For adding a bit of reality to our wotr the game we use a house rule for LoS. It proved working very well in our games so far so I thought I'd share it to know how people think of it. The main idea is to assign a Height level for each formation type as follows. C&C are very much appreciated.

Height Chart

Height Lvl..............type
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0..........................broodling and such crawling creatures
2..........................short inf (hobbits/dwarves/Boblins)
3..........................inf (human/elf/Orc/Uruk), giant spider
4..........................cav (even hobbits cavelry), Shelob
5..........................Monsters (real monsters, not single models)
6..........................Balrog, Mumak and such huge non flying creatures
7..........................Flying (by nature)
4+*......................Elevated/Defensible terrain

Formation in the way totally blocks LOS of same level or lower formation(s) behind it. If more than one formation are in the way take the highest level of them. Taller formations can see and be seen over shorter in the way formations.


* We agree on elevated/defensible terrain features levels before game starts (better make it. We also agree which of these terrain feature allow formations to be on top of it before game starts, for instance you may agree that infantry can enter a building feature but can/can't get on the roof. The new formation height is the sum of its own height plus the terrain height level it's in top of.



In The Way:

If LoS is not blocked then in the way roll is needed if the formula "spotter level+target level-blocker level" is less than 6. If more or equal than 6 it's a clear shot. It's only one in the way roll no matter how many formations are in the way, so if more than one formation are in the way then take the highest level out of them and roll In the Way for it. In case of multiple same highest level formations are in the way take the nearest to shooter as target for in the way the roll. Roll a D6, on 1-3 the roll hits the formation in the way, and apply -1 to the weapon strength as shooting formation was not initially aiming at them. This modifier is on top of long range modifier, which means that weapon strength may reach a zero and so the shooting is a total miss. If 4+ is rolled the shot hits the original target and so go on with normal shooting rules.

Special rule - Using terrain to hide:

Elevated/Defensible terrain features can hide companies of the same height level or lower from any type of formations, whatever the height level of the formation trying to spot it across the terrain. That's only if the hiding company is touching the terrain feature. If a formation of multiple companies is lined up in a single rank, it can hide all its companies behind the terrain feature if all all its companies are lined along feature's edge as much as possible and at least one company is touching it, and assuming os course that the spotter can't see any part of it from around the feature then it is considered as hiding.


For the purpose of charging:

The flying type has the advantage of charging across other formations if it has LoS to it as per the normal rules. Though if the formula "spotter level+target level-blocker level" is less than 6 then it has -1 modifier applied to its charge roll.

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OFTENTIME,THE SHADOWS SERVE NOT ONLY TO CONCEAL THOSE WHO WISH TO DO EVIL,BUT ALSO PROTECT THOSE WHO SEEK TO DO GOOD