Very quick Q. In the FAQ it states:
"“When measuring range during combat, if the edge of the range ruler
between the closest points of the two ships and inside the
attacker’s firing arc overlaps an obstacle token, the attack is considered
obstructed.”
My question: Do I hold the range ruler on it's side edge or the flat edge?
What you relay check is if the infinitly narrow line between the two closest points cros an obstacle. So you don't check if "any part" of the ruler overlaps, just the edge lined up along said infinitly narrow line.
In that case, it's time to buy a Line Laser!
It's just the wording that bothers me - "if the edge of the range ruler". That implies to me that you ARE actually checking if that edge of your range ruler is touching an obststacle. How did you come to the conclusion that it is an infinitely thin line?
It's just the wording that bothers me - "if the edge of the range ruler". That implies to me that you ARE actually checking if that edge of your range ruler is touching an obststacle. How did you come to the conclusion that it is an infinitely thin line?
An edge and a face are different things.
Ha ha, yes well.... if you want to go down THAT track: Surley you need a face in order to have a edge. So where does the face go?
I actually don't really care all that much, I just thought it would be worth clarifying if you DID have to lay the template down and see if an obstacle lay under the ruler. Clearly there's no rule stating this.
If you look at the picture and wording in the example just under the part of the FAQ you quoted, I think you will find your answer.
In that case, it's time to buy a Line Laser!
Indeed a laser is probably one of the handiest tools for any gamer. You can line it up to check for obstructions and also check firing arcs. As for using the ruler, it's just that - a ruler. It's not a template. Use an edge to check the distance, it doesn't matter which side, but use the same side.
There's nothing wrong with rules lawyersas a group. Many of us choose to use our powers for good.
Then the lawyers should at least know their Job. The FAQ says that the width of the ruler does not matter. I know, it's on the last page ...
OMG!!! There it is the whole time!
Q: When measuring with the range ruler, does the entire
width of the ruler matter?
A: No. Players should use a single edge of the range ruler when
measuring. Also, the width of the ruler does not matter when determining
if an obstacle obstructs an attack.
THANKYOU Udo77!!
For what it is worth, determining obstruction would have been a lot simpler if they measured middle of base to middle of base and used the flat of the ruler to determine obstruction. If the flat template overlaps the obstacle you get the bonus. Sure it gives a slight advantage to the defender but who cares and it takes out 99% of the contentious issues....but of course that is not the rules. Oh well.
Even if it was just middle to middle with an infinitely thin line it would solve many issues and remove an extra element of judgement, I.e. Which part is closest.
For what it is worth, determining obstruction would have been a lot simpler if they measured middle of base to middle of base and used the flat of the ruler to determine obstruction. If the flat template overlaps the obstacle you get the bonus. Sure it gives a slight advantage to the defender but who cares and it takes out 99% of the contentious issues....but of course that is not the rules. Oh well.
Even if it was just middle to middle with an infinitely thin line it would solve many issues and remove an extra element of judgement, I.e. Which part is closest.
I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that.
A) There is no precise way to get a line from middle to middle. The center peg is a couple mm wide, and there is no way to determine the precise center aside from eyeballing it. A corner of the base is a much more precise point.
B) How would you go about laying the ruler flat, through the middle of each ship, if the ships are at range 2 of each other? The range ruler is too long to fit between the 2 center pegs.
C) Which part is closest should never be too hard to determine... It's fairly simple geometry...
D) What is this 99% of contentious issues I'm unaware of?
I still find the Mark I Eyeball to be an accurate enough tool for me.
I still find the Mark I Eyeball to be an accurate enough tool for me.
And I've got two of them, just in case one breaks down druing a game.
The eyeball is an awesome tool, as long as your's and your opponent's are both calibrated the same way. 
The eyeball is an awesome tool, as long as your's and your opponent's are both calibrated the same way.
So it should be OK if we both see eye-to-eye.
There's nothing wrong with rules lawyersas a group. Many of us choose to use our powers for good.
99% of rules lawyers give the rest a bad name.
There's nothing wrong with rules lawyersas a group. Many of us choose to use our powers for good.
99% of rules lawyers give the rest a bad name.
"Combo Players" are what we call rules lawyers who have fun with it 
Alternatively, "Madmen"
Sablegryphon and I are good examples of that around here...