caught surprised with dex bonus to AC [Archive] - Wizards Community

caught surprised with dex bonus to AC [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Golden Zealot
04-10-06, 04:09 PM it's just a thought i had for a house rule: how many of you would allow a reflex to retain Dex bonus to AC when caught surprised or when flatfooted? it would probably be against the attacker's attack roll or something. but i think if characters get reflex saves against things like a pit trap, they should get refelx saves against things like people jumping out at them with a knife. Initiative just wont do, as in a surprise round it doesnt have any effect (on the victims of the attack)
Illion the Red
04-10-06, 04:12 PM it's just a thought i had for a house rule: how many of you would allow a reflex to retain Dex bonus to AC when caught surprised or when flatfooted? it would probably be against the attacker's attack roll or something. but i think if characters get reflex saves against things like a pit trap, they should get refelx saves against things like people jumping out at them with a knife. Initiative just wont do, as in a surprise round it doesnt have any effect (on the victims of the attack)

That would really hurt the whole Rogue Snaeak Attack class ability, wouldn't it?

If someone is so concerned with being caught without their dex bonus, get Improved Uncanny Dodge - that's what it's for.
Kessalin Talira
04-10-06, 04:30 PM You don't even need Improved Uncanny Dodge. That one makes you immune to flanking. Regular Uncanny Dodge lets you keep your Dex bonus when flat footed.
kelvinaw273
04-10-06, 05:03 PM It would depend upon the surprise situation, if the characters are expecting trouble of some sort then depending on their state of readiness, I may allow them their Dex AC bonus despite surprise. But in all other circumstances, no. It is horribly biased against rogues and barbarians both to do so.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Golden Zealot 04-10-06, 04:09 PM	it's just a thought i had for a house rule: how many of you would allow a reflex to retain Dex bonus to AC when caught surprised or when flatfooted? it would probably be against the attacker's attack roll or something. but i think if characters get reflex saves against things like a pit trap, they should get refelx saves against things like people jumping out at them with a knife. Initiative just wont do, as in a surprise round it doesnt have any effect (on the victims of the attack)
Illion the Red 04-10-06, 04:12 PM	it's just a thought i had for a house rule: how many of you would allow a reflex to retain Dex bonus to AC when caught surprised or when flatfooted? it would probably be against the attacker's attack roll or something. but i think if characters get reflex saves against things like a pit trap, they should get refelx saves against things like people jumping out at them with a knife. Initiative just wont do, as in a surprise round it doesnt have any effect (on the victims of the attack) That would really hurt the whole Rogue Snaeak Attack class ability, wouldn't it? If someone is so concerned with being caught without their dex bonus, get Improved Uncanny Dodge - that's what it's for.
Kessalin Talira 04-10-06, 04:30 PM	You don't even need Improved Uncanny Dodge. That one makes you immune to flanking. Regular Uncanny Dodge lets you keep your Dex bonus when flat footed.
kelvinaw273 04-10-06, 05:03 PM	It would depend upon the surprise situation, if the characters are expecting trouble of some sort then depending on their state of readiness, I may allow them their Dex AC bonus despite surprise. But in all other circumstances, no. It is horribly biased against rogues and barbarians both to do so.