Having a mental blank re -2 and -5 modifier buttons

[OverCriticalHit]

The +2 and +5 buttons are there mainly for Dex saving throws from behind cover I'm assuming, but when are the -2 and -5 buttons used?

Thanks in advance.

[LordEntrails]

Ranged attacks at a target behind cover.

[OverCriticalHit]

Thanks LE, that rings a bell. However, I can't find the actual rule. Is it in the PHB or DMG?

[Dax Doomslayer]

Thanks LE, that rings a bell. However, I can't find the actual rule. Is it in the PHB or DMG?

Cover is found on p. 196 of the PHB...

[OverCriticalHit]

Cover is found on p. 196 of the PHB...

Yeah, I looked there. I has +2 AC for half cover and +5 AC for 3/4 cover, but it doesn't specifically mentioned ranged attacks and doesn't say anything about subtracting. Is the concept that either adding x to an AC or subtracting X from an attack roll gets you to the same destination, or is there some subtlety I'm missing here?

[LordEntrails]

If Combatant A (doesn't matter if it a player with a PC or a DM with an NPC) is attacking Combatant B, then the attacker needs to make their -2/-5 adjustment to their roll. Yes technically it is +2/5 to AC, but since a modifier applied by the target applies is not applied to the roll from the attacker, it is the attacker that must click the modifier button. Hence why their are negative modifier values.

Or, the target could apply a cover effect (AC:2 or AC:5) to raise their AC, but that will effect all attack rolls against them. IMO it's much easier to just have the attacker click the -2/-5 button.

[Dax Doomslayer]

Right, when using FG, it's logistically easier to go in and change the attacker modifier than needing to change the AC value and then change it back every time.

[OverCriticalHit]

Thanks! My need-to-know is sated!

[LordEntrails]

:bandit: