Black Arrow Madness

[LightPhoenix]

Well, the basic problem is that 'cover' isn't well-defined at all, outside of the two situations... one, Keeping Hidden, and two, "To determine if a target...". You're not his target (remember that "target" has a specific game meaning) for anything; you're not using Stealth normally. So the cover rules, if narrowly construed, actually say nothing about the situation.

a) Cover has a very specific definition, given on PHB p. 280.
b) Hidden doesn't apply (see below).
c) The cover rules state how to determine if one creature has cover from another creature. I will agree that the text presents the definition from the point of view of an attacker, and that creates some ambiguity. However, I think that it is relatively apparent that if I were to ask "do I have cover from that enemy?" that p. 280 provides the rules for answering that question clearly - even if it my turn. An example where this might come in to play is your opponent is immobilized, and you want to move to a square where you have cover from him. Another example (perhaps confusingly) is remaining hidden. You don't suddenly lose your Hidden status when it is someone else's turn, or when it's your own turn. It's my opinion that the rules for determining cover always apply, even if an attack is not being made.

It does. Under "Keep out of Sight" it reads "You can't use another creature as cover to remain hidden"

Cover has a specific definition (see above). BAS, with regards to Deft Strike, refers specifically to cover (or obscurement). Allies grant cover to enemies. Therefore being hidden (as defined in PHB2, p. 222) has no relevance to the situation at hand.

Now, if we were talking about the Ranger side (Twin Strike) it would, since that part refers to being hidden.

Which leaves it up to the DM to quite legitimately decide which is closer to the usage here. And IMO the fact that it calls for a Stealth roll makes it much closer to the Stealth situation than the targeting one.

Also agreed, however this DM will be ruling that the Stealth {be hidden} rules apply and you can't simply duck behind an ally.

Were I a DM, I'd rule the same way. It's a feat for snipers, not for archers on the run.

 

[keterys]

If it does still meet with contention:
If enemies only provide cover for ranged attacks, the enemy may choose to not have cover - doesn't have cover for area, close, or perception checks. Not making a ranged attack this second. No cover.