Measuring Distances

Distances in The 9th Age: Fantasy Battles are measured in inches, with 1 inch, which is equal to 2.54 cm.

The game is normally played using 28mm miniatures. At this scale, you may envision an inch representing roughly 1.5 metres in real life. In this case, a longbow’s 30" range translates to 45 metres.
You can also draw inspiration from history, seeing 1" as 10 metres instead This gives the longbow a range of 300 metres, and a standard battlefield of 72×48" table would then represent a real life area of 720×480m, or roughly 50 football pitches. In medieval times, this would represent a battlefield where two forces with soldiers numbering from a few hundred to several thousand could meet.

The rules often refer to things being within a certain distance. When measuring distances, the closest points between objects are used, even if there are intervening elements. Models or units are considered within range if the distance between their closest points is less than or equal to the given range. Measurements are taken from and to the Unit Boundary of a unit, and players are free to measure any distances at any time.

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1214.4The 9th Age at Different Scales

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This game is designed to be compatible with changes in scale. The most common way to use this alternative mode of play is to play it at half-scale, where all distances are halved. This opens up possibilities for gameplay in more confined spaces, such as on ordinary kitchen tables, and the entire armies can be neatly stored away in shoe boxes.

  • Distances: Halve all measurements. This includes, but is not limited to, the battlefield dimensions, weapon and spell ranges, Mobility and Charge values, base sizes, area of effects, and more.

  • Models: Use smaller models designed to fit on the half base size. Typically, models suitable for this scale are in the 10mm range.

  • Custom Measuring Devices: It’s recommended that custom-made measuring devices are used, where all measurements are pre-halved. Such tools simplify rule referencing, eliminating the need for mental recalibration.