Is it common for tables to generally ignore cover rules? I've been part of 3 groups so far where they haven't ever really come up. At most, they might be factored into a DM's ruling on whether or not a character can attempt to hide, or where there is really obviously total cover, like an indoor wall. Looking over the rules, they seem like something that could get tedious if the DM doesn't have a system in place for letting players take advantage of it.
We use them, but as an experienced group, we get REALLY bored with standard 5e rules. We use flanking and Mass AOE dis advantage (If there are lots of people in the area of an AoE, then some auto fail.)
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“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
I stick to cover rules... But my players have gotten used to it and tend to work around it. The magic users tend to rely on saving throw spells or magic missile more often than not... And my ranger just picked up sharpshooter so they can just ignore it.
We have done a couple of hoard battles (20th level PCs vs a lot of goblins). we have a chart, but I cannot remember where I put it. I think if there is one monster per square foot, half of them fail (They can't get to the edges)
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“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
We have done a couple of hoard battles (20th level PCs vs a lot of goblins). we have a chart, but I cannot remember where I put it. I think if there is one monster per square foot, half of them fail (They can't get to the edges)
Hmmm, a bit specialised as a setting then. You realise that if it's one monster per square foot, the density is 25 times greater than standard D&D, which seems a lot, looks more like a swarm of goblins to me. :)
That being said, if it's that dense, I understand some AoE not penetrating after the first rank(s).
It was a bit like that, and it was a very niche rule.
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“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
We have done a couple of hoard battles (20th level PCs vs a lot of goblins). we have a chart, but I cannot remember where I put it. I think if there is one monster per square foot, half of them fail (They can't get to the edges)
Hmmm, a bit specialised as a setting then. You realise that if it's one monster per square foot, the density is 25 times greater than standard D&D, which seems a lot, looks more like a swarm of goblins to me. :)
That being said, if it's that dense, I understand some AoE not penetrating after the first rank(s).
It was a bit like that, and it was a very niche rule.
Interesting, I understood it to be that some of the creatures auto failed their saves and therefore took full damage. I was thinking that if the effect hit in the middle and it was a dex save, then there would be no where to dodge to protect oneself. Using the others as meatshields wasn't what I was thinking, but makes sense. Is that strictly a physical save rule or does it work on mental saves, too?
Interesting, I understood it to be that some of the creatures auto failed their saves and therefore took full damage. I was thinking that if the effect hit in the middle and it was a dex save, then there would be no where to dodge to protect oneself. Using the others as meatshields wasn't what I was thinking, but makes sense. Is that strictly a physical save rule or does it work on mental saves, too?
I don't know about that specific rule, but note that in 5e cover gives bonuses only to dexterity saves which is logical.
In that case, I could see a bonus or an auto fail against strength and constition saves as well. A wall of bodies would shield against the wind blowing against them, though the mass of bodies pushing against them would likely counter that.
A puff of poison gas may not make it as far because of the mass or may be weaker because of it, especially as the others breath it in. The chill of the icy blast may not be as potent against as many people further back but be harsh against those directly in contact with it. The (possible) con saves related to those examples could be affected accordingly.
It's an interesting concept that may merit exploration in the future for our group, particularly when it comes to exploring different tactics, extra challenges, etc. in special fights.
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Is it common for tables to generally ignore cover rules? I've been part of 3 groups so far where they haven't ever really come up. At most, they might be factored into a DM's ruling on whether or not a character can attempt to hide, or where there is really obviously total cover, like an indoor wall. Looking over the rules, they seem like something that could get tedious if the DM doesn't have a system in place for letting players take advantage of it.
We use them, but as an experienced group, we get REALLY bored with standard 5e rules. We use flanking and Mass AOE dis advantage (If there are lots of people in the area of an AoE, then some auto fail.)
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
I stick to cover rules... But my players have gotten used to it and tend to work around it. The magic users tend to rely on saving throw spells or magic missile more often than not... And my ranger just picked up sharpshooter so they can just ignore it.
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We have done a couple of hoard battles (20th level PCs vs a lot of goblins). we have a chart, but I cannot remember where I put it. I think if there is one monster per square foot, half of them fail (They can't get to the edges)
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
It was a bit like that, and it was a very niche rule.
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Interesting, I understood it to be that some of the creatures auto failed their saves and therefore took full damage. I was thinking that if the effect hit in the middle and it was a dex save, then there would be no where to dodge to protect oneself. Using the others as meatshields wasn't what I was thinking, but makes sense. Is that strictly a physical save rule or does it work on mental saves, too?
In that case, I could see a bonus or an auto fail against strength and constition saves as well. A wall of bodies would shield against the wind blowing against them, though the mass of bodies pushing against them would likely counter that.
A puff of poison gas may not make it as far because of the mass or may be weaker because of it, especially as the others breath it in. The chill of the icy blast may not be as potent against as many people further back but be harsh against those directly in contact with it. The (possible) con saves related to those examples could be affected accordingly.
It's an interesting concept that may merit exploration in the future for our group, particularly when it comes to exploring different tactics, extra challenges, etc. in special fights.