Define "Higher Ground"

[IanB]

Yeah, I'd argue that higher ground means you have some sort of analogue for cover, because something solid is where your legs and maybe torso should be, allowing you to blah blah blah... and thus it would include stairs, tables, and other solid surfaces.

Cheers, -- N

If the higher ground rule was a defensive benefit for the person who is higher I would agree, but as it is an *offensive* benefit, I see no reason that cover-analogues should be relevant. Are you higher up? Then you get the +1 to hit, IMO.

Still, while I do allow it for flying creatures in my game, I've never been totally comfortable with the rule in general since you'd think a giant would get a +1 to hit a human by the same logic.

 

[frankthedm]

But still, I agree: airborne combatants should not be given this bonus. I probably cannot even accurately explain why I feel this way. I also feel the same way about swimmers (or others utilizing a 3-D movement mode).

Flight gets enough advantages already. Another +1 to hit adds insult to injury for the ground pounders.

 

[Thanee]

Elves should always claim the bonus for higher ground out of sheer arrogance. I mean, everyone else is below them, right?

Bye
Thanee

 

[Klaus]

Why would an air elemental need support to get an advantage vs. someone below it?

That's why an Air Elemental gets Air Mastery, which grants it a bonus against nonflying opponents.

All those flying creatures that want to really kick some nonflying ass can take Aerial Superiority feat (RoW) and get bonuses.

 

[mvincent]

Flight gets enough advantages already. Another +1 to hit adds insult to injury for the ground pounders.

Agreed.

Note: I would give the bonus to say, a character that flew (or jumped) up to a section of the wall above their opponent, then used Slippers of Spider Climbing to stand on the wall before attacking.

 

[mcgeedis]

Wow, what a difference of opinion. My DM said he would allow the fly spell to grant the +1 bonus to attack. Since their is no solid rule on this, I guess it will just be a houserule then.

 

[Felnar]

Elves should always claim the bonus for higher ground out of sheer arrogance. I mean, everyone else is below them, right?

Bye
Thanee

these young punks today should learn to respect their elders

 

[Nifft]

If the higher ground rule was a defensive benefit for the person who is higher I would agree, but as it is an *offensive* benefit, I see no reason that cover-analogues should be relevant. Are you higher up? Then you get the +1 to hit, IMO.

We're both agreeing with the rules here.

Basically, higher ground means you have the ability to kick the other guy in the face, while he does not have the opportunity to swing his sword up into your groin.

Some sort of cover interferes with the latter, which allows you the former... a +1 bonus to hit.

Cheers, -- N

 

[moritheil]

Hopefully this won't turn into a "definition of ground" debate.

Ever the optimist, I see.

 

[Tonguez]

My alt.Ranger gets a Geurilla Fighter ability which allows them to use their mastery of the terrain include slopes, trees, rocks and other minor features to gain +4cover bonus to AC and +2 to attack rolls by always maintaining higher ground against an opponent

Edit: My interpretation would also allow for jump checks to count for higher ground, if you jumped high enough (at least for the first attack). That's getting closer and closer to a HR issue, though...

Leap Attack (Combat Feat)
Prereq: Str 13 Jump 4 Ranks
You leap into combat and strike with awesome power. If you successfully make a Jump check DC 10 you gain a bonus +1 to your attack roll as if you were on higher ground. You ma use a leap attack any time you are not flatfooted.