Hex Mats for 3rd Ed Combat?

Enkhidu · Feb 4, 2002

I've been thinking about replacing my current square grid mat with 1 (or more) hex grid mats for combat, mainly to help with diagonal movement and areas of spell effects.

Has anyone else tried this? And if so, how did it turn out?

Thanks in advance for the input...

Don21584 · Feb 4, 2002

The group I play with uses a hex mat. It's very good. The only downside is when you want to charge, lousy straight lines.

Hejdun · Feb 5, 2002

Hmm...

I'm not a fan of hex. Yeah, yeah, it's ok in the open, but it's absolute murder when mapping a dungeon, double the headache if it is complex. Then you have to go and map out your own area templates for every single spell area there is (a 10' radius, a 20', 30', 40', 50', 60', cones, etc.), since all of htese are based on the grid system.

In short, I pick convenience. The trade off in reality isn't worth the extra time, IMO, especially since the DnD combat system isn't exactly life like.

Lunn · Feb 5, 2002

I used a hex mat for years. As has been said already, it is great for outdoors. But I would keep the square grid handy for interiors. This is much easier. When my group switched to 3E, we also switch back to square grids. We have been happy with this move.

James McMurray · Feb 5, 2002

I use a hex map in my campaign, and it has worked out great. I don't know what was meant by making your own templates for area spells, as they're incredibly easy. Pick a point, then go the raidus out, or pick a point and go the length out (for cones).

Kaptain_Kantrip · Feb 5, 2002

Crystal Caste makes a dual-sided hex/grid combat mat. I just bought mine and it works great! Buy 'em here:

http://www.crystalcaste.com/mats.htm

EOL · Feb 5, 2002

I've tried both and if I was a stickler for accuracy I might play on a hex map, but since I'm more after ease of play and ease of drawing, I've settled down with a square map exclusively. I guess it's mostly a question of playing styles.

Enkhidu · Feb 5, 2002

Thanks again for the input - especially for the double sided mat - I have a feeling that's the way I'll go. That way I get the best of both worlds.

Wild Karrde · Feb 5, 2002

I'm used to using hex all the time in my other RPG's that we play in, specificall Champions. However I found that in D&D with a bigger group it didn't work as well.

I have 8 players in my group. With a hex mat only six could attack a creature at a time insted of the full 8 that you can with a square mat.

Just a consideration anyway.

psionotic · Feb 5, 2002

Flanking & Sneak Attacks

Wild Karrde said:
I have 8 players in my group. With a hex mat only six could attack a creature at a time insted of the full 8 that you can with a square mat.

Just a consideration anyway.

This comes into play even more when you have lots of rogues, assassins, or other sneak-attackers. Only 6 characters can surround a 5x5 creature on a hex mat, while 8 can on a grid map.