Savage Worlds' supers genre offers a thrilling blend of pulp action and superheroics. To truly capture the exhilarating experience of a costumed crime-fighter or a powered adventurer, you'll need the right gear. This isn't just about flashy gadgets; it's about enhancing your character's abilities and ensuring survival in a world brimming with danger. This guide delves into the essential equipment categories for a Supers Savage Worlds campaign, offering suggestions for both iconic and unique items.
The Core: Enhancing Your Powers
Regardless of your character's specific power set, certain equipment categories consistently prove invaluable.
Enhanced Costumes & Armor:
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Toughened Fabrics: Beyond the stylish exterior, a durable costume is paramount. Consider materials offering increased protection against physical attacks and even energy blasts, perhaps incorporating advanced materials like reinforced polymers or energy-dampening weaves. These can be represented by bonuses to your Toughness or even providing soak value against specific damage types.
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Utility Belt/Harness: This isn't just for holding gadgets. A well-designed utility belt provides secure storage and quick access to essentials like grappling hooks, medical supplies, and extra power cells. Consider adding specialized pouches for different item types.
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Protective Gear: Depending on your character's powers and the threats faced, specialized gear might be crucial. This could include reinforced boots for increased agility and durability, impact-resistant eyewear protecting against energy blasts, or even specialized gloves enhancing grip and precision.
Power Enhancement & Control:
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Power Cells/Batteries: Many supers rely on external energy sources. Larger, more potent power cells allow for sustained use of abilities, crucial during extended encounters. Consider including different types of power cells with varying capacities and recharge times.
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Focus Devices: Some powers benefit from focused channeling. A focused device, such as a specially crafted amulet or staff, might improve the effectiveness or range of abilities. These could provide bonuses to relevant skill rolls or even add additional effects.
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Control Devices: For characters with volatile or unpredictable powers, control devices are essential. These might be anything from a stabilizing harness to a specialized mental focus device, helping to prevent accidental misuse or runaway power surges. Mechanically, these could reduce the chance of wild die rolls or grant advantages during difficult control checks.
Gadgets & Technological Marvels
Supers Savage Worlds often incorporate impressive technological advancements. Here are some gadget categories to consider:
Communication & Surveillance:
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Advanced Comms: Staying connected is vital. A specialized communication device allows for real-time coordination with teammates or access to crucial information. This could represent a bonus to Perception rolls or allow for quick access to important data.
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Surveillance Tech: From micro-drones to advanced sensors, surveillance technology is invaluable for investigation and tracking foes. This could represent a bonus to Investigation rolls or provide information on enemy positions and weaknesses.
Weaponry & Defensive Tools:
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Energy Weapons: From blaster pistols to high-powered rifles, energy weapons provide a distinct advantage in combat. Remember to balance their power against the limitations of ammunition or recharge time.
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Non-Lethal Weapons: In situations where lethal force isn't an option, non-lethal weaponry is essential. Consider tasers, sonic emitters, or even specialized net-launchers.
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Defensive Tech: Shields, cloaking devices, or personal force fields add a significant defensive edge. These could grant soak bonuses, reduce incoming damage, or provide temporary invulnerability.
Beyond the Basics: Unique Equipment Options
Don't be afraid to get creative! Consider unique items that reflect your character's personality and abilities. This could include:
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Customized Vehicles: Flying vehicles, advanced cars, or specialized motorcycles enhance mobility and provide a tactical advantage.
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Specialized Tools: Depending on the character's background and powers, specialized tools like hacking devices, lock-picking kits, or scientific equipment could become indispensable.
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Rare Artifacts or Relics: A powerful amulet or a mystical artifact could grant unique abilities or bonuses. The possibilities are endless.
Remember that equipment in Savage Worlds shouldn't overshadow the character's inherent abilities. Instead, it should complement and enhance their powers, adding depth and strategic options to their heroic endeavors. By carefully selecting and utilizing equipment, you can create a truly memorable and effective Supers Savage Worlds character.
