Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 lord_welkerfan Dec 03, 2008 12:00:32	I like that armor provides a penalty to physical skills when worn--that makes logical sense. The problem I have, though, is that it really penalizes the skill use of the characters that wear it. I'd expect the fighter and the paladin to be the most able characters to use Athletics (they are the big tough ones, after all), but they are penalized for wearing the armor they're expected to wear more than other characters. Especially in skill challenges and other skill-based encounters, the skills they are most able to use, they are penalized for doing so. So here's my proposal to remove this odd consequence: The armor proficiency feats provide a bonus to Athletics checks equal to the armor check penalty of the armor allowed. This allows for characters who are proficient to not be hindered in their use of the skills they should be best at, while still making armor provide the logical difficulty to people unskilled in its use. Also, this tweak provides the same incentive for taking off armor in situations where logic expects it (underwater, for example), as the characters still get the bonus when not wearing armor. What do you think?
#2 lokathor Dec 03, 2008 12:21:57	They already have training, and probably a high Str score. Just add the "reduce the check penalty by 1" effect that Scale Specialization has onto Plate Specialization. It'll be fine, the fighter-types will still probably have the highest athletics in the entire group. Remember that putting away your shield is just a move action to take it off and something like a minor action to sling it on your back.
#3 rikiji Dec 03, 2008 14:22:23	The penalties for wearing heavy armor are reasonable. As compared to other adventurers, heavy armor wearers are not necessarily any more athletic or fit (Wizards may not be athletic, but Rogues and Rangers definately are), but they are carrying around a lot more weight. Athletics and Endurance are class skills because these classes are trained in carrying around the extra load - I don't see any justification for an additional bonus.