What Are Edges and Hindrances?
If attributes and skills are your character's resume, Edges and Hindrances are their personality, special powers, and dramatic backstory! These are the traits that transform a collection of numbers into a living, breathing hero (or villain).
The Comic Book Cover Method
Imagine your character on a comic book cover. What's their tagline? "The Man Without Fear" (Blind hindrance + Alertness edge), "With Great Power..." (Arcane Background + Code of Honor), or "The Fastest Man Alive" (Fleet-Footed + Quick edges). Edges and Hindrances create these defining moments!
Understanding Hindrances
Hindrances are your character's flaws, weaknesses, and complications. They make characters interesting and earn you points for more Edges!
Major Hindrances (2 points)
Serious complications that significantly impact gameplay
Blind
−6 to all tasks that require vision, but gains one free Edge to compensate
Examples: Daredevil, Toph (Avatar), Zatoichi
"My other senses are so heightened, I can tell you had onions for lunch... yesterday."
Code of Honor
Won't break their moral code, even if it means death
Examples: Batman (no killing), Samurai Jack, Captain America
"If you kill a killer, the number of killers stays the same."
Heroic
Always helps those in need, can't ignore suffering
Examples: Superman, Spider-Man, All Might
"With great power comes great responsibility."
Minor Hindrances (1 point)
Smaller flaws that add flavor and occasional complications
Loyal
Can't leave a friend behind; always has their companions' backs
Examples: Samwise Gamgee, Donkey (Shrek), Ron Weasley
"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!"
Doubting Thomas
Refuses to believe in the supernatural, even when it's staring back
Examples: Velma, Dana Scully, Sherlock Holmes
"Let me guess: it's Old Man Jenkins in a rubber mask."
Stubborn
Wants their own way and never admits a mistake
Examples: Tony Stark, Vegeta, Gimli
"I'm not wrong. I'm just... differently right."
Some famous flaws are bigger than they look: Bad Luck (one less Benny per session), Curious, and Overconfident are all Major Hindrances in SWADE, and some, like Bad Eyes, Vengeful, or Wanted, can be taken as either Minor or Major.
Hindrance Points System
Building Your Flaws
The Spider-Man Build
- Heroic (Major) - 2 points
- Enemy (Minor: J. Jonah Jameson) - 1 point
- Secret (Minor: his identity) - 1 point
Total: 4 points to spend on Edges, attributes, and more!
The Batman Build
- Code of Honor (Major: No Killing) - 2 points
- Driven (Minor: Fight Crime) - 1 point
- Secret (Minor: his identity) - 1 point
Total: 4 points for vigilante justice!
Understanding Edges
Edges are special abilities, training, or advantages that set your character apart. They're what make heroes super!
Background Edges
Starting advantages from your character's history
Arcane Background
Access to supernatural powers
Requirements: Novice
Examples: Doctor Strange (Magic), Professor X (Psionics), The Force (Miracles)
Rich
3× starting funds, $150K annual salary
Requirements: Novice
Examples: Tony Stark, Bruce Wayne, Scrooge McDuck
Noble
High birth: status, wealth, and influence (plus the duties that come with them)
Requirements: Novice
Examples: Wonder Woman, T'Challa, Aragorn
Combat Edges
Abilities that make you deadlier in battle
First Strike
Once per turn, a free Fighting attack against a foe who moves adjacent
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8
Examples: Samurai reflexes, Spider-sense, Jedi precognition
Trademark Weapon
+1 to Fighting or Shooting (or Athletics when thrown) with one specific weapon
Requirements: Novice, d8 in skill
Examples: Thor's Mjolnir, Green Arrow's bow, Inigo's sword
Two-Fisted
Attack with a melee weapon in each hand without the multi-action penalty
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8
Examples: Deadpool, Legolas, Kirito (dual wielding)
Professional Edges
Expertise in specific fields
Ace
+2 to Boating, Driving, Piloting rolls
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8
Examples: Han Solo, Speed Racer, Maverick
Investigator
+2 to Research, and to Notice rolls when searching for clues
Requirements: Novice, Smarts d8, Research d8
Examples: Sherlock Holmes, Batman, L (Death Note)
Healer
+2 to Healing rolls
Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8
Examples: Dr. Strange (pre-magic), Katara, Tony Tony Chopper
Weird Edges
Supernatural abilities and strange powers
Beast Master
Animals like you, and you gain a loyal animal companion
Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8
Examples: Aquaman, Disney Princesses, Tarzan
Danger Sense
A sixth sense: a Notice roll to sense an ambush or hidden danger before it strikes
Requirements: Novice
Examples: Spider-sense, Force sensitivity, Newtype awareness
Liquid Courage
Alcohol gives +1 die to Vigor, ignores one wound
Requirements: Novice, Vigor d8
Examples: Captain Jack Sparrow, Wolverine, Jackie Chan (Drunken Master)
Edge Requirements and Ranks
Character Advancement Ranks
Novice (0-3 Advances)
Starting heroes learning the ropes
Examples: Luke on Tatooine, Peter Parker pre-bite, Year One Batman
Seasoned (4-7 Advances)
Experienced adventurers with proven skills
Examples: Empire Strikes Back Luke, Season 2 Daredevil, Robin Hood
Veteran (8-11 Advances)
Hardened heroes with impressive abilities
Examples: Return of the Jedi Luke, Avengers-era Iron Man, Aragorn as Strider
Heroic (12-15 Advances)
Legendary figures known across the land
Examples: Endgame Captain America, Naruto as Hokage, Gandalf the White
Legendary (16+ Advances)
Mythic heroes of incredible power
Examples: Comics Thor, Goku Ultra Instinct, Doctor Manhattan
Iconic Edge Combinations
Some Edges work together to create classic character archetypes:
The Ninja
- Assassin (+2 damage to Vulnerable foes or when you have The Drop)
- Thief (stealth and lockpicking bonuses)
- Free Runner (parkour movement)
Result: Stealthy killer who strikes from shadows
Examples: Black Widow, Snake Eyes, Ezio Auditore
The Gunslinger
- Quick Draw (draw weapon as free action)
- Steady Hands (ignore platform penalties)
- Marksman (if you don't move, you get the benefit of Aiming for free)
Result: Lightning-fast sharpshooter
Examples: Deadshot, Hawkeye, Roland Deschain
The Tank
- Brawny (+1 Size and Toughness)
- Hard to Kill (ignore wound penalties on Vigor rolls to avoid Bleeding Out)
- Nerves of Steel (ignore one level of wound penalties)
Result: Nearly indestructible warrior
Examples: The Hulk, Colossus, The Mountain
Creating Custom Edges
Want something unique? Here's how to build balanced custom Edges:
Edge Creation Guidelines
- +2 to a specific situation (not a whole skill)
- +1 to a commonly used trait
- Ignore specific penalties (like multi-action)
- Minor special ability with limited use
Example Custom Edges
Wallcrawler
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8, Athletics d6
Effect: Move on walls/ceilings at half Pace
Based on: Spider-Man's abilities
Trash Talk
Requirements: Novice, Taunt d8
Effect: Taunt as free action once per turn
Based on: Spider-Man's combat banter
Edges and Hindrances in Play
Making Them Matter
For Players
- Roleplay your Hindrances for Bennies
- Look for creative uses of your Edges
- Let Hindrances drive story moments
For Game Masters
- Create situations that highlight Edges
- Compel Hindrances for dramatic moments
- Reward good roleplaying with Bennies
Key Takeaways
- Hindrances create interesting flaws and earn points for Edges
- Major Hindrances (2 pts) have big impacts; Minor (1 pt) add flavor; you can take up to 4 points' worth
- Edges provide special abilities and advantages
- Edge categories include Background, Combat, Leadership, Power, Professional, Social, Weird, Wild Card, and Legendary (this part samples four)
- Edges have requirements (Rank, Attributes, Skills)
- Combine Edges to create iconic character types