I've seen several posts here talking about how the new dwarf change to medium and heavy armor will result in a dwarf barbarian mantaining his 30 foot movement but I don't think that's how the rules read.
From the Player's Handbook 3.5
Dwarf based land speed is 20 feet. However, dwarves can move at this speed even when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.
A barbarian's land speed is faster than the norm for his race by +10 feet. This benefit applies only when he is wearing no armor, light armor, or medium armor and not carrying a heavy load. Apply this bonus before modifying the barbarian's speed because of any load carried or armor worn.
I've seen a half dozen posts or more explaining this, but I guess I just don't get it.
Dwarf base move = 20 feet
Barbarian bonus = +10 feet
Total move = 30 feet
Medium Armor penalty = -10 feet
Net move = 20 feet.
The dwarf ability to wear medium or heavy armor without penalty is worded in such a way that it *only* prevents the speed from droping below
20 feet, not that it prevents it from dropping below whatever modified rate the character might have as a result of fast movement due to class.
I just don't see *anywhere* that it shows a dwarf being able to negate the penalty for wearing medium armor. The actual wording only says that a dwarf is not slowed below 20'
The dwarfs armor exemption would only appear to be invoked if the penalties would drop the movement below 20', which is clearly not the case here.
