weapons may be more effective against targets with high Hardness due to their ability to inflict higher damage.
• Tactical considerations: GMs can use Hardness to create challenging encounters by employing foes or obstacles with significant Hardness.

Understanding and utilizing Hardness effectively can elevate your Savage Worlds game, leading to more dynamic and engaging combat scenarios. Don't underestimate its subtle, yet potent impact on the game!