So, I did check the manual. relevant passages are on pg. 8, 12, and 15 (emphasis mine):
pg.8: "Figures cannot move into or through spaces containing figures or obstacles....These spaces are known as BLOCKED SPACES."
pg.12: "In order for a figure to have line of sight to a space, a player must be able to trace an uninterrupted, straight line from any corner of that figure's space to any corner of the target space. If the line passes through the edge of a map tile, a door, or a blocked space (a space containing a figure or obstacle), the target space is not in line of sight...."
p.15: "Knocked out heroes do not block line of sight." (This implies that heroes that are not knocked out do block line of sight).
So officially, it appears the answer to both your questions is no. To me, that's fair, and makes thematic sense.
If that's unpalatable, I suppose you could house rule a "duck" action, or use the 50/50 suggestion from Shawn--but I'd say if you miss your 50/50, the attack should hit your ally...!
On Wednesday, January 9, 2013 12:45:08 PM UTC-5, Christian Gindlesperger wrote:
IIRC, all figures block LOS, friendly or otherwise. ...haven't confirmed that in the rules though.