Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.
Rocket your D&D 5E and Level Up: Advanced 5E games into space! Alpha Star Magazine Is Launching... Right Now!

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="the Jester" data-source="post: 2384491" data-attributes="member: 1210">I think that this thread will start a massive debate between 'strict constructionist' and 'loose constructionist' gamers.As a 'strict constructionist,' I say that Uncanny Dodge only allows you to keep your dex bonus when struck by an invisible opponent or when flat-footed, period.  Just like the rules say.  Since balancing makes you flat-footed, Uncanny Dodge trumps it.Now some 'loose constructionist' is going to come along and add that Uncanny Dodge also allows you to keep your dex bonus in other circumstances that normally allow it, except for when you are immobilized.  Just like the rules say.Then the strict constructionists and the loose constructionists will start arguing vehemently about the subject, while a few other people discuss your actual question, which is closely related to but different from the argument the strict and loose constructionists are having.Now, speaking of your original question, I'm going to elaborate on my answer a little and add that I think that, if they hadn't wanted Uncanny Dodge to trump the loss of dex while balancing, the rule would be phrased,  "You lose your dex bonus to AC while balancing, since you can't move to avoid a blow. If you have 5 or more ranks in Balance, you do not lose your dex bonus to AC while balancing."Instead, it says, "You are considered flat-footed while balancing, since you can't move to avoid a blow, and thus lose your dexterity bonus to AC (if any). If you have 5 or more ranks in Balance, you aren't considered flat-footed while balancing."  Flat-footedness is the condition balancing inflicts; flat-footedness is the condition that Uncanny Dodge prevents.</blockquote>

Verification