Perhaps I was not clear. I was *not* comparing hexes to squares in
any of my
posts. The comparison has been between using a grid of any kind and
using a
ruler with *no* grid.
No, you are simply wrong. Hexes are superior. Here are 3 reasons
why:
1) If I want to measure diagonal distances relatively accurately, I
can't do that with squares. I can with hexes.
Your confusion concerning squares aside, I maintain that in a
miniatures
game accurate measurement may be important. In this RPG, close is good
enough.
2) If I want to regulate and easily quantify areas of effect, i can
do that with hexes. This is almost impossible to do with squares
(unless you are fond of including things like "half squares" or
"quarter squares").
Again, confusion over squares aside, the area of effect is
approximate in an
RPG. If the GM thinks you're close enough to get hit, he/she can
darn well
roll a die to decide.
3) The veracity of the simulation is relevant to the accuracy of the
measurements used. I.e. the more I have to fudge things like
distances, the less plausible the game is.
RPGs are terrible simulators. Come on, think about it, first off
there are
only three basic attributes, you are using dice with only six
sides, the
damage caused by weapons is grossly approximated...need I go on? Ok,
movement is in five foot chunks, there is no time scale between
combats.
David, TFT are very simple rules intended to give a very, very, rough
approximation of events. Basically just barely enough to support
suspension
of disbelief to further the plot and have a little fun. Besides, how
"plausible" is a simulator that has elves, ogres and trolls running
around?
The GM's objective is to get players to buy into the imaginary
environment
in spite of its implausibility.
TFT is simply not designed to support any sort of "simulation".
"Melee" is a
quick and dirty little pocket game as is "Wizard". ITL sort of
bolted the
two together for a very bare bones, beer and pretzels RPG. Trying
to make
TFT into a "simulator" is trying to make a purse out of a sow's ear.
If simulation is your goal and you want a more crunchy game, I
would suggest
GURPS might be what you are looking for. A fine game in its own
right and
with a design that supports adding all the detailed simulation you
care to.
I have the Fourth edition books and they well worth the money.
You'll be
much happier and more successful than trying to take this Model T to
Daytona.
David Jackson
Ray Rangel
ray.rangel@cox.net
http://xraysvision.blogspot.com/
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