Walls, trees, creatures and other obstacles can provide cover, making a target harder to harm. A target benefits from cover only when an attack or other effect originates on the opposite side of the cover.
There are three degrees of cover. If a target is behind multiple sources, only the most protective degree applies; they don’t add together. For example, a target behind a creature (light cover) and a tree trunk (heavy cover) has heavy cover.
| Cover | Bonus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Light | +2 to AC and Dexterity saving throws. You generally can’t hide in light cover. | At least half the body blocked: a low wall, large furniture, a narrow tree trunk, or a creature (friend or foe). |
| Heavy | +5 to AC and Dexterity saving throws | Most of the body covered: a portcullis, a full wall, a thick tree trunk. |
| Total | Bonus to Stealth. Can’t generally be targeted directly by an attack or spell, though some area effects can reach it. | Completely concealed from view. |
Obscurement
- Lightly obscured. Darkness and other effects that obscure vision are a significant hindrance. A lightly obscured target gives disadvantage on Perception checks that rely on sight. Examples: dim light, light fog, moderate foliage.
- Heavily obscured. Not written yet.
5e terms
This section uses AC, Dexterity saving throws and Perception. Wayfarers uses DV and Awareness. Update once the defense system is settled (see Defense).