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Message: <blockquote data-quote="gamerprinter" data-source="post: 6459926" data-attributes="member: 50895">Looking at the flying rules in Geek Industrial Complex Companions of the Firmament where several options are offered for 3D combat.The most complex one uses 2 grids, a horizontal one and a verticle one with the horizontal grid as an actual physical map grid for the tabletop or using a white board. The verticle grid, like many other attempted 3D combat systems relies on markers or poker chips placed under the miniatures to denote differences in height. While this method offers the most accurate depiction especially regarding movement spaces (squares or cubes), range and distance, fitting most closely to combat RAW, if there are more than 2 flying combatants this method can get very tedious, complex and time consuming - and not very condusive to fast and easy play.A second described method for 3D combat is Abstract Aerial Combat which indeed is fast, easy with no needs of an actual grid (and am seriously considering using for just this reason.) Merge the Fly skill with Initiative into one roll. Apply all necessary bonuses to DEX, initiative, maneuverability class, and a +1 for each 10' of movement. All flying combatants roll this for a Flying Initiative score that is rolled at the beginning of each round (with no memory of what took place in the previous round.) The result is an Aerial Advantage for that round. Spending Aerial Advantage for specific bonuses during that round can achieve: <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Bonus damage for a single attack equal to the difference in Initiative between the combatant and the target.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Bonus to AC (Dex based) plus CMD to the difference between half the Flying Initiative score.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Trigger the use of an ability such as a feat, spell, class ability or other effect that normally requires a specific position on a battle grid, such as gaining position to perform a Sneak Attack.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Move 2 flying range increments to run away if your Flying Initiative score exceeds everyone else.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A stunt or narrative tactic agreed upon by both GM and player dependant on the difference between Flying Initiative scores.</li> </ol>This also includes an Abstract Range table differing between melee/short range attacks, personal and touch attacks (spell or physical), long range  for projectile, seige and distance spell attacks, distant and extreme ranges as well. Each get a Ranged Attack Bonus and a Perception Bonus, and appoximate distances.There are several more options included an Abstract grid for more complex flying options. However, I like the first 2, using the first method only for exact detail combat between 3 or less combatants. Anything more complex in number of flyers, I'd use the Abstract Aerial Combat rules. Of course these flying rules involve gravity and falling, which would be eschewed since 3D combat in space is absent of gravity (for the most part) so falling is not a consideration.</blockquote>

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