Mike Mearls commented on the armor thing yesterday:
mikemearls comments on AMA: Mike Mearls, head of D&D Research and Design at WotC
mikemearls comments on AMA: Mike Mearls, head of D&D Research and Design at WotC
In answer to my question of why not allow heavy armor the Dex bonus:So basically, a heavily armored fighter will have better AC than a high Dex light armor guy, and medium armors have various combinations of Dex bonus cap and stealth disadvantage.
I was playing with this idea for armors
Light Armor
Leather AC 12 + dex mod
Studded AC 13 + dex mod
Chain Shirt AC 14 + dex mod
Medium Armor
Ring AC 15 + 1/2 Dex mod
Scale AC 16 + 1/2 Dex mod
Chainmail AC 17 + 1/2 Dex Mod
Heavy Armor
Splint AC 17
Banded AC 18
Plate AC 19
With this setup, at dex 20 all armors would have the same AC, but at lower dex medium and heavy armors are better in various degrees
It also keeps the max AC with shields at around 21. Still reasonable to hit for most - but not too easy.
I kinda like this
We're completely re-working armor. We're bulking up heavy armor, giving medium armor a better definition, and slightly pulling back on light armor.
Heavy armor allows no Dex bonus but has a high base value. Heavy armor always gives disad on attempts to be stealthy.
Medium armor has +2 Dex max or no Dex allowed. It sits below heavy armor. Classes like the ranger and barbarian are proficient with it. Some medium armors give disad on checks to hide or move silently. Basically, if you play a ranger or barbarian, you can either junk Dex and take a "heavier" medium armor or take a lighter one that lets you be stealthy.
Light armor allows full Dex and has no stealth drawbacks.
I do not see that as a problem.The only remaining problem is that unlike in 3e, there is now no mechanical reason to ever wear e.g. leather armor or splint mail after your first level (when you've probably got enough cash to buy nonmagical chain shirt or plate).
I do not see that as a problem.