Tower Shield, Cover and Hiding...

[RigaMortus2]

If a character with a Tower Shield is in an open field, and ahead of him is an army, can he get Total Cover from the Tower Shield and then Hide? What happens when the army approaches the Tower Shield and surrounds it? Is the character still hidden (understanding that he may need to make Hide vs Spot checks), or is he automatically spotted?

Let's say he has an ally with him (standing behind him). Is he able to Hide? Technically I would say no since his ally is observing him... but it IS his ALLY after all. Not like he is trying to hide from him.

Also, how many Hide checks does one need to make? Do you just make 1 Hide check and any time someone tries to Spot you, you use the same Hide check, or do you have to make opposed Hide vs. Spot rolls every time?

 

[RangerWickett]

Am I the only one having flashes to the old Monty Python sketch, "How not to be seen"?

 

[Caliban]

If a character with a Tower Shield is in an open field, and ahead of him is an army, can he get Total Cover from the Tower Shield and then Hide?

Sure, but they may wonder about that tower shield sitting out in the field by itself.

What happens when the army approaches the Tower Shield and surrounds it? Is the character still hidden (understanding that he may need to make Hide vs Spot checks), or is he automatically spotted?

Unless you think that the tower shield somehow forms an opaque spherical shell around him, he would be spotted at whatever point he is no longer able to interpose the shield between himself and an observer.

The rules for the tower shield are pretty vague and need common sense adjudication from the DM. They only seem to assume a single opponent, and don't mentions what happen if you are surrounded.

Let's say he has an ally with him (standing behind him). Is he able to Hide? Technically I would say no since his ally is observing him... but it IS his ALLY after all. Not like he is trying to hide from him.

You can't hide from anyone who is observing you, but you can still hide from other people.

Also, how many Hide checks does one need to make? Do you just make 1 Hide check and any time someone tries to Spot you, you use the same Hide check, or do you have to make opposed Hide vs. Spot rolls every time?

Whenever DM rules that the situation has changed enough to require a new Hide check to remain hidden.

 

[HeapThaumaturgist]

Well, I'd probably apply reason ...

If it were a Halfling with a Human-sized Tower Sheild, I'd probably let him keep hiding for a while ... if he tipped over the sheild, that would give him something to hide under ... heck, a small guy like that could cling to the inside when somebody picked up the sheild, comedy-style, and stay hidden.

I'd do it because it would be funny. And I like funny.

--fje

 

[qstor]

If a character with a Tower Shield is in an open field, and ahead of him is an army, can he get Total Cover from the Tower Shield and then Hide? What happens when the army approaches the Tower Shield and surrounds it? Is the character still hidden (understanding that he may need to make Hide vs Spot checks), or is he automatically spotted?

Check the FAQ and tower shields. It makes some chances to tower shields in 3.5.

As to the Hide I would say the army Spots him automatically unless the character is invisibile.

Mike

 

[Felnar]

does it complicate things that d20 has no facing?
so who cares if they surround you?