4 replies to this topic

[Dan Lewis]

Hello All, 

 

In learning and applying the rules I found it a little difficult to apply the three different types of cover (Soft, Linear, Hard) to all the terrain situations that can occur in an infantry battle. 

 

The information regarding how cover is defined is imbedded in numerous paragraphs and sections in the rules. And can be found in more than one chapter. So it's not so easy to scan the rules and find the which cover applies to which terrain.  

 

In playing my Lock 'N Load computer game, they have a chart of Terrain Effects Modifiers. This served as a starting point for charting the Mein Panzer Rules on which type of cover is applied to which type of terrain. I didn't really care so much about how Lock 'N Load correlated to Mein Panzer, but never the less it was interesting to see. In the end there is not right or wrong as no two rule systems are the same and they use different methods for calculating combat. 

 

I searched through the rules and check every instance of where the word "Cover" was used to try and capture all the content regarding cover and terrain  Terrain Chart.PNG   31.8KB   1 downloads. The attached chart is the result. This may be useful to others. If you think I got any of them wrong please let me know. 

[Mark 1]

Seems reasonable.  I take a more general approach to my own understanding, being:

Soft cover = makes it harder to see the target.  Bushes, for example.  Doesn't stop the projectiles, but may make it harder to see and hit the target.

Linear cover = something between shooter and target. Walls, etc. You must shoot through it to hit the target, and it reduces both accuracy and impact of your shot.

Hard cover = dug-in or inside defensive works. Likely to resist your shot unless you hit it "just so".

 

But having all of that reduced to specific cases (fence = soft, sandbags = linear, concrete = hard) works too.  Might well reduce the argumentation from "rules lawyers" at your table. I don't often have them at my table, but find them often enough at the tables others arrange.  However, beware of the rules lawyer who won't be satisfied with whatever answer you give when you reference your chart, if the defender is entrenched (hard cover) with some sandbags (linear cover) around the top.

 

-Mark
(aka: Mk 1)

[Mark 1]

And ... just for some fun, I thought I might add some wargaming eye-candy.  See, that whole question of trenches vs. sandbags matters ... come game time!

 

 

Just because you should get a reward for working so hard in reviewing the rules and contributing to the discussions.

 

-Mark
(aka: Mk 1)

[Kenny Noe]

Mark,   Very nice terrain and infantry stands.  Love the "trenchworks"!

[Dan Lewis]

I love it Mark. Great job.