Looking for feedback - Armour penalties as Initative modifiers

[Helaman]

While guys in plate etc can run, jump etc the modifiers for armour cover that.

I was thinking about trying it as initiative modifiers for armour - masterwork armour (custom made armour) becomes a bit easier to handle and move faster in.

I would intro this in a low powered game that does provide DR for armour. I think this would offset the benefit for DR nicely.

Thoughts?

[Mortuum]

It's an interesting one.
I'd be concerned that big tough monsters get to go before big tough heroes. Also arcane casters might too often cripple armoured characters before they can act.
I can see what you're going for though. It might just work out.

[Helaman]

I'll give it a try and test it - I can always eliminate later. It makes stuff like Mithril quite valuable and a suit of masterwork field plate is the way to go for a fighter who wants to move fast in heavy armour (Field Plate being largely useless as is).

[Helaman]

Quote:

Initiative is affected by the Armor Check Penalty. The fighter's “Armour Training” class feature reduces or can remove this penalty.

A small reward to fighters, allowing them to strike faster. The trait, armour training becomes a little bit more valuable, as does masterwork armours.

[robert4818]

I'd point out though that Armor is, indirectly already factored into initiative.

Since armor has a max dex bonus, and this dex bonus affects initiative, there is already a way to take armor into account.

[Jadeite]

Armor check penalty already modifies initiative if you don't have the necessary proficiency.
The maximum dex bonus, on the other hand, only applies to the dexterity bonus on AC.

[Helaman]

Jadeite wrote:

The maximum dex bonus, on the other hand, only applies to the dexterity bonus on AC.

Yep - what Jadeite said.

Jadeite wrote:

Armor check penalty already modifies initiative if you don't have the necessary proficiency.

True but I am also looking for something to a) Balance the DR I am giving (I want Armour to provide some DR in game terms) and b) makes one of the traits and MW armour more relevant/beneficial along with giving fighters a small edge currently not really paying off in the RAW (Armor training reducing the check penalty).