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This may be more of a lack of knowledge on how the rules function than an actual situation that requires rules interpretation, but I am unsure how to proceed nonetheless. Say you have a Tyranid FMC (or any FMC for that matter, but Tyranid ones like the Harpy or Hive Crone illustrate this best). Let's talk about some situations that can arise, and how cover is obtained (or not obtained) in each scenario:

1) the Harpy is hiding behind a small ruin. The model itself is not obscured because it is so high, although the stand certainly is obscured by the ruin. Does the harpy get cover if it's gliding? If it's swooping?

2) The Harpy is swooping and has a toe in a ruin. Does it get cover?

3) The Harpy is behind a Carnifex. The carnifex is a big boy but definitely doesn't obscure the Harpy because the model is so high off the ground. Does the Harpy get cover from the intervening unit?

4) A Venomthrope is nearby, within 6" of the Harpy's base but not within 6" of the Harpy itself in 3 dimensions. Does the harpy get the shrouded rule?

I don't think the base/stand count as part of the model. As such:

1. No, The Harpy is not 25% obscured and does not get cover.
2. Only if the ruin is also area terrain. Otherwise, see number 1.
3. Since the shooter would be shooting over the Carnifex, the Carnifex does not intervene.
4. Yes. When measuring between non-vehicle models, you use the base.

For questions 1, 3 and 4, Happyjew is entirely correct; only if the Harpy (not including its base or flight stand) is more than 25% obscured is it granted a cover save.

For question 2, models in ruins are granted a cover save regardless of whether they are at least 25% obscured, though it may be difficult for a Harpy to be in the ruins.

 Happyjew wrote:
2. Only if the ruin is also area terrain. Otherwise, see number 1.

What's an area terrain?

(I know what you mean, but area terrain no longer exists, and ruins appear to be one of the few instances (the only?) of what used to be described as area terrain)