Post/Author/DateTime	Post
JBW 02-22-07, 08:20 PM	I'm wondering if there is any reason why the defender in a Trip attempt can not use their Balance skill in place of their Dex modifier? Is there a Feat or Skill Trick that allows this?
jaelis 02-22-07, 08:27 PM	It's given as an expanded skill use in Complete Adventurer.
ShinAkuma2 02-22-07, 10:20 PM	Basically, you need 10 ranks in Balance... You take a -10 penalty to the check, and you can't attempt to trip back, but it will result in a higher defense than just Dex alone as your modifier in Balance increases.
JBW 02-23-07, 07:59 PM	It might actually be worse. If I have Dex 12 (+1) and Balance 12 (+13) but I'm wearing magical Full Plate (-5 penalty), I can use either a +1 from Dex or a -2 from Balance... They had a good idea, but mechanically, this rule sucks.:mad:
Jay_Ibero_911 02-23-07, 08:33 PM	It might actually be worse. If I have Dex 12 (+1) and Balance 12 (+13) but I'm wearing magical Full Plate (-5 penalty), I can use either a +1 from Dex or a -2 from Balance... They had a good idea, but mechanically, this rule sucks.:mad: Except most classes that will be heavily investing in balace won't be wearing full plate. There is also the Combat Acrobat feat from PHB2 which allows a flat DC 20 balance check to remain standing against any effect that would knock you prone.
JBW 02-23-07, 09:36 PM	Except most classes that will be heavily investing in balace won't be wearing full plate. I made this post because I was making a Crusader from ToB. They have Balance as one of their class skills, and they really have little to gain from not wearing full plate. I'll check on this Combat Acrobat you mentioned... Nope. Useless to me - I'd need Tumble 9 to get it, and Tumble is a cross-class skill. Funny how you have to be good at rolling about just to stay on your feet.:rolleyes: