Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="eriktheguy" data-source="post: 5508071" data-attributes="member: 83662">A quick look at level 2 monsters (first 25 in compendium)Ref = AC: Black Dragon Wyrmling; Gravash, Dragonborn Swiftblade; Boontah the Goblin Champion; Dreus Matrand; Bone Construct; Glass Guardian Nestling; Goblin CrazyRef only 1 less than AC: Brass Dragon Wyrmling; Myrissa, Shadar-Kai Dark Warlock; Valshelar; Grand Melee Gladiator; Grand Melee Gladiator; Kruthik Hatchling; Elf HunterOf the first 25 monsters, 8 have Ref = AC, 8 have Ref = AC-1, and 9 have Ref 2 or more points below AC. For the majority of these monsters, weapon attacks are better off than implement VS reflex. They aren't mostly lurkers, many offenders are skirmishers and artillery (some of the most common monsters in my encounters).Most people probably prefer MM3 monsters over all others, so lets look at the 20 monsters leveled 2-3.AC < Ref: 1AC = Ref: 3AC = Ref - 1: 6AC >/= Ref - 2: 10So for about half the monsters Ref is not a good defense to follow.Some of the most commonly offending monsters are brutes, who have unusually low AC. Despite intuition they often have average reflex. Skirmishers and artillery also tend to have average reflex. Lurkers and and controllers sometimes have average and sometimes have a few points higher.Overall Ref is one of the most consistent defenses. It tends to be the lowest def on soldiers, for which it is generally average or below average. It's definitely worth it for an NAD attacker to pick up an against will or against fort attack. Fort is reliable against artillery and controllers. Will tends to be a low def in general.Defenses in general are very swingy, even within roles. So don't be surprised if you end up in one combat where Ref or Fort or Will misses everything.</blockquote>

Verification