Reach Melee Weapons and Cover

[Xyrlove Woodsoul]

How do reach weapons work insofar far as, going through squares occupied by enemies in order to reach a target? Is it possible? Diagnoally maybe? Should I just move the map?

 

[abyssaldeath]

Neither allies nor enemies give cover against melee, close, or area attacks. Page 280 PHB.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

but i would rule that you can´t reach directly over an enemy with your weapon.

 

[abyssaldeath]

but i would rule that you can´t reach directly over an enemy with your weapon.

That would totally defeat the purpose of the rule on page 280.

 

[Drakhar]

Keep in mind characters don't take up the entire area of the square they occupy. So you're not reaching over an enemy, rather attacking through the space they're not in at the moment.

 

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Indeed, you should google images of a greek phalanx - reach weapons are definitely designed to allow a person to attack while behind his allies.

As for attacking over enemies, that certainly occured too. Indeed, in the late medieval ages, when pike formations fought each other, it was common to have guys with axes/swords go out between the crossed hatch of pikes to attack the other side or their pikes.

 

[jester_gl]

The one monster that I consider is an exception to that rule would be the Gelatinous Cube. But then that cube is all about exception to me.

BTW, a prone gelatinous cube is a d8.