Do allies provide cover for enemies if you are firing into melee?
Example
EEE
AAX
X is firing at an enemy (E), so does the enemy get a cover bonus?
Normally, if an attacker uses a distance weapon against a foe who is in melee with an ally, that attacker suffers a -4 penalty on his attack rolls. The enemy does not get cover bonus, but if he is more than 10 feet away from your ally you can avoid the -4
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X is firing at an enemy (E), so does the enemy get a cover bonus?
Yes. From the PRD Combat section:
Cover
To determine whether your target has cover from your ranged attack, choose a corner of your square. If any line from this corner to any corner of the target's square passes through a square or border that blocks line of effect or provides cover, or through a square occupied by a creature, the target has cover (+4 to AC).
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Soft Cover: Creatures, even your enemies, can provide you with cover against ranged attacks, giving you a +4 bonus to AC. However, such soft cover provides no bonus on Reflex saves, nor does soft cover allow you to make a Stealth check.
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Partial Cover: If a creature has cover, but more than half the creature is visible, its cover bonus is reduced to a +2 to AC and a +1 bonus on Reflex saving throws. This partial cover is subject to the GM's discretion.
Do allies provide cover for enemies if you are firing into melee?
Example
EEE
AAX
X is firing at an enemy (E), so does the enemy get a cover bonus?
Yes. Typically, it's a soft cover bonus to AC. If the attacker doesn't have the Precise Shot feat, there would also be a -4 penalty to hit for shooting into melee, for a total of -8 to hit!