Help replace "Max Dex Bonus"

[magic_gathering2001]

Oh, i think i understand now. Is "enhancement value" the magic enhancement?

so a 16 str PC in non-magic full plate has a dex penalty of 4? (8-0-3-1 = 4)
but a 10 str PC would have a dex penalty of 7? (8-0-0-1 = 7)

seems like it works, except it double penalizes dex skills.
anyone see any other problems?

yes, but i wanted to change it so strength only applies 1/2 the modifier rounded down
*wait double penalizes dex skills

the penalty apllies directly and only to the dexterity score itself
this includes but is not limited to dex based skills (this replaces Check penalty)
ranged attacks
reflex saves
and AC

 

[IndyPendant]

Errr...something to consider here. The dex-penalty issue doesn't solve the problem as stated by the OP. The whole point of getting rid of the max dex bonus was so that chars with high dex would benefit from that, even in heavy armour. But then the preferred solution is a dex penalty--that can't reduce the dex below 10. In other words, a char in heavy armour with a dex of 10 to 16 still has an effective dex of 10. And since it's a flat-out dex penalty, this *will* affect Reflex saves and skill checks. RAW, a high-dex char in full plate still gets a +1 bonus to AC, comparative armour check penalties, and no penalty at all to Reflex Saves. Far from giving incentive to have a high dex, your solution does the opposite. Invest into an 18 dex--to get an effective 12? Umm...no. Thanks. : )

My point is, you state there's a problem--but your 'solution' only makes it far far worse, instead of solving the problem. *shrug* I don't see the issue with Max Dex Bonus for armour, myself. A player wants to increase it? Throw him a feat. Here's one I offer my players. No one's taken it yet.

Armour Mobility [Combat]
You retain more of your agility when wearing armor.
Source: Adapted from Armour Mobility and Greater Armour Mobility, from the 3e Tower.
Benefit: Choose one armour that you are proficient with. When wearing this armour, your maximum dexterity bonus is increased by 2, and your armour check penalty is reduced by 1 (to a maximum of 0).