FLYING MOVEMENT

PROCEDURE

Basic rules on flying movement and combat for the AD&D® game are listed in the DMG, pp. 49-53. Those rules apply in the BATTLESYSTEM™ game except as specifically noted below. For the D&D® game, use the rules given below only.

MOVEMENT

The movement rate of flying creatures (both natural and magical) are the same as for the AD&D® game. Calculate flying movement rates in the D&D® game in the same way as ground movement rates. Also list the Maneuverability Class (AD&D® game only) for the creature on the Army Roster Sheet.

In the D&D® game, creatures smaller than man-sized can change direction up to 180 degrees per Game Round. Man-sized flying creatures can change direction up to 90 degrees per Game Round. Flying creatures significantly larger than man-sized can change direction up to 45 degrees per Game Round. Magical devices, spells, spell-effects, or innate magical abilities permitting flight (such as those possessed by air elementals) allow changes of direction up to 180 degrees per Game Round. This replaces the AD&D® game Maneuverability Class.

Mounted flying creatures maneuver at one category worse than normal. A creature flying at ½ or less its maximum movement rate maneuvers at one category better than normal.

There are three altitudes for flying creatures: low (30', or 1"), medium (120', or 4"), and high (240', or 8"). Use the appropriate Altitude marker to show the height of flying creatures. (You can also stack flying creatures on dice, or otherwise mark them for easy visual reference.) Flying creatures on the ground do not need a marker.

It takes 1/3 of a figure's flying movement rate to rise one altitude level. There is no movement cost to descend any number of levels.

Most flying creatures can, of course, fly higher than 240'. However, 8 " is the upper limit of the battlefield. A flying creature that flys higher than 8" has left the battlefield and is removed from play. (Note that a flying creature can escape by flying up.)

OPTIONAL RULE: In a primarily or exclusively flying battle, you can change the definition of altitude levels or create additional levels to increase the three-dimensional battlefield.

FORMATIONS

Flying units must be either in open or skirmish formation when flying. A flying unit that is otherwise entitled to do so can go into closed formation on the ground.