Cover

Cover is determined by obstacles between you and the attacker. There are three levels:

Total Cover: You can't be targeted directly by attacks or spells that require you to be seen. Area effects may still reach you.

The Line Method:

• Draw a line from any corner of the attacker's space to any corner of the target's space
• If the line passes through an obstacle, the target has cover
• If it passes through another creature, half cover at minimum

Creatures as Cover:

• A creature provides half cover to targets behind it
• This applies to allies and enemies
• Smart positioning uses this

DM Judgment:

• DM determines cover based on the situation
• Partial obstruction = half cover
• Mostly blocked = three-quarters
• Completely blocked = total cover

Ranged Combat:

• Archers should fight from behind cover
• Step out, attack, step back behind cover
• Windows and arrow slits provide three-quarters cover

Against Spells:

• Cover helps against Dex save spells (Fireball, Lightning Bolt)
• Total cover blocks line-of-sight spells entirely
• Some spells can curve around cover

Creating Cover:

• Flip tables for half cover
• Wall spells create cover
• Pile up bodies (grim but effective)