AC for helpless defenders? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTimePost
siegfried1

09-12-06, 02:04 PM		Hi,
I am wondering what AC helpless defenders have.
Example: Character A has DEX 14 (Modifiier AC +2). Total AC 12.
Now he's helpless.
As far as I read the rules, his bonus becomes -5 (DEX 0) and he gets an additional -4 on AC.
This makes his total AC 1.
Do I get this right?
I read some folks assuming that the Character only gets a -4, resulting in total AC 8. I think they just forget to adjust the DEX.
:confused:
tarkin

09-12-06, 02:41 PM		You are correct, his AC becomes 1 against melee attacks.

Note the -4 you mentioned only applies to melee attacks. Against ranged attacks his AC is 5.

In addition, you can do a coup de grace against a helpless target. That is a full round action that automatically hits and does a critical. Even if they make their fort save, they still take the damage.