Rebuke undead question.

[Hypersmurf]

But Cowering has it's own specific description that does not match the description of Rebuke Undead. As you correctly quote from the PHB - the effect is +2 to hit from opponents. It that supposed to be in addition to the definition of Cowering? The following if from the SRD.

Cowering: The character is frozen in fear and can take no actions. A cowering character takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class and loses her Dexterity bonus (if any).

A lot of effects that gave a bonus to attackers' attack rolls in 3E give a penalty to AC in 3.5.

For example, attacking a Prone opponent was +4 to attack rolls in 3E; in 3.5, it's a -4 penalty to AC.

Attackers received a +2 to attack rolls against cowering opponents in 3E (and the rules for Rebuked undead reflected this). In 3.5, attackers get no bonus, but the cowering creature takes a -2 penalty to AC. However, the Rebuke Undead description has not been updated to include this change.

It's just a C&P error.

-Hyp.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Those are NOT always the same if you are making a ranged attack with another creature, sure as a party member, that is providing cover to the undead.

Under the default rules for 3.5, they're still effectively the same.

You're correct if you're using the 3.5 optional variant rule 'Striking cover instead of a missed target', or if you're playing 3E.

-Hyp.