D&D 4E I'm really confused on the new 4e defenses...

[Simia Saturnalia]

Nice simplification that also make playing more fun. It also simplifies other mechanics. Sneak attack can now be "when you flank an opponent or he is unprepared or immobile (unprepared = hasn't acted in the first round), you get +2 to hit +xd6 damage."

It may even be simpler. 'Combat advantage' may be the new "flat-footed/flanked/held/gonna get a shortsword in the kidney", much as 'bloodied' is the new "below half HP".

 

[The_Universe]

It may even be simpler. 'Combat advantage' may be the new "flat-footed/flanked/held/gonna get a shortsword in the kidney", much as 'bloodied' is the new "below half HP".

That's my guess.

 

[Korgoth]

That sentence is a bit confusing, but it sounds to me like when someone's caught flatfooted, they don't lose their Dex bonus to AC. Instead, the attacker gets some kind of bonus on his attack. So the Armor Class remains the same no matter what, and the Dex bonus counts towards it even when you're flatfooted.

I think I like this way better than the 3E way.