How to create Tougher Travellers?

[Sigtrygg]

Personal energy screens.

Give one to each PC.

 

[hopsnbaer]

Rather than making the PCs tougher I would weaken the NPCs. Use the Mook Rule from the Companion where the NPCs are knocked out when their Endurance goes to 0. This gets rid of the slog and makes the combats faster.

Boss NPCs can still be built like the p[layers.

 

[MonsterX]

This isn't exactly taking the route of making the CHARACTERS tougher, but if you set up a fight where everyone has to basically sneak in whatever weapons they have, or find (improvise) one quick when the fighting kicks off, you can get a more extended fight. For example a gala dinner. Heavily armed guards are protecting the building, but the terrorists have blocked the doors. Inside, security is dressed for the event, diplo vests, and autopistols. The PCs will have body pistols and diplo vests, if they are enterprising. The terrorists will have to have a bit more but not much - something for the players to use that grappling skill to take off them. Distances mean melee is common. Lots of fisticuffs, frying pans, and chairs bashed over people's heads.

In this context, the PCs hit points last them quite a bit longer, and there are lots of opportunities for fun and exciting outcomes.