Maximum Dex Bonus

[Menexenus]

Hello all. Sorry if this question is answered in v3.5. I only have access to my 3.0 PHB.

Each armor has its own Maximum Dex Bonus. Suppose a character with an 18 DEX puts on some chainmail. According to the description, the character's AC goes up by 5 for the armor, but his DEX can now only give him a maximum of +2 to AC.

Here's what I'm not sure about: Does this maximum DEX bonus also effect other things besides AC? For instance, is this character's initiative modifier now only +2 from DEX (instead of +4)? How about his REFLEX saves? How about his DEX-based skills?

I'm sure there's a very easy, official answer to this question, but I haven't been able to find it. If someone could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

-Menexenus

 

[Patlin]

Here's what I'm not sure about: Does this maximum DEX bonus also effect other things besides AC? For instance, is this character's initiative modifier now only +2 from DEX (instead of +4)? How about his REFLEX saves? How about his DEX-based skills?

Nothing but AC is affected by the maximum. You get the full bonus on everything else.

 

[Bastoche]

From the SRD:

Maximum Dex Bonus: This number is the maximum Dexterity bonus to AC that this type of armor allows. Heavier armors limit mobility, reducing the wearer’s ability to dodge blows. This restriction doesn’t affect any other Dexterity-related abilities.

Even if a character’s Dexterity bonus to AC drops to 0 because of armor, this situation does not count as losing a Dexterity bonus to AC.

Your character’s encumbrance (the amount of gear he or she carries) may also restrict the maximum Dexterity bonus that can be applied to his or her Armor Class.

 

[Darklone]

Some guys including me like to use it as houserule though

Makes many rules that say "can only be done in light armour" redundant.

 

[Thanee]

Many Dex (well, rather movement) based skills are actually affected, just look up Armor Check Penalty.

Reflex save not being affected is a bit weird, however.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Darklone]

That's why I like that houserule. It makes life easier.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Many Dex (well, rather movement) based skills are actually affected, just look up Armor Check Penalty.

Reflex save not being affected is a bit weird, however.

True.

Two reasons for The Way Things Are:

(1) It is not a benefit to the game to create an extra rule in order to nickel and dime characters who are already paying a substantial tactical cost for an increase to AC. The AC and save system has never been realistic; it is supposed to be highly playable and tactically interesting.

(2) Trying to be so "realistic" opens to debate issues such as why wearing all that metal and thick padding does not partially protect me from Fireballs.

 

[Ranger REG]

Reflex save not being affected is a bit weird, however.

A good thing for the fighters. Saving throws are reserved for special attacks like magic or an explosion, where you simply don't just dodge or merely sidestep, but scramble out of the way.

 

[Li Shenron]

Reflex save not being affected is a bit weird, however.

A possible argument to explain this comes from cover.

Cover gives a +2 to Reflex saves, not because it helps you dodge, but because it partially blocks (or has a chance to block) the typical effects which you can avoid with that ST.

Armor doesn't limit you Dex bonus when it comes to reflex saves... we can say that what you would lose in this regard because of lost mobility you get back because armor slightly cover your body, and reduces back the chance of being scorched by a fireball.

That's just a little try however, since this reasoning doesn't work that well if you don't have a Dex bonus (in which case armor does not make your reflex mod any better).

 

[Thanee]

Not saying, that Reflex save should be affected, just that it is a bit weird.

Bye
Thanee