Determining radius with squares
- Thread starter Kershek
- Start date
drnuncheon
Explorer
kreynolds said:
Anything that emanates from the caster (or another character) comes to mind. Otherwise, the center of the effect is inexplicably off-center...
J
(of course, the real best way is to use hexes, or even ditch the maps altogether and just use a ruler.)
Dakhran the Dark
First Post
I'm not sure there is a "best" way when dealing with the square grid setup...
I've seen alot of games convert to a hexmap system, since most of their battle mats were already hex-based from 2nd edition and other game systems. And for my game needs, a gridless system is the better fit, since we use campus conference rooms for games, and use their dry-erase boards for tactical diagrams. In this case, for AoE spells, I have a trusty string marked with inches, and I use that as a compass to draw spell arcs. Any spell effect that passes through a center point in the magnetic squares I use for character placement, affects that character.
Granted, this is a house rule... *ducks "wrong forum" flames*
I've seen alot of games convert to a hexmap system, since most of their battle mats were already hex-based from 2nd edition and other game systems. And for my game needs, a gridless system is the better fit, since we use campus conference rooms for games, and use their dry-erase boards for tactical diagrams. In this case, for AoE spells, I have a trusty string marked with inches, and I use that as a compass to draw spell arcs. Any spell effect that passes through a center point in the magnetic squares I use for character placement, affects that character.
Granted, this is a house rule... *ducks "wrong forum" flames*
kreynolds
First Post
drnuncheon said:
You mean an emanation? Like the ones I mentioned above? It wouldn't be "off-center". You're only choosing an intersection of lines for ease and accuracy. The character would just choose a corner to get the most effect out of the spell, just like fireball. As far as I'm concerned, this isn't one of those situations where it would be best, easier, or more accurate to not use intersecting lines.
Kershek
Sci-Fi Newshound
drnuncheon said:
If you use a ruler, wouldn't it take too long for the DM to draw the map, since he would need a ruler to judge the length of walls and width of corridors of a dungeon or else the drawing will be off?
If you just use rulers, do you just eyeball it to make sure that people aren't closer than 5' apart? After all, if they're closer, they shouldn't be able to effectively swing their weapons.
Do you measure from the center of the miniature? Does it have to reach the center of another miniature to hit it?
Can you explain how you normally would play with just rulers?
dkilgo
First Post
I truly do no tlike the hex idea, but that is my opinion, and we all know what those are like.
The whole situation has my head hurting because I seem to recall someone linking some sort of randomness into the whole thing. Like rolling a d4 to figure out what corner you are going to be targeting. Granted the caster might not like the exactness of his AOE spells, but such is life.
I have not quite given up on the whole targeting the center of the square bit, yet. I am still going to play test it with kreynolds, and let you all know what comes of it.
The whole situation has my head hurting because I seem to recall someone linking some sort of randomness into the whole thing. Like rolling a d4 to figure out what corner you are going to be targeting. Granted the caster might not like the exactness of his AOE spells, but such is life.
I have not quite given up on the whole targeting the center of the square bit, yet. I am still going to play test it with kreynolds, and let you all know what comes of it.
