Replacing "Denied DEX"


Homebrew and House Rules

Grand Lodge 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!


Only that since it is the target who is unaware they should get a -2 to ac rather than the attacker getting a bonus. You could also have scaling off guard values -2 if unaware of you but expecting a fight, -4 if not even thinking about combat.

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.

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.

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