Rules Variations to be used on the 20th
NOT YET IN EFFECT
Jon, these are up for your thoughts and input.
We're using normal miniatures rules, with the following notes:
1) Linear Movement: Base "hex" length is set at 6" per hex. Or UP TO 6" of movement per MP; you may move less per MP, and total MP "conserves**". MP costs scale from there (ie, 2 MP to move through 6" of woods) exactly as in standard Battletech.
2) Turning: It costs to turn up to 60 degrees (1 hex facing) or portion thereof.
3) Slop: There is assumed to be roughly 1/2" of "slop" in movement or turning. Don't insist on millimetric precision.
4) Line of Sight/Fire (Firing Arcs): The front arc of a Mech is found be measuring forward from the rear hex side arcs. A Mech which torso twists shifts this arc one hex facing to the side it twists.
5) Line of Sight/Fire (Terrain): this is figured exactly as in standard BattleTech, substituting 6" (or portion thereof) of terrain for 1 hex's worth of terrain. Ie, 8" of light woods would have the same game effect as 2 hexes of light woods on the tabletop. Someone whose base is 4" from the edge of the woods would be considered to be "in" the first woods hex, figured exactly as in standard BattleTech.
6) Line of Sight/Fire (Cover): We are NOT using the "true line of sight" rules found in miniatures play. A Mech's must be within 3" of the terrain to gain partial cover.
-If less than 1/3rd of the Mech is behind the cover, there is no effect.
-If between 1/3rd and 2/3rds of the Mech is behind cover, the Mech gains Partial Cover (+1 to be hit), and the terrain will screen the appropriate side of the Mech (any of the following: both legs, right arm right leg, and right torso, or left arm, left leg, and left torso). Any shots which hit a covered location hit the terrain instead. Under no circumstances can partial cover protect the center torso or head. Any weapons mounted in a location which is covered by Partial Cover cannot fire at a target who takes the Partial Cover modifier. This is a specific exemption to the rule stating that LoF is drawn from the center of a hex to the center of a hex; if the LoF to a Mech in Partial Cover clips a building, the Mech is not necessarily an illegal target).
-If more than 2/3rds of the Mech is behind cover, it cannot be fired upon.