Dex bonus to AC while casting / concentrating

[Schade]

Hi all,

Intuitively I would think that if a caster is concentrating on a full round or multiple round spell - they would be denied their Dex bonus to AC.

I cant seem to find mention of this anywhere in the rules? Does this make sense that Casters get their full Dex to AC while concentrating? Am I missing some mechanic here that makes this make more sense?

Thanks!

[Kayerloth]

By RAW no, a caster has full use of his Dexterity including bonuses to AC while casting. He's still mobile, can still move anywhere within his square (duck fully behind the pillar or kneel behind the table etc. that's in his square) and likely can still take a 5 ft step. Instead the game requires Concentration checks which are modified if you are hit while concentrating on a casting a spell. Casting a spell with a CT of a round or longer (particularly longer) leaves you far more vulnerable to being attacked and forced to make a concentration check.

Edit afterthought:
By saying he's mobile I mean he is as mobile as anyone else using a full round action such as a the fighter not moving because he is full attacking the dragon or an archer letting loose on the opposing caster. Would you deny the Archer or Fighter his Dex just because they elected to not move and full attack?

[Schade]

Ahh yes you make sense - just had to get it straight in my head.

I always like to not just quote a rule to my players but to explain why it makes sense and put it in context :-) Thanks for the thoughtful reply!