Fireball against a tower shield

[Vexed]

I have a player who has a tower shield and states that since a fireball erupted "IN FRONT" of him, he has total cover. And even though the fireball is 20' radius he is immune because he has total cover behind his shield. Wouldn't he be affected still as he was standing in a 20' ball of flame? Thoughts?

 

[tburdett]

First, Fireball is a 20' radius spread, not a burst.

Second, sit down with the player and read the description for the "Spread" effect on page 149 of the PHB. Fireball is the example that they use.

Unless the distance from the spells centerpoint to the players character exceeds 20' (including the distance around any intervening barriers, like a tower shield) his character would be affected.

 

[hong]

I have a player who has a tower shield and states that since a fireball erupted "IN FRONT" of him, he has total cover. And even though the fireball is 20' radius he is immune because he has total cover behind his shield. Wouldn't he be affected still as he was standing in a 20' ball of flame? Thoughts?

The fireball's area of effect is a spread, which means it can turn corners. Thus he would still be affected, even if he's cowering behind his portable wall. Nevertheless, I'd rule he got at least three-quarters cover from his wall, which is a +3 to the save.

 

[Thanee]

Yep, +3 to Reflex save. There is no total cover against a fireball, unless you are protected from all sides (i.e. sitting in a sealed box)!

Bye
Thanee