User:Tennessee Ernie Ford/Shortcuts/Range

Introduction

ANet and this wiki use range, area-of-effect, and distance synonymously, even though they have technically different uses:

• Range is the distance between an NPC and their target. It describes a single dimension.
• AOE is the locus of real estate affected by an effect, measured as a radius from the effect's center. It describes two dimensions.

However, as humans, it's easier for us to compare things if we use a single yard- or meter-stick, so we tend to equate AoE with its radius, which allows us to compare it more easily to range.

Intended purpose of this page

My goal is to catalyze a refactoring of the wiki's terminology around distance to use a consistent system. I imagine the following steps:

1. Document the full list of terms used. (Below.)
2. Record actual measurements of distances used. (Started below.)
   • Ensure that there are images comparing the relevant distances (i.e. verification of step #2)
   • run additional tests to validate the distances
     • test multiple skills and weapons, to ensure that ANet is consistent (or confirm that they aren't)
   • Verify that these match.
3. re-evaluate terminology so that unofficial names better match the actual usage
4. Propose specific draft articles,
   • One for specific distance in the final table (i.e. not the one below)
   • One each for AoE and Range
   • An umbrella article to contain them all.
   • Use transclusion to prevent editing multiple articles (and to ensure consistency)

Summary of range and AoE distances

Distance	Vs. Danger Zone	Applies to...	Other notes
Adjacent Melee Touch	0%	Spells, melee weapons, other skills	Although technically the same distance, melee skills and touch skills are different types.
Adjacent	11%	Self-targeting skills	Some skills suggest adjacent is a bit farther away.
Nearby	16%	Near the target
In the area	22%	Wards, Wells, most AoE spells	The largest area for offensive spells.
Half-range	60%	Half-ranged skills	Half relative to spell range.
Earshot	100%	Shouts, chants
Projectile (Short)	100%	Shortbows, Spears	Affected by relative height
Spell range	120%	Spells Staves, Wands	Includes projectile spells
Projectile (Standard)	120%	Hornbows, Recurve bows	Affected by relative height
Projectile (Long)	135%	Flat- and Longbows Ranger bow attacks Paragon & Assassin skills	Affected by relative height
Spirit range	135%	Active spirits	Affected by relative height
Soul	250-300%	Soul Reaping
Spirit (Passive)	270%	Passive spirits
Party range	378%	Party spells, maintained enchantments	Maintained enchantments are dropped outside this range

• The Danger Zone is the same as the aggro bubble.
• Compass distance is approximately 378% of the danger zone.

Not okay to edit

Please make comments/suggestions on the talk page. This is meant to reflect (a) my best understanding and (b) also suggest a potential naming convention.