Changing a D&D core mechanic

[FrouzenIland]

Hi.
One of my players is buzzing me about changing the way AC is calculated for ranged attacks.
His idea is that the Dexterity modifier should not be added to AC against ranged attacks, since you cannot really dodge an arrow fired at you, as bullets, etc.
Some other systems have the same concept, in nWoD you can't add you dexterity to your defense against firearms.
I didn't buy this idea yet, not even to playtest it.
In a game like D&D, what would be the possible positive and negative implications of this change?

 

[smootrk]

You might not be able to effectively dodge an arrow using your dex, but you can surely be 'hard to target' in the first place...

... so I say, don't change it.

 

[Edheldur]

His idea is that the Dexterity modifier should not be added to AC against ranged attacks, since you cannot really dodge an arrow fired at you, as bullets, etc.

Throw something at him and tell him that he isn't supposed to try to avoid the hit.

Now, seriously, that change would have 2 effects:
1) Limit Sneak Attack to melee only, since Dex shouldn't be added to AC, you can't get your Dex bonus denied.
2) Light armored PCs/NPCs would get hit way more often.

So, no, I wouldn't change it.

 

[Bayushi Seikuro]

My vote is don't change it.

Arrows and bullets are two different things to compare.

And remember, AC doesn't just mean you don't get hit; AC is the ability to mitigate the damage, or lessen it, in a sense. Case in point: You see artwork of heroes with arrows in their shields or armor all the time. They were obviously hit, but not affected. That's the difference between standard AC, and 'touch' AC - touch AC is based on merely making contact, not nessecarily hitting a soft, vital spot.

I agree that not allowing Dex to AC is fine and dandy for the tank with the +0 Dex mod, but... you will lose more spellcasters and rogues or light-armor fighters that way. What that will mean then is fewer and fewer people will play those classes in your game.

 

[Deset Gled]

As a lead spotlight operator in high school, I can verify for you that a fast moving projectile doesn't make the target any easier to hit when they're flopping around like a rabid bunny rabbit on meth.

D+D assumes you are constantly dodging and moving. Dex should still apply to AC.

 

[Felnar]

your houserule would increase the value of the Deflect Arrows feat