Flat Footed question

[Nimor Starseeker]

Are you flat footed in the beginning of combat, if you have not acted yet?

[HammerJack]

No.

But you can't take reactions. No AC penalty, though.

Surprise rounds where you didn't see the enemy coming are an exception.

[Pantshandshake]

Surprised Combatants: During combat, combatants who are surprised at the start of battle have the flat-footed condition (see page 276). As a result, they take a –2 penalty to their Armor Class. Once a character has become aware and acted, she is no longer flat-footed due to being surprised.

[BigNorseWolf]

you're flat soled? slightly flat footed? convex footed?

It's weird.