Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE) is celebrated for its fast-paced gameplay, flexible ruleset, and creative freedom. One of the more nuanced elements in SWADE is the concept of Mastering Building Hardness—a measure that reflects how resistant a structure or large object is to damage. Understanding and implementing building hardness properly is crucial for both Game Masters (GMs) and players. In this guide, we’ll explore building hardness in SWADE, how it works, why it matters, and how you can use it effectively in your games.
What is Mastering Building Hardness
Defining Building Hardness
In Savage Worlds, Mastering Building Hardness refers to the toughness or resistance of a structure, vehicle, or stationary object. Instead of treating a building as a static set piece, GMs can assign a numerical value representing its ability to withstand attacks, explosions, and other destructive forces.
Why Building Hardness Matters
- Immersive Gameplay: By integrating Mastering Building Hardness, you create more dynamic encounters. Players must consider strategy rather than simply firing away at a wall until it crumbles.
- Realism and Consistency: Assigning hardness values ensures that damage to buildings feels realistic and consistent with the setting. A medieval castle wall should be more robust than a wooden shack, for example.
- Balanced Challenges: Understanding hardness allows GMs to design obstacles that challenge players without overwhelming them.
How Building Hardness is Calculated in SWADE
Material and Construction Quality
Hardness is not a fixed number—it’s determined by the materials and craftsmanship of the structure. SWADE provides general guidelines, but GMs have the flexibility to adjust based on context. Common factors include:
- Material Type: Stone, brick, concrete, metal, and wood all have different hardness ratings.
- Thickness and Reinforcement: A fortified steel door will have higher hardness than a thin sheet of metal.
- Structural Integrity: A well-maintained building is likely to be more resilient than one that’s old or in disrepair.
Default Hardness Values in SWADE
- Wooden Walls: Generally low hardness, vulnerable to basic attacks.
- Brick or Stone Walls: Moderate hardness, resistant to small arms fire and minor explosions.
- Reinforced Concrete or Steel: High hardness, capable of withstanding most conventional weapons.
- Magical or Exotic Materials: The GM may assign higher hardness ratings to structures built with rare or supernatural materials.
How to Apply Building Hardness in Your Game
Using Hardness to Determine Damage
- Subtract Hardness from Damage: When an attack strikes a building, subtract its hardness rating from the damage roll. If the remaining damage is below the building’s total toughness, it has no effect.
- Structural Damage Threshold: Some GMs use a “wound” system for buildings. For example, a wooden wall might sustain a wound every time it takes damage exceeding its hardness by 4 or more points.
Making Hardness a Dynamic Element
- Destructive Set Pieces: Include scenarios where players must break through a reinforced door or destroy a support beam to collapse a ceiling.
- Evolving Conditions: Damage can degrade a building’s hardness. A partially destroyed wall might have reduced hardness, making subsequent attacks more effective.
- Environmental Hazards: Mastering Building Hardness can come into play during natural disasters. For instance, a structure’s hardness might determine how well it holds up during an earthquake or hurricane.
Strategies for GMs: Balancing Mastering Building Hardness
Scaling for Player Power
- If your players are armed with advanced weaponry, consider increasing the hardness of key structures to maintain a challenge.
- Conversely, if the players are using basic tools, keep the hardness manageable to avoid frustration.
Using Hardness as a Tactical Challenge
- Encourage Creativity: Instead of brute force, players might look for alternate ways to breach a building—using tools, explosives, or even roleplaying to find hidden entrances.
- Time Pressure: Introduce time constraints where the players must breach a door or wall quickly. The hardness value then becomes a key obstacle they must overcome under pressure.
Providing Clues and Context
- Give players some indication of how sturdy a structure is. Descriptive language—“the iron gate is thick, its surface marred by old dents”—can clue them in on the high hardness without outright stating the number.
- Offering hints can guide players toward making strategic choices about which weapons or abilities to use.
Integrating Building Hardness Into Combat
Siege and Assault Scenarios
- Planned Sieges: Players might need to bring specific resources, like siege engines or explosives, to overcome high-hardness fortifications.
- Environmental Weaponry: Introduce objects in the environment that the players can use. For example, a loose boulder that can be pushed onto a weaker section of the wall.
Defensive Challenges
- Fortifications Under Siege: When the players are defending a location, Mastering Building Hardness becomes a critical factor. They’ll need to repair walls, reinforce structures, or strategically position themselves to protect weaker points.
- Layered Defense: A fortress might have multiple layers of walls, each with its own hardness rating. This forces attackers to adapt their tactics as they progress.
Incorporating Magic and Powers
- Spells and Effects: Some spells might bypass or reduce hardness. For example, a fireball could weaken wooden walls, lowering their hardness and making them easier to break.
- Supernatural Reinforcement: Magical wards or enchantments could increase a building’s hardness, turning an ordinary structure into a formidable barrier.
Examples of Building Hardness in Action
Scenario 1: Breaking Into a Fortress
The players need to infiltrate a heavily fortified enemy stronghold. The outer walls are reinforced stone (hardness 15), making direct attacks difficult. The party scout identifies a side entrance with a wooden gate (hardness 7), which they decide to target. With their combined efforts and the scout’s guidance, they successfully breach the gate and gain entry.
Scenario 2: Defending a Town Hall
During a siege, the players are tasked with defending the town hall. The building has a hardness of 12 due to its sturdy construction. As the enemy forces bombard it with catapults, the GM tracks the damage, reducing the structure’s hardness over time. The players must repair sections, fortify weak points, and fend off attackers, creating a dynamic and strategic battle.
Scenario 3: Creative Problem-Solving
The players encounter an ancient temple door made of a rare metal alloy (hardness 20). After several failed attempts to break it down, they notice an inscription hinting at a hidden lever that, once pulled, disables the door’s enchantment and lowers its hardness to 10. By solving the puzzle, they bypass the obstacle without wasting valuable resources.
Tips for Players: Overcoming High-Hardness Challenges
1. Plan Ahead
- Research the target structure’s materials and possible weaknesses.
- Bring tools, explosives, or specific weapons that can deal higher damage or bypass hardness.
2. Use the Environment
- Look for structural weaknesses, like cracks or worn sections, that might have lower hardness.
- Consider alternative approaches, such as tunneling or climbing over less fortified areas.
3. Collaborate and Strategize
- Work as a team to concentrate damage on a single point.
- Coordinate attacks to maximize efficiency and reduce wasted resources.
4. Leverage Abilities and Powers
- Use spells or abilities that weaken materials or amplify damage.
- Consider buffs that increase strength or enhance damage rolls.
Conclusion
Understanding and Mastering Building Hardness building hardness in SWADE adds a layer of depth and realism to your games. For GMs, it provides a framework for designing dynamic challenges, while players gain a new tactical element to consider during encounters. By incorporating Mastering Building Hardness thoughtfully, you can create more engaging and immersive stories, enhance combat scenarios, and make your Savage Worlds campaigns truly unforgettable.
