Movement & figures

[Captain_K]

We use an old chalk board for our figures. My original board was in 1" sq grid, the newer one we had we have not gridded (yet), in stead we made wooden sticks (kabob skewers) to length for a 20, 30, and 40 move. The player that wants to move uses the right stick, points it in the direction and moves the figure to the end of the stick. It was an idea in a pinch after I forgot to grid the new board, but I think it works way better than trying to use square grids a odd angles..

Does anyone have ideas or thoughts or practices along this line?

[Treebore]

I've only seen variations on the same theme that your using.

[alcyone]

Just that if you are using a chalkboard, finding one of those chalk compasses would be really cool for spell effects.

Anyway, a graduated dowel is a tried and true model. I'd go so far as to not let casters measure before their spells either, would add to the reality of having to estimate distances (though at the same time I'd be a little bit flexible about things close to the perimeter.)

[Captain_K]

Funny you should note that... the Cleric had to use a Wand of Fire - Flame Strike that is - Nailed the Troll - but nearly killed two of his team mates by catching them on the edge of the flame strike...

[Shadowslayer]

Used to do it that way back in the day. Still do actually, only because I find square counting to be a real game-slower-downer.

I know the 3e guys didn't invent using a 1 inch grid, but I think it was 3e that made it fashionable and commonplace. The way you're doing it is the way wargamers have been doing it for ages.

[Captain_K]

Thanks the odd angled grid then the over emphasis on movement in the 3e got too much. Necessity was indeed the mother of invention this time, but the father, laziness had a hand. The color coded sticks for length work great. thanks!

[jdizzy001]

Song of blade and heroes uses 3 sticks of different length to measure movement. It works great. I've gone away from grids and go at it wargamer style. I make inexpensive terrain with card board, hot glue and paint. Then during the encounter we measure everything out with a tape measure. It is a blast! The battle field is custom designed and the absence of a grid makes it feel very organic. I love it.