Line of sight...

[dirsch 0]

I need a clarification on the rules for DOOM please in regards to line of sight.

 

The rules state this;

 

In order to attaack a space, the attacker must have line of sight to it.

In other words, the attacking figure must be able to trace an uni-

terupted straight line from the center of its space to the center of

the space it is targeting.  If attacking with an oversized invader, you

need only trace a line of sight from the center of one of the spaces

it occupies to the center of the space it is targeting.

 

From the diagram, it appears line of sight is limited by following the squares either  0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270 or 315 degrees.  However, My friend feels that you should be able to take a string for example, and use it to mark the path from point A to point B, avoiding the degree's I mentioned and kinda shooting at whatever like a pitcher throws a curveball.  I hope I explained well...  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[Hipsu 227]

It's not limited by degrees. If in doubt you can use a string or a straight edge like your friend suggests. 

 

Check this play aid made by Tibs http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/15988/los_guide-jpg

(although Tibs claims that figures do not block line of sight to themselves but that's not in the rules, so it's a house rule.)

[shnar 52]

In fact, in Descent, figures *do* block line of sight to their hind quarters as a target (they do not block their own LOS), so it's not much of a stretch to extend that rule into Doom...

-shnar

[dirsch 0]

Thanks very much guys, you've both been very helpful.  

[RedSimon2 0]

Hipsu said:

It's not limited by degrees. If in doubt you can use a string or a straight edge like your friend suggests. 

 

Check this play aid made by Tibs http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/15988/los_guide-jpg

(although Tibs claims that figures do not block line of sight to themselves but that's not in the rules, so it's a house rule.)

I also disagree with the idea that corners do not block line of sight (first diagram in this hel sheet). The two spaces with obstacles are adjacent and completely block line of sight to everything that passes between them, as there is actually no "between". The obstacles cover their complete spaces and there is no free area remaining between them.

[shnar 52]

That one though *is* official in the rules. Movement and LOS can go exactly diagonally between two blocking spaces. Some games allow that kind of LOS, some do not (like Space Hulk does not allow movement/LOS between to spaces). It's just how Doom is played...

-shnar

[RedSimon2 0]

Oh, it seems I forgot that. Have to play Doom more often. I have to admit though that I dont like it.

[Steve-O 473]

tempest.runner said:

From the diagram, it appears line of sight is limited by following the squares either  0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270 or 315 degrees.  However, My friend feels that you should be able to take a string for example, and use it to mark the path from point A to point B, avoiding the degree's I mentioned and kinda shooting at whatever like a pitcher throws a curveball.  I hope I explained well...  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!

As long as the string is kept straight from A to B, your friend is right (that bit about the curveball makes me wonder if he's bending the string around corners or something...)

redsimon said:

The two spaces with obstacles are adjacent and completely block line of sight to everything that passes between them, as there is actually no "between". The obstacles cover their complete spaces and there is no free area remaining between them.

If it helps you any, it doesn't actually say that obstacles completely block the entire space they occupy, floor to ceiling.  They're large enough to prevent movement through the space and effective LoS for shooting, but if you read the flavour text in the quest book they're often described as piles of rubble or overturned desks and stuff.  There could conceivably be room to squeeze between the wall and a pile of chairs if they're only "touching" on one corner.