Savage Worlds Hardness Table: A Comprehensive Guide for GMs

Introduction

In the realm of tabletop role-playing games, understanding the hardness of objects and materials plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of actions and encounters. Savage Worlds, a popular RPG system renowned for its fast-paced and cinematic gameplay, introduces a comprehensive hardness table to assist Game Masters (GMs) in adjudicating the durability and resistance of various objects. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Savage Worlds hardness table, equipping GMs with the knowledge and skills to utilize it effectively.

Understanding Hardness

Hardness in Savage Worlds represents the resistance of an object to being damaged or destroyed. It is expressed as a numerical value ranging from 0 to 12, with higher values indicating greater toughness. Hardness affects two primary aspects of the game:

• Weapon Damage Reduction: When a weapon strikes an object with a hardness rating, the damage inflicted is reduced by the object's hardness value.
• Obstacle Difficulty: Objects with higher hardness ratings make it more challenging for characters to overcome or break.

The Savage Worlds Hardness Table

The Savage Worlds hardness table provides a comprehensive list of common objects and materials along with their corresponding hardness values. This table serves as a valuable reference for GMs, enabling them to quickly determine the hardness of specific objects without the need for extensive research or guesswork.

Table 1: Common Object Hardness

Table 2: Unusual Object Hardness

Table 3: Non-Object Hardness (e.g., Cover)

Tips for Utilizing the Hardness Table

• Consider the Context: When determining the hardness of an object, consider its size, composition, and intended purpose. For example, a wooden door may have a hardness of 3, but a reinforced steel door may have a hardness of 8.
• Use the Table as a Guideline: The hardness table provides a general reference point, but it is ultimately up to the GM to make final decisions based on the specific circumstances of the game.
• Adjust for Extraordinary Materials: The hardness table lists common materials, but some objects may be made of unique or exotic materials. GMs can adjust hardness values accordingly, using their judgment and creativity.

Why Hardness Matters

Understanding the hardness of objects and materials is crucial for several reasons:

• Accurate Damage Calculation: Correctly applying hardness values ensures fair and balanced combat encounters, ensuring that damage is inflicted as intended.
• Environmental Interactions: Hardness plays a significant role in environmental interactions, determining the effectiveness of characters' actions when interacting with the surroundings.
• Immersive Gameplay: When hardness is considered, the game becomes more immersive and realistic, enhancing the overall player experience.

Benefits of Using the Hardness Table

• Saves Time: The hardness table eliminates the need for time-consuming research or improvisation, allowing GMs to quickly and efficiently determine object hardness.
• Ensures Consistency: By using a standardized table, GMs can ensure consistent rulings on hardness, reducing confusion and enhancing fairness.
• Enhances Role-Playing: The hardness table empowers players and GMs with a deeper understanding of the world, leading to more engaging and realistic role-playing experiences.

Effective Strategies for Utilizing the Hardness Table

• Create Custom Hardness Values: For specific objects or materials not listed in the hardness table, GMs can create custom hardness values based on their own judgment.
• Use Hardness Modifiers: Certain environmental factors or special abilities may modify the hardness of objects. For example, wet wood may have a reduced hardness value.
• Reward Creative Thinking: When players come up with unique ways to bypass or exploit object hardness, GMs should consider rewarding their creativity while maintaining the overall balance of the game.

Stories and Lessons Learned

• The Unbreakable Door: In one campaign, the party encountered a massive steel door that seemed impenetrable. However, after carefully examining the door's frame and hinges, they discovered a loose screw that significantly reduced its overall hardness. By exploiting this weakness, they managed to pry the door open, gaining access to vital information.

• The Obsidian Spike: During a dungeon crawl, the party faced a horde of creatures protected by obsidian spikes. Recognizing the extreme hardness of obsidian, they used a combination of explosives and grappling hooks to dislodge the spikes, effectively weakening the creatures' defenses.

• The Crystal Barrier: In another adventure, the party needed to traverse a magical barrier made of pure crystal. By experimenting with different weapons, they realized that a sonic spell significantly lowered the crystal's hardness, allowing them to shatter the barrier and continue their quest.

Call to Action

Harnessing the power of the Savage Worlds hardness table is essential for GMs and players alike. By understanding the table's mechanics, utilizing its values wisely, and incorporating it into the storytelling process, you can create memorable and engaging RPG experiences that are both balanced and exciting. Dive into your Savage Worlds adventures with confidence, knowing that you have the tools to make every interaction and encounter truly immersive and unforgettable.