I know that this is a somewhat unusual question, but does a negative Dex modifier affect armor class? If a negative Dex modifier does affect AC (which makes sense to me) then when the character is flat-footed, what occurs?
Per the rules, the Dex bonus is not applied when flat-footed - does this then mean that when the Dex modifier is negative, it is still applied to the flat-footed AC?
Applying the negative modifier makes sense again, since otherwise, the character's flat-footed AC would be better then the basic AC - and that makes no sense.
I know that common sense would say that the flat-footed AC shouldn't be better than the normal AC, but it's one of those little things that got me thinking.
Is there any official ruling on this? And thanks in advance for any assistance on this.
I know that this is a somewhat unusual question, but does a negative Dex modifier affect armor class? If a negative Dex modifier does affect AC (which makes sense to me) then when the character is flat-footed, what occurs?
Yes, having 8 Dex causes a -1 penalty from Dex mod to AC.
A Negative isn't a bonus. So yes, Flat foot doesn't affect it.[quote
I know that common sense would say that the flat-footed AC shouldn't be better than the normal AC, but it's one of those little things that got me thinking.
Is there any official ruling on this? And thanks in advance for any assistance on this.
Why do you quesion it?
Flat foot says bonus not modifier. A modifier is + or - from a stat (8 or 12 Dex).
A bonus is 12 or higher since that grants +1 Dex mod to AC
A negative is 9 or lower since that grants penalty of -1 Dex mod to AC
Thanks - that's what I was thinking, but sometimes my brain works it's own wonders.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Maximum Dex Bonus
This number is the maximum Dexterity bonus to Armor Class that this type of armor allows. Dexterity bonuses in excess of this number are reduced to this number for the purposes of determining the wearer’s Armor Class. Heavier armors limit mobility, reducing the wearer’s ability to dodge blows. This restriction doesn’t affect any other Dexterity-related abilities.it actually says bonus when affecting armor as well. So by that logic it wouldn't affect AC. Though it's not unreasonable to for the DM to call that you are so clumsy that you literally walk into the attacks
Two things. First, this thread died 7 years ago. Why are you resurrecting it, especially since it was totally resolved at that time?
Second, you are wrong. The armor table just shows the highest Dex bonus you can add to your AC. However, the actual rules for figuring out your AC say modifier, not bonus.
Your Armor Class (AC) represents how hard it is for opponents to land a solid, damaging blow on you. It's the attack roll result that an opponent needs to achieve to hit you. Your AC is equal to the following:
10 + armor bonus + shield bonus + Dexterity modifier + other modifiers
Modifiers can be either positive (also called a bonus) or negative (a penalty). Your Dex always applies to your AC, even if you have a negative modifier.