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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MrMyth" data-source="post: 5403603" data-attributes="member: 61155">Willf, I'm pretty confindently that LoE is straight in both blasts and ranged attacks - it may not perfectly mirror real world physics, but in this case, 4E has valued simplicity over simulation. You are certainly free to houserule otherwise, but it definitely is a house rule.  Here's the compendium entry on Blocking Terrain:  "A type of terrain that blocks squares, often by filling them. Examples: Walls, doors, and large pillars. Blocking terrain provides cover, interferes with movement around it, and blocks line of effect. It also blocks line of sight, unless it’s transparent." Line of effec and line of sight are blocked. Under blasts and bursts:  "A blast affects a target only if the target is in the blast’s area and if there is line of effect from the origin square to the target." "A burst affects a target only if there is line of effect from the burst’s origin square to the target." Note that line of effect has to originate from the origin square. Not from some other square in the area - you can't draw a line out to the edge of the burst and then draw it down a hallway. It requires a line from the origin square.  It may be true that the words "straight line" are never specified in the rules - but every example and description indicates that this is implied. Look under every rule for explaining cover - if lines other than straight were allowed, cover wouldn't function at all. And there is certainly no reason to assume that straight line would apply for ranged attacks but not for burst attacks using the same rules.  Now, I get why you disagree and why you think you should rule otherwise. And, honestly, I don't think the game will break down if you allow blasts and bursts to spread around corners. But I think it is worthwhile to recognize that it is a house rule, and that the decision may ripple to effect other elements of the game in unexpected ways. As long as you are ok with that - by all means, it is your game, run it the way that feels right! As long as you let the players know and everyone is fine with it, the more power to you!</blockquote>

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