Hide / Cover DC for a hiding orc behind a shuttered window

[Lord Thurham]

This is a situation that may come up in the next session for the PCs: There will more than likely be several Orc rogues hiding in several buildings. The windows of those buildings have shutters and for the most part are closed. Orcs don’t like the sunlight. The party will be pre-occupied with another orc / wolverine battle in the courtyard. The rogue orcs will open the shutters a crack or so and shoot from their nice hiding spots. Nice arrow slits eh?

So, in a nut-shell, once a party member is struck from an arrow from a general direction (a sneak-attack most likely), what considerations do I need to do to give the PC a chance of detecting where that arrow came from and whether or not the PC can actually see the orc hiding behind the shutters. I’m well aware of the SPOT vs HIDE checks, I’m more interested in what circumstance modifiers I should include on this and any other input.

Since in 3e, there is no “Forward-face”, there is a chance that PC may see the shot and know where it came from, so that PC returns fire to that spot in the window. There’s bound to be a high cover bonus, not to mention the orc is in “hiding” and does not want to be seen. How would you handle this?

Thanks!



LT

 

[Shard O'Glase]

I'd give 9/10th cover and that's as good as it gets, I think its +9 to AC. i'd also give the same bonus to the hide check.

Two points one, they shuld be able to spot and hear the orcs before the 1st shot is fired. (either good ears, or just lucky and looks at the shutter as an arrow peeks out)

And two take into account the harness and HP of the shutters(if wood probably something like 5/10) If they miss because of the cover they hit the cover, a couple crossbow bolts could punch come nice holes right through the cover reducing it to 3/4 cover, and if the shutters are completely destroyed the wall area wil prbably still prvode 1/2 cover.(spells, axes etc might destroy the shutters in one blow)

 

[Lord Thurham]

I'd give 9/10th cover and that's as good as it gets, I think its +9 to AC. i'd also give the same bonus to the hide check.

Two points one, they shuld be able to spot and hear the orcs before the 1st shot is fired. (either good ears, or just lucky and looks at the shutter as an arrow peeks out)

Would one add a hide bonus because of this cover? How about a Move Silent bonus since there is a wall/shutter between the orc and the party?

Thanks!

 

[Jasperak]

I do not have my books with me currently but I am certain that there is a penalty to listen checks when a wall or door seperates the listener from the listenee.

 

[Lord Thurham]

I’ve been pouring over the books and other sources and haven’t been able to find a concrete number for adjusting an Orc rogue hiding behind some shutters in a window. The closest thing I can come to is the cover / concealment bonus on page 132 and 133 in the PB. Even this doesn’t tell anything for a circumstantial adjustment.

If the Orc that is hiding rolls a 5, I’m thinking that I will add the AC Cover bonus of +9 for 9/10ths cover to make this a 14. It’s the best thing I can come up with unless I’m overlooking something. Any input out there from other players and DMs that have run into this?

Thanks

LT