Opinions on Combat Facing variant and Hexgrid Variant

[Veven1290]

What experiences have you guys (and gals) had with either of these two variant rules? Thinking about using one or both of them in a campaign and I am curious about the effects it will have on play.

It seems Combat facing makes things easier on a ranged rogue since you only have to be in an enemies rear space instead of denying him his dex to AC. It also seems to make it more difficult for a melee rogue since flanking no longer grants sneak attacks.

Something about the Hex grid that i find curious is that (unless i am looking at these charts wrong) area spells have larger areas. A 5 foot radius on a square grid affects 4 spaces on a grid intersection (according to the DMG) and a 5 foot radius spell in a hex grid affects 7 spaces (the center space, and the 6 surrounding it). This seems like a big boost in power so please tell me i am wrong about this.

 

[Andras]

Are you familiar with the 1e AD&D grid rules?

 

[frankthedm]

You are completely right on the radius issue. Measuring from a hex grid intersection still gives more spaces hit for radius greater than 5' for hexes over squares. Measuring from a central space is excessive.

 

[Veven1290]

You are completely right on the radius issue. Measuring from a hex grid intersection still gives more spaces hit for radius greater than 5' for hexes over squares. Measuring from a central space is excessive.

Alright, measuring from an intersection it is, that looks a lot more manageable.

Another question while we're on the topic, I've been playing a wizard who uses sculpted spells pretty frequently, typically the 4 10ft cubes option. How would you adjudicate cubes with a hex grid? we have just been doing the same space a large creature takes up, (so one intersection and the three hexes surrounding it) does that sound right? How would you make cubes of a size greater than 10ft?