Battle Grounds: Urban Warfare

This type of battle ground is comprised of man-made structures with possibly some planted trees, shrubs, etc. However, due to the variety of possible situations found in the urban setting, it would be unrealistic to think that all can be covered within the scope of this site. However, the following section(s) will look at some aspects in hopes to give a good basis for survival and dryness in these settings.

BETWEEN THE WALLS: One common structure found in urban settings are walls. The height, length and thickness of different walls may vary from place to place but their functions remain the same: to divide two areas from each other. Walls provide cover, protection as well as a route to use when trying to move unnoticed in a given area. At the same time, walls can restrict one's choices of movement, prevent easy access to certain areas, and provide the enemy a place to hide and wait one's approach. As such, walls should be looked at with suspicion when one does not know what lies on the otherside though used effectively when the time arises.

When travelling through a combat zone, it is always a good ideas to keep one's head below the wall lines and travel close to a wall. This technique reduces one's general visibility as well as minimizing one getting hit by a sniper blast. Of course, the problem with this method of travel is that it reduces one's own ability to see. Quick glances over a wall is an unwise option unless one knows the coast is clear. Seeing over a wall or past a corner should be done with the assistance of a mirror. Use of a mirror will prevent one from exposing oneself to attack while giving a decent view of what may lay ahead.

MIND THE TURF: The most common forms of ground found in urban settings are cement, asphalt, gravel, interlocking, wood, grass, dirt... actually, as can be seen, urban turf can be quite varied in type. This can make water fights quite interesting since one's traction and stealth abilities will vary between each type. However, it should be remembered that many of these surfaces can become quite slippery when wet. (If a car an aquaplane on a puddle, so can you!) As such, extra care should be taken when moving in areas which have suffered the ravages of water war. The last thing one wants to do is to come crashing down onto one's water weapon, damaging it.

MAP IT OUT: One key to winning an urban water war is knowing the layout. Unlike fields or other such open areas which rely move on speed of movement, urban areas require much more knowledge on where on can go, hide, escape through, etc. The more one knows about the battle ground, the more one will be able to predict where enemy movement may occur as well as being able to circumvent their plans and counter-strike. In unfamiliar areas, it can be a good idea to do a couple of scouting missions if time allows it before attempting any serious advance on the enemy position. Key areas can be mapped out using pen/pencil and paper or simply drawn roughly into some loose dirt. (Whichever means is available)

Knowledge of the area will also allow one to set up minor refill sites/base camps with additional bottles of water if the size of the water fight could benefit from it. The more water one has available, the more soaking one can do to the enemy.

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