[Rules] Fall of Empires Special Rules Question.

[Champagne]

I'm trying to understand what Rule 14 of the Special Rules means. Does it mean that all Woods hexes in the Scenarios that appear in Chapter One are deemed Heavy Woods? I'm not sure because no punctuation appears after the phrase "Chapter One".

Here's the exact text of the rule

14. Terrain Notes
All woods hexes are Heavy Woods. Chapter One

[plloyd1010]

I think "Chapter One" is a typo. That's because the next text in the book is also "Chapter One", and there is no punctuation with it. Just a proofing error.

[Champagne]

I think "Chapter One" is a typo. That's because the next text in the book is also "Chapter One", and there is no punctuation with it. Just a proofing error.

Therefore, all Woods hexes in every scenario of Fall of Empires is Heavy Woods?

[plloyd1010]

Yes.

[Champagne]

This makes sense. 

Under the Rules, you can see a Line of Sight through plain Woods hexes. I assume that this represents some Woods terrain that was cleared out a bit by human settlers. Western Europe woods were commonly cleared by settlers. Eastern European woods were hardly ever cleared by the year 1914. 

I've seen woods myself. But, I can't remember the last time that I stood in a woodland that allowed me to see 100 meters away. The woodlands that I most experience - you can't see 50 meters out, because the vegetation is too thick.

So, this rule makes sense. Thanks.

[plloyd1010]

Actually you can see through a Light Woods hex, but not through 2. Anyway, here are the terrain notes from the TEC:

• Woods. Limiting Terrain (8.2), Blocks LOS.
  
• Heavy Woods. Blocks LOS; units occupying heavy forest/heavy jungle may not be spotted by enemy units more than 1 hex away.
  
•  Light Woods. Limiting Terrain (8.2). Units can trace LOS through one light woods hex but cannot trace LOS through two or more light woods.
  

The fire effects and movement costs for each type of woods are different.

Black Mountain has a similar GSR; all woods hexes are Light Woods.

[Champagne]

Actually you can see through a Light Woods hex, but not through 2. Anyway, here are the terrain notes from the TEC:

• Woods. Limiting Terrain (8.2), Blocks LOS.
  
• Heavy Woods. Blocks LOS; units occupying heavy forest/heavy jungle may not be spotted by enemy units more than 1 hex away.
  
•  Light Woods. Limiting Terrain (8.2). Units can trace LOS through one light woods hex but cannot trace LOS through two or more light woods.
  

The fire effects and movement costs for each type of woods are different.

Black Mountain has a similar GSR; all woods hexes are Light Woods.

I have personal experience with seeing terrain that would be Heavy Woods. I can't recall whether I have ever been in the USA and able to see 200 meters into wooded terrain. The woods have been too thick for that. Now, when I was visiting Germany, France, Belgium or places in that region, I do recall being in some beautiful woodlands that were clear enough to allow vision out to about 200 meters.

Interesting points, of course, even though they aren't relevant to how the games are played.

[Shad]

Plenty of pine flatwoods in the southeast that offer good visibility above the palmettos :-)