I've never fully understood how the artillery systems (Arrow IV & Long Tom) deliver damage to their targets.
Do they hit a target like any other weapon, or do they hit a 'hex' and affect damage to the surrounding hexes? The damage says 20/10, but I always wondered how that damage is distributed.
Example:
Years ago my friend used Arrow IV. He targeted Mech A and rolled to hit as if he was firing a standard weapon system. The way he interpreted the damage is as follows: Mech A takes 20 dmg to EACH section of the mech's front armor (except the head) and any mechs standing in adjacent hexes received 10 dmg in the same way.
I now know that this can't possibly be right. It would make artillery WAY too overpowered. But, this has lead me to question just how damage and targeting with direct-fire artillery should be calculated. I've looked it up in TW, but I still don't completely get it.
Help!?