"Creating Crossfire Crests " Topic

Terrain is handled a little differently in Crossfire than in many of the other WW2 Rule Systems I've played. Due to the non-measuring nature of movement in Crossfire terrain features cleverly act as Zones where the active units move to in single bounds as long as they maintain the Initiative.

In this way terrain features become a type of "Game Board Square" where the units or pieces are shifted around the tabletop.
This can be a marvellous way of allowing both players to concentrate on the tactical challenges of the battle rather than continuously measuring out their slow crawl across a wheat field.

This unique movement mechanic does present some challenges to how certain types of terrain on the table should be represented. One of these represented terrain types are hill "crests." Crests as terrain features in Crossfire are not mentioned in the main rules but in the later Scenario Supplement "Hit The Dirt." If like me you've ever walked through the European countryside you might have noticed that even the plainest open field will often have low and high points that can offer the alert solider many natural positions of cover. In a small skirmish game if I was so inclined to place these features I would normally elevate the cloth of the table by placing batting or cotton wool beneath. But with the terrain representations of Crossfire these crests should be modelled in a way that highlights their placement and position.

I made three attempts before I finally achieved a success. In my opinion :)

Interested in how stubborn and thick headed I can be then you should check out here:

warpanda.blogspot.ca

Really interesting – and a nice solution. I think it works well, and looks good

Good idea – as gamers in general, we probably don't pay enough attention to creation of undulations.

I have been using "ridges" for years. I just lay down a line sand, or flock. The ridge blocks LOS but has no other effect on the game.

Yes, I just put out some lines of gravel (originally from the driveway).

What EC said! I've been doing that since CrossFire came out. Great set of rules. Still my favorite.
Peter

Thanks guys.

Originally I did consider sand or some other scenics but I already use so much for other things- low hedges and pathways etc I thought I needed something more distinct. Having said that it probably works great and I might look it and see what it looks like.

I also saw a string of wool being used and while I didn't like the look I thought if it was covered with flock etc it might work well

I tried yarn covered in flock, just never cared for it.

Okay, thought that might work…well saves me the bother then

Looks good. Perhaps a thin strip of styrene flocked would work as well.

FusilierDan: I think you're right. I find the cloth faster and easier though

that's some "Hobby Knife"!

"that's some "Hobby Knife"

Yes it has other uses ;)