Jiggy RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32 |
I'm working on a massive set of houserules (to the point of really being more like a new game), and right now I'm looking at the concept of being denied your DEX bonus to AC.
I like the idea of having a mechanic that represents the ability to catch your opponent unawares (or in a position where their defense is compromised, such as while climbing). However, I'm not sure I like it being a denial of DEX to AC.
This is in part because of how it affects characters differently based on DEX score. Someone with 10-11 DEX is identically easy/hard to hit regardless of whether they saw you coming or not? Really?
Additionally, my new system involves a scaling defense based on your combat ability. Thematically, that would have to go away if DEX went away, which would be HUGE, but if I didn't do that it'd be kind of a weird thematic disconnect.
What I'm thinking of instead is having a "condition" of sorts (maybe called "off-guard" or something) where the attacker gets a flat bonus (maybe +2?) against you if you're "off-guard" against their attack.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Petty Alchemy RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16 |
The way Legend does Flat-Footed is denial of reaction actions (stuff like AoO) and a flat -3 AC.
Legend likewise has AC based on BAB.
Perhaps you should check it out.
Cyrad RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16 |
In my games, I use the term "flat-footed" to mean when you're denied your Dexterity bonus to AC rather than a simply a condition that occurs at the start of combat. In other words, I replace the text "denied Dexterity bonus to AC" with "flat-footed."
I would personally extend the +2 bonus an attacker receives for being invisible to also apply to all forms of total concealment.