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If I were to create the illusion of a transparent wall (of glass for example) 1/4 thick in a box surrounding my character, does this wall grant me full cover?

This question is different from: Can an illusion give a player partial cover. That question creates a visible effect and asks about partial cover.

The core of the question is whether or not a transparent or translucent wall in and of itself, grants cover to those behind it. The above example is the best way I can think of to readily manufacture such a structure.

The reason I am bringing this up as the answer to this question may have impacts on another game mechanic, but is being asked in isolation for clarity.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Cover isn't a condition, btw. \$\endgroup\$
    – Miniman
    Sep 23, 2018 at 11:06
  • \$\begingroup\$ There is a distinct difference between that question and mine (which I saw). Their illusion created a visible effect. Mine does not, and mine is an attempt at total cover. \$\endgroup\$
    – Play Patrice
    Sep 23, 2018 at 11:08
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    \$\begingroup\$ Glass walls are assumed to be visible though. If you want to ask about an invisible wall, you should make that explicit. \$\endgroup\$
    – Erik
    Sep 23, 2018 at 11:25
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    \$\begingroup\$ Note that wall of force is completely tangible so I'm unclear on how this helps clear that up. You could go up to a WoF send literally feel it with your hands since it stops any physical thing from passing through. \$\endgroup\$
    – Rubiksmoose
    Sep 23, 2018 at 13:29
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    \$\begingroup\$ Possible duplicate of Can an illusion give a player partial cover? \$\endgroup\$
    – Quadratic Wizard
    Sep 23, 2018 at 16:37

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Illusions cannot grant cover because cover requires an obstacle

Walls, trees, creatures, and other obstacles can provide cover during combat, making a target more difficult to harm.

An illusion is not capable of being an obstacle for anything, thus it cannot grant cover under any circumstance. Anything that "hits" the illusory wall will pass right through it without any interaction. Thus, illusions cannot be used as cover. They can be used to provide concealment though.

Note that ability to see a target is not a factor in determining whether something can provide cover or not, only being an obstacle. So the illusory barrier being translucent or transparent or invisible even has no bearing on the matter. Something can be perfectly visible and still be under full cover. For example, being behind an actual (non-illusory) glass window pane will provide full cover as will being inside a gelatinous cube.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ It would be helpful to address the distinction you are making about concealment (from earlier editions I understand the distinction with cover, but since concealment isn't a mechanical term in 5e it might not be obvious what the contrast is). \$\endgroup\$
    – Bloodcinder
    Sep 23, 2018 at 17:58

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