The Tools of Heroes
Every hero needs their iconic gear - Batman's utility belt, Thor's hammer, Link's Master Sword, or Iron Man's armor. In Savage Worlds, equipment isn't just numbers on a sheet; it's part of your character's identity and story!
The Action Figure Test
Imagine your character as an action figure. What accessories would come in the package? A ninja needs throwing stars and smoke bombs. A space smuggler needs a blaster and a fast ship. A wizard needs a staff and spell components. These items define your character as much as their abilities!
Understanding Weapon Stats
Breaking Down Weapon Notation
Longsword: Str+d8
- Str: Add your Strength die to damage
- +d8: Plus roll a d8
- Total: If you have d6 Strength, roll d6+d8 for damage!
Aragorn (Str d8) with Andúril rolls d8+d8 damage!
Glock 9mm: 2d6, AP 1
- 2d6: Roll two six-sided dice for damage
- AP 1: Armor Piercing - ignores 1 point of armor
- Range: 12/24/48 (short/medium/long)
John McClane's favorite - simple but effective!
Melee Weapons
Close Combat Arsenal
Light Weapons
Frodo's Sting, Assassin's blade
Arya's Needle, Roman gladius
Medium Weapons
Jon Snow's Longclaw, Link's Master Sword
Gimli's axe, Viking weapons
Heavy Weapons
Cloud's Buster Sword, Guts' Dragonslayer
Thor's hammer, Sauron's mace
Special Weapon Properties
- Reach X: Attack at X" distance (spears, polearms)
- Parry +/-X: Modifies your Parry defense
- Two Hands: Requires both hands to use
- AP X: Armor Piercing - ignores X armor points
Ranged Weapons
Medieval/Fantasy
Bow
Damage: 2d6 | Range: 12/24/48
Legolas, Hawkeye, Robin Hood
Crossbow
Damage: 2d6, AP 2 | Range: 15/30/60
Reload 1 action
Daryl Dixon, medieval soldiers
Modern
Pistol
Damage: 2d6, AP 1 | Range: 12/24/48
Semi-auto, concealable
James Bond, John Wick
Assault Rifle
Damage: 2d8, AP 2 | Range: 24/48/96
RoF 3, Auto
Military ops, action heroes
Futuristic
Laser Pistol
Damage: 2d6, AP 2 | Range: 15/30/60
No recoil, energy cells
Han Solo's blaster, Starlord
Plasma Rifle
Damage: 3d6, AP 4 | Range: 24/48/96
Overheats on 1s
Predator, Halo weapons
Armor and Protection
Armor Basics
Armor adds to your Toughness, making you harder to hurt. But heavier armor can slow you down!
Light Armor
Aragorn's ranger gear, rogue leathers
Police armor, John McClane
Medium Armor
Medieval knights, Frodo's mithril
SWAT gear, military ops
Heavy Armor
Medieval knights, Sauron
Iron Man, Space Marines
Shields and Defensive Gear
Small Shield
Parry +1
+2 Armor vs ranged
Buckler, Cap's shield (thrown)
Medium Shield
Parry +2
+2 Armor vs ranged
Knight's shield, Viking round shield
Large Shield
Parry +2
+4 Armor vs ranged
Tower shield, riot shield
Adventuring Gear
Essential Equipment for Every Hero
Survival Basics
- Backpack: Carry your stuff!
- Rope (50'): For climbing, tying, swinging
- Torch/Flashlight: See in the dark
- Rations: Trail food for 5 days
- Waterskin/Canteen: Stay hydrated
Sam Gamgee knew: always pack rope!
Specialist Tools
- Lockpicks: +1 to Thievery
- Crowbar: +1 Str for prying
- Toolkit: +1 to Repair
- First Aid Kit: +1 to Healing
- Disguise Kit: +1 to Performance
The right tool for the right job!
High-Tech Gadgets
- Smartphone: Research, communication
- Night Vision: Ignore darkness
- Grappling Gun: Batman's favorite
- Tracking Device: Follow targets
- Hacking Rig: +2 to Electronics
Q Branch approved!
Vehicles and Mounts
Transportation Options
Horse
- Pace: 12
- Toughness: 8
- Notes: Living mount, needs care
Roach (Witcher), Shadowfax, Epona
Motorcycle
- Acc/Top Speed: 20/36
- Toughness: 8 (2)
- Notes: Nimble, exposed rider
Ghost Rider, Akira's bike
Sports Car
- Acc/Top Speed: 30/56
- Toughness: 10 (3)
- Notes: Fast, luxurious
Batmobile, Bond's Aston Martin
Starfighter
- Acc/Top Speed: 50/700
- Toughness: 20 (5)
- Weapons: Laser cannons
X-Wing, Millennium Falcon
Magic Items and Relics
Legendary Gear
In fantasy settings, magical items can provide incredible benefits!
+1 Magic Sword
Damage: Str+d8+1
Special: Affects ethereal creatures
"Forged by elven smiths in the First Age"
Ring of Protection
Effect: +2 Armor (magical)
Special: Always active, no weight
"A simple band that deflects harm"
Boots of Speed
Effect: Pace +2, Running die d8
Special: Leave trails of lightning
"Mercury's own footwear"
Bag of Holding
Effect: 500 lbs capacity, weighs 5 lbs
Special: Extra-dimensional space
"Bigger on the inside"
Encumbrance
Carrying Capacity
Heroes can't carry unlimited gear! Your Strength determines your load limit:
- Normal Load: 5 × Strength die (in pounds)
- Encumbered: Up to 10 × Strength die (-2 Pace, Agility/Str rolls)
- Over Limit: Can only shuffle 2" per round!
Example: Peter Parker (Str d4) can carry 20 lbs normally, 40 lbs when encumbered. Good thing his web-shooters are lightweight!
Key Takeaways
- Melee weapons add Strength die + weapon die for damage
- Ranged weapons have three range increments (short/medium/long)
- Armor adds to Toughness but may have requirements
- Shields improve Parry and protect against ranged attacks
- The right gear provides bonuses to skill rolls
- Don't overload yourself - watch encumbrance!