D&D 5E How much does cover cost?

[Hexmage-EN]

I once gave a player a homebrew magic item that let them transform their shield into a three panel version of Wall of Stone.

 

[GMMichael]

Where are you fighting if you need to bring your own cover?

Good question.

Spartans cover each other, according to Zak Snyder, anyway.

 

[MarkB]

That means the character is at least 5 feet behind the door because you can't share the same space and the halfling is toast the first time there's area of effect damage. Unless of course you're hust allowing it for comedic effect.

I was thinking of something long enough to shelter two characters. Maybe 8 ft by 4 ft.

 

[AlViking]

Good question.

Spartans cover each other, according to Zak Snyder, anyway.

Big difference between the tactics armies use and a small band if adventurers. They implemented protecting your fellow soldier with the protection fighting style. You just need more than one character to take it.

 

[Hexmage-EN]

Actually, come to think of it, don't creatures provide half-cover by RAW? I always forget this rule, but you could have a well-armored ally granting half-cover if they stay in-between you and the enemy.

 

[AlViking]

I was thinking of something long enough to shelter two characters. Maybe 8 ft by 4 ft.

Let's say you wanted something sturdy, something that will hold up in combat so you select a hardwood like oak. A lumber weight calculator says your shelter would weigh around 175 pounds for just the boards so round it up to 180. Not only is that a lot of weight but you're also lugging around this big heavy large tabletop size piece of wood everywhere you go.

I think you need a magical solution. That or just hide behind the party tank like @Hexmage-EN says for a +2 to AC.

 

[bedir than]

One action to flip a table or cast the Mold Earth cantrip to make an earthen berm to duck behind. At slightly higher level you can use that action to cast Stone Shape for the same purpose, if there's no dirt or tables nearby. (Though, let's be honest... your DM would probably let you flip a table as a free object interaction)

If you're high enough level you could also use Wall of Stone spell to provide a -ton- of cover to a lot of people.

This makes me dream of a Sapper Artificer that could use Mold Earth as a bonus action as one of their first subclass abilities

 

[Shades of Eternity]

Honestly, I want to add a blast shield to my motorcycle.

 

[Steampunkette]

This makes me dream of a Sapper Artificer that could use Mold Earth as a bonus action as one of their first subclass abilities

I've wanted that, too. Also wanted Vicious Mockery to be a bonus action cantrip for Bards. It does d4s of damage and disadvantage on one attack on a failed save. A really useful thing to take up the same part of the action economy as bardic inspiration since inspiration runs out.

Plus it's thematic as all get out, too.

 

[Hriston]

How much would a Chest high wall cost in dnd 5e?

I'm mainly trying to see how easy it would be to make portable cover (1/2, 3/4 cover).

The AD&D DMG, p 108, has a 6' wide by 8' high wooden moveable mantlet on wheels and with an arrow slit for 15 gp. For 5E, I'd lower the price to 9 gp. Only chest high? About 5 gp, I guess?