InDesign: Can I use a variable in a cross-reference?

Question

I have a book with many documents; each begins with a numbered "Chapter" paragraph style. Rather that numbering all the chapters manually, I use a variable for the chapter numbers. However, when I create a cross-reference to one of the chapters, the chapter number is omitted. So instead of getting this...

For more information, see Chapter 6: Combat.

I get this instead...

For more information, see Chapter : Combat.

The obvious workaround is to get rid of the variables and manually number all the chapters. This is less that ideal because I will have to re-number the chapters when I add new content to the book later.

Is InDesign really unable to capture variable information in a cross-reference?

Answer 1

Set cross reference like this: <paraText /> <chapNum />

Edit: Ok after re-reading your question, I understand you'll be facing a problem: your variable is in the middle of your paragraph text (paraText). So the result would be "Chapter: Combat 6". Not good ^^
So I suggest this: Set your paragraph style as a numbered list. In the "Number" field, delete marks and just type Chapter+space. This way you'll be able to set your cross reference like this: <paraNum /> <chapNum /> <paraText /> It should do the trick.

Or (even easier): Number as Chapter ^H, then cross-ref: <paraNum /> <paraText />

Hope that helps ^^