Measuring range from high vantage points

[beyer]

Is something wrong with measuring range in a direct line from model to model?

A model with a flamethrower in a building that it more than 8" high, cannot hit a model standing right at the base of the building because the building is taller than the weapons range.

Should range from a higher vantage point be measured in a straight horizontal line so the weapon has the exact same range as when the model was standing on level ground while models on lower elevation still measure from base to base to determine range?

[Darkson]

Good question.

In play testing we would use the template from the firing miniature to the target miniature. If it did not reach than it was a miss. This worked also when targeting models at different levels. You still need to have the range to the target not just the section below the target.

Cheers,
Robert

[dijit80]

Making the measurements model to model keeps things simplest when working on multi level terrain. Having a range bonus for being higher up on platform 'x' which is above 'y' which again is above ground level would start getting too complicated, yes there might be some physics that says otherwise, but if we were to follow the real world too much the game would cease to be a game and be a simulation. Plus the effect on most tabletops is marginal as not to be worth the difference.

[abbysdad]

Yes. I agree too. It makes it really simple to explain to new players as well because it is so realistic.

[beyer]

Actually it's unrealistic, but easy to explain. I understand that.
It just irks me somehow that snipers have reduced range the higher they are. (it's minute unless you play with really tall terrain, I know)

The higher you are, the longer the x-composant of the bullet trajectory.


But I'll shelf the classical mechanics for the sake of discussion, I'm just bringing it up.

[Cilionelle]

Mar 9, 2011 3:50:01 GMT -5 beyer said:

Actually it's unrealistic, but easy to explain. I understand that.

I love it! Thanks for the pic. As to unrealistic, ranges of the weapons we're "simulating", at the scale we are using, are far too small...

Weapon / Effective Range / Range at Scale
Sten Mk V / 60m / 90cm (c.36”)
Bren LMG / 550m / 907.5cm (c.30’)
Pistol / 22m / 36cm (c.14”)
SMLE Mk III* / 503m / 830cm (c.27’)
Vickers MG / 2000m / 3300cm (c.108’)

[evernevermore(john)]

Ive actually have two games (Ambush Alley and MERCS) that handle the range of a realistic battle rifle by giving models unlimited range at a limited chance to hit and a much better chance to hit at the ranges games have taught us to expect

[mobo]

beyer

What about lasers?