Attack a PC with a PC in the way.

[buchw001]

O.K. - Here is the set up on the battle map.

B=blank square
F=Fighter with spiked chain (10' reach)
X=PC
Y=PC

BBBBBBB
BBXYFBB
BBBBBBB


Last night our DM ruled that his fighter(F) [with a spiked chain] could attack PC(X), eventhough there was PC(Y) directly in between them.

Is this correct?
If it is NOT, could you please direct me where the ruling would be?

 

[Crothian]

I think the cover rules would apply, see PHB

 

[hong]

The target is in one of the fighter's threatened squares, and other creatures do not block line of effect. Therefore he can be attacked. However, the person in the way would grant the target cover (+4 to AC).

 

[buchw001]

Thank you folks. I am glad to hear that my DM was correct.

Now it is time for me to read over the cover and concealment section (agian).

 

[Pax]

... and if the fighter missed X by 4 points or less, his attack would then strike the cover (in this case, Y), assuming the attack roll WAS high enough to hit that cover.

 

[Caliban]

... and if the fighter missed X by 4 points or less, his attack would then strike the cover (in this case, Y), assuming the attack roll WAS high enough to hit that cover.

In the 3.0 rules.

In the 3.5 rules, that's an option in the DMG, but not a standard rule.

 

[Cross]

Wasn't there an errata published for the 3.5 PH that said the soft cover rules with respect to melee attacks were actually for ranged attacks?

 

[Darklone]

It didn't really matter for any weapon except of the spiked chain because it said somewhere that striking your buddy between you and the opponent with the haft of your polearm wouldn't cause damage.

For ranged attacks it did hurt more.