by Guy Fullerton
Version 1.0. Written on April 14, 2001
Back to Guy's Page
Many people seem to misinterpret the benefits and effects of hill terrain with respect to other types of terrain. In particular, people often ask whether a model on a hill can see over a high wall, or whether making an attack from a hill against a model on the ground deprives the defending model of cover that would normally be provided by a low wall. This Q&A shows how those particular rules actually work. Before reading the questions and answers, reexamine the relevant hill rules:
"Elevation" is the operative word. Understanding the definition of "elevation" is necessary to properly interpret the rest of the hill rules. Hills are the only type of terrain (so far) that grant elevation. Therefore, the only way to be elevated is to be on a hill.
Note that this rule does not say anything about cover; it only applies when determining line of sight. Because hills are the only type of terrain the grant elevation, the rule could therefore be restated: "When determining line of sight, a model on a hill can ignore other hills within 24."
Because this rule only applies "from one elevated model to another," it only comes into play when both the attacker and defender are on hills.
Q1: Can a model on a hill (model 'A') see over a high wall to a model on the ground (model 'D')?
A1: No.
No rule says that you can ignore line of sight blocking terrain in general by being on a hill. Rule 307.11 says you can ignore terrain of equal elevation within 24" if you are on a hill. In the above example, the high wall is certainly within 24", but it does not qualify as "terrain of equal elevation". As shown by the discussion of Rule 307.1, the only terrain that qualifies as elevation are hills.
Therefore, the high wall, mausoleum, hut walls, row of trees (2" or ore), and woods (2" or more) all block your line of sight to models on the ground, even if you are on a hill. The same applies to any other conventional line of sight-blocking terrain.
Q2a: Can a model on a hill (model 'A') see over another hill (less than 24" away) to a model on the ground (model 'D')?
A2a: Yes.
As shown by the discussion of Rule 307.11, you can "see over" other hills within 24" when you are on a hill.
Q2b: Okay, but does the model on the ground (model 'D') get cover if the model on the hill (model 'A') makes a ranged attack against it in this situation?
A2b: No.
Hills never provide cover. The only terrain that provides cover is that which has the words "Cover" or "If line of sight" in the "Cover" column of the Terrain Summary table. Hills have no entry in the "Cover" column at all. (See Rule 305.1 and the Terrain Summary table)
Q3: Does a defending model behind a low wall (model 'D') stil get cover when facing an attacking model on a hill (model 'A')?
A3: Yes.
Rule 307.11 says, "When determining line of sight...", not cover. In other words, the hill rules never state that you can ignore cover between one model on a hill and another model on the ground.
Therefore, the low wall, hedgerow, briars, hut windows, row of headstones, row of trees (less than 2"), and woods (less than 2") all provide cover normally to a model on the ground when attacked by a model on a hill.
Feedback is always welcome, but I can't promise to respond. I like to play Chainmail more than I like to wade through an ocean of email. In any case, my address is guyf@apple.com.