Post/Author/DateTime	Post
kimura121 12-10-07, 06:17 PM	if i have combat expertise and 5 ranks in tumble do i get the extra +1 to defense from tumble when i use combat expertise? it doesnt say that but it uses fighting defensively as an example if you dont have combat expertise. it seems like it would since you are essentially fighting defensively when using combat expertise.
StevenO 12-10-07, 06:30 PM	No. While they are mechanically similiar Combat Expertise does NOT take the place of Fighting Defensively. That extra +1 Dodge bonus comes from Fighting Defensively with enough ranks in tumble. Even with that extra bonus using Expertise is a more efficient way to increase your AC. A few notes. There are some feats that trigger when fighting defensively which also have a clause allowing them to be used with CE at +2 or more or essencially triggering of the +2 AC gain. Because of this I'd consider allowing CE at that level to substitute for Fighting Defensively in some cases but you still wouldn't gain the Tumble AC bonus for fighting defensively. Remember that you can use BOTH Combat Expertise and Fighting Defensively at the same time with both the AC and penalties stacking. Finally, there is an improved version of Combat Expertise that removes the +5 cap.