Arrow Slits

[Rechan]

So, I understand that attacking from behind an arrow slit grants superior cover.

My questions are:

1) Is an arrow slit one way, or can someone run up to the slit and shoot back?

2) Does someone on the other side of the arrow slit have combat advantage? Would they have to make a stealth check to get it (since they have the potential concealment).

 

[MarkB]

So, I understand that attacking from behind an arrow slit grants superior cover.

My questions are:

1) Is an arrow slit one way, or can someone run up to the slit and shoot back?

Seems reasonable.

2) Does someone on the other side of the arrow slit have combat advantage? Would they have to make a stealth check to get it (since they have the potential concealment).

They're not invisible, so they don't automatically gain combat advantage - but they do have superior cover, which qualifies them to make a Stealth check. If they succeed, they'll have combat advantage.

 

[Rechan]

Seems reasonable.

... which is reasonable?

They're not invisible, so they don't automatically gain combat advantage - but they do have superior cover, which qualifies them to make a Stealth check. If they succeed, they'll have combat advantage.

Yes, that's what I meant. Although, I do think that whoever's behind the arrow slit should get combat advantage for their first attack, purely because the target might not now they're back there, standin gout of view, etc.

 

[Nytmare]

So, I understand that attacking from behind an arrow slit grants superior cover.

My questions are:

1) Is an arrow slit one way, or can someone run up to the slit and shoot back?

2) Does someone on the other side of the arrow slit have combat advantage? Would they have to make a stealth check to get it (since they have the potential concealment).

There are all different kinds of arrow slits, so it really depends on what you want.

arrow slit - Google Image Search

You've got full body deals that are at ground level, small dark holes that someone on the outside won't be able to see into, raised arrow slits that would prevent an outside attacker from running up to shoot in.

I'd say that if an arrow slit was on the ground, and if the other side of the wall was open and the light was the same on both sides, you could shoot in and gain the same bonuses. I would also say that whoever built those arrow slits should be fired.

I also tend to rule that arrow slits block line of sight outside of an expanding 45 degree cone and that they only give you normal cover if the person attacking you is right up in your face.

As for combat advantage, I could easily see allowing them to make a stealth check, probably even with a hefty bonus, but I don't think I'd pass it out for free.

 

[MarkB]

... which is reasonable?

That a person standing adjacent to an arrow slit, on either side, ignores the cover it provides to those on the other side - or at least reduces it to normal cover.

Yes, that's what I meant. Although, I do think that whoever's behind the arrow slit should get combat advantage for their first attack, purely because the target might not now they're back there, standin gout of view, etc.

That's what passive perception vs. stealth is for. A character whose passive perception beats the stealth check might notice some movement behind the slit.

 

[Rechan]

I'd say that if an arrow slit was on the ground, and if the other side of the wall was open and the light was the same on both sides, you could shoot in and gain the same bonuses. I would also say that whoever built those arrow slits should be fired.

[/quote]
For point of reference, the arrow slits are in a kobold's nest. So they're going to start very low, and be holes in the stone, etc. Although the light is no doubt going to be coming from the PCs side.