tower shield confusion

[fl8m]

we just started a new game and the newest player has a tower shield, it had never fit with anybody else's character so it never came up. suddenly we have a bevy of rules questions
you can use a tower shield for total cover. what action does that take? is it a move equivilant? standard? free?
considering there isn't a facing in d&d total cover in the middle of a field means total cover from every direction right?
if you have total cover from a tower shield can you still cast touch spells on adjacent allies (cure light wounds)?
If you are using a tower shield for full cover and the monster doesn't like that does he still use the sunder rules, opposed rolls etc..?

[edit: wow i was tired when i posted this]

 

[Darklone]

I think using a tower shield for full cover is a standard action... moment...

Shield, Tower: This massive wooden shield is nearly as tall as you are. In most situations, it provides the indicated shield bonus to your AC. However, you can instead use it as total cover, though you must give up your attacks to do so. The shield does not, however, provide cover against targeted spells; a spellcaster can cast a spell on you by targeting the shield you are holding. You cannot bash with a tower shield, nor can you use your shield hand for anything else.
When employing a tower shield in combat, you take a –2 penalty on attack rolls because of the shield’s encumbrance.

Hmm, no, it's not a standard action... was there something in the "Rules of the game" things?

 

[tensen]

This is one of the not quite clear points.

Since it states that you can't make attacks, I treat it as if you were using Total Defense. Total Defense is a standard action. Meaning, you also can't use AoO. (Important for those trying to Sunder the shield on you.)

 

[RigaMortus]

But a Manifester or Caster could still cast spells if they were using it for Cover?

Does the Cover from the TS protect you from all directions, or is it like the Shield spell (pick 3 squares to gain protection from)?

If I use a Tower Shield for Total Cover, can I also use the Hide Skill, then Sneak Attack when opponents got close?

 

[tensen]

But a Manifester or Caster could still cast spells if they were using it for Cover?

Does the Cover from the TS protect you from all directions, or is it like the Shield spell (pick 3 squares to gain protection from)?

If I use a Tower Shield for Total Cover, can I also use the Hide Skill, then Sneak Attack when opponents got close?

1) Not possible if using the Total Defense, since both would be standard actions.

2) It would be assumed under total defense that you are maneuvering the shield to the best advantage. This is my own humble opinion. Not actually stated anywhere in the rules.

3) You would have to use the hide skill as part of a movement. Note that "Total cover or total concealment usually (but not always; see Special, below) obviates the need for a Hide check, since nothing can see you anyway.
If people are observing you, even casually, you can’t hide. You can run around a corner or behind cover so that you’re out of sight and then hide, but the others then know at least where you went."
Otherwise known as... wow maybe I shouldn't worry about someone going to pop out from behind the shield that just ran towards me.

Can you sneak attack from behind the shield while having Total Cover? The answer would be a resounding no.. since the rules state that you can't make an attack while utilizing the Total Cover.