Max Dex?

[scholz]

On page 141 of the PHB there is the discussion of the effects of encumbrance. According to chart 9-2 Being medium encumbered causes on to get have a max dex (bonus?) or +3, being heavily encumbered causes a max dex (bonus?) of +1 [these are in addition to skill check penalties and speed/run effects]

My question is, is this a general modifier to dexterity (AC, Ranged Attack bonus, Weapon Finesse Attack bonus, Reflex, skill modifiers), or only to the specific case of Armor Class bonus.

I think the evidence supports the view that it only applies to AC, but several of my fellow gamers think the opposite.

I can see their point, since it stands to reason that a guy in plate mail would likely have worse Reflex saves compared to the same person in no armor. But what is the official rule?

-Steve

 

[kreynolds]

My question is, is this a general modifier to dexterity (AC, Ranged Attack bonus, Weapon Finesse Attack bonus, Reflex, skill modifiers), or only to the specific case of Armor Class bonus.

AC.

 

[Trine]

AC only.
The rules from page 141 clear this up.

Like armor, your load gives you a maximum Dexterity bonus to AC [...]

Then look at the example of Mialee on page 142 of the PHB.

[...] so now she's carrying a medium load. [...] and sets her maximum Dexterity bonus to AC at +3 [...]

 

[Destil]

My question is, is this a general modifier to dexterity (AC, Ranged Attack bonus, Weapon Finesse Attack bonus, Reflex, skill modifiers), or only to the specific case of Armor Class bonus.

AC. Skills are affected by the check penelity, rather than a max Dex bonus (and in the special case of swim the -1 / 5lbs weight penelity).

 

[Hypersmurf]

Re: Re: Max Dex?

AC. Skills are affected by the check penalty*, rather than a max Dex bonus.

* as are, of course, attacks both melee and ranged, if you're non-proficient in the armour.

-Hyp.