Defense Bonus vs Flat-Footed [Archive] - Wizards Community

Defense Bonus vs Flat-Footed [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Capt. Pixel
08-13-05, 04:02 PM We're using the Defense Bonus as presented in UA.

My question is:

Does Defense Bonus apply when the PC is caught Flat-footed?

It doesn't specifically say so in the RAW, but it seems reasonable that it wouldn't apply if you didn't see the attack coming. This would lend some value to wearing conventional armor.

This would also counter the substantial effect of having it count when avoiding a Touch Attack. (That IS RAW, and it affects the game in a major way, IMO)

Discussion?
Capt. Pixel
08-14-05, 05:22 PM :bump:
Jerks
08-15-05, 10:08 AM Yes, your class defense bonus applies even when you are flat-footed. About the only time you lose this is when you are helpless, such as being at Str or Dex 0.

In my game we have a house-rule that your class defense bonus is halved when you are flat-footed or otherwise caught unawares. We apply the same rule to touch attacks, so that wizard's ability to deliver touch spells isn't completely hosed.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Capt. Pixel 08-13-05, 04:02 PM	We're using the Defense Bonus as presented in UA. My question is: Does Defense Bonus apply when the PC is caught Flat-footed? It doesn't specifically say so in the RAW, but it seems reasonable that it wouldn't apply if you didn't see the attack coming. This would lend some value to wearing conventional armor. This would also counter the substantial effect of having it count when avoiding a Touch Attack. (That IS RAW, and it affects the game in a major way, IMO) Discussion?
Capt. Pixel 08-14-05, 05:22 PM	:bump:
Jerks 08-15-05, 10:08 AM	Yes, your class defense bonus applies even when you are flat-footed. About the only time you lose this is when you are helpless, such as being at Str or Dex 0. In my game we have a house-rule that your class defense bonus is halved when you are flat-footed or otherwise caught unawares. We apply the same rule to touch attacks, so that wizard's ability to deliver touch spells isn't completely hosed.