Conquering Hardness Decay in Savage Worlds: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Gear Sharp

In the ruthless world of Savage Worlds, your equipment's hardness is your lifeline. It determines how much punishment your gear can withstand before it starts to fail, potentially leaving you vulnerable in the heat of battle. However, as your gear sees action, its hardness inevitably decays, threatening its integrity. Understanding this decay mechanic is crucial for keeping your characters alive and your equipment effective.

Hardness Decay: A Matter of Time

Every time your gear is struck by an attack, its hardness takes a hit. The amount of decay depends on the damage inflicted and the hardness of the weapon or object that struck it. The Hardness Decay Table provides a comprehensive list of decay values for various damage ranges and hardness levels.

For example, if your Greatsword (hardness 6) is struck by a Broadsword (damage 2d6), the hardness decay would be -2.

Strategies to Mitigate Hardness Decay

Embrace Durability: Invest in equipment with high hardness to ensure longevity. Sturdy Armor (hardness 9) or Reinforced Weapons (hardness 7-8) are excellent choices.

Maintain Your Gear: Regularly repair and maintain your equipment to prevent further decay. Use Repair Kits and invest in Tool Proficiency (Tinker) to keep your gear in excellent condition.

Use Reinforcement Modifiers: Reinforced weapons and armor reduce decay by 1 step. This seemingly small advantage can make a significant difference in the long run.

Shield Discipline: Utilized effectively, shields can absorb damage and protect your more valuable equipment. They are particularly useful for melee-oriented characters.

Armor Layering: Multiple layers of armor can provide additional hardness, reducing the decay of your primary armor. Experiment with different armor combinations to find the optimal balance.

Tips and Tricks

• Dodge and Parry: These defensive maneuvers allow you to avoid damage, minimizing hardness decay. Evasion and parry bonuses are crucial for keeping your gear intact.

• Cover and Concealment: Utilizing cover or hiding behind obstacles can help reduce the frequency of being struck, thereby slowing down hardness decay.

• Repair as You Fight: Use Combat Repair or Field Technician Edges to fix minor damage during combat, extending the lifespan of your gear.

• Scavenge and Improvise: Don't hesitate to scavenge for replacement parts or makeshift repairs in the field. Being resourceful can keep your equipment operational.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Hardness Decay: Failing to monitor the hardness of your equipment can lead to unexpected gear failures and potential combat disadvantages.

• Over-relying on Heavy Armor: While high-hardness armor is desirable, excessive weight can slow you down and hinder your mobility. Balance protection with agility.

• Neglecting Maintenance: Poorly maintained equipment rapidly decays, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan. Regular repairs and proper storage are essential.

Call to Action

Mastering the mechanics of hardness decay is paramount for thriving in the savage world of Savage Worlds. By implementing these strategies, tips, and tricks, you can keep your gear in optimal condition, ensuring your characters' survival and success. Remember, a well-maintained arsenal is a powerful ally in the face of adversity.