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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Camarath" data-source="post: 1464286" data-attributes="member: 11987">This are the only thing in the FAQ that I could find that deal with Reflex saves and Dex bonus. Both entries are quite clear IMO that losing one's Dex Bonus to AC is not that same as losing one's Dex bonus for all purpose (as one does when Cowering).Suppose a character makes a trip attempt against a foewho is flat-footed. Now, the foe loses her Dexterity modifieragainst the melee touch attack that the attacker makes aspart of the trip attack, but does she also lose her Strengthmodifier when resolving the trip attempt (assuming that themelee touch attack succeeds)? Normally, one can resist atrip attempt with either a Strength or Dexterity check. Isusing Dexterity an option if you’re caught flat-footed?Similar questions arise when trying to grapple, bull rush,and disarm flat-footed opponents.Being flat-footed negates your Dexterity bonus to ArmorClass, but it does not affect your ability to make opposed rolls.Your ability to react to danger is somewhat compromised whenflat-footed, but only slightly. For example, you become subjectto sneak attacks, but you make saving throws (even Reflexsaving throws) normally.If you’re caught flat-footed and an opponent attempts to tripyou, you lose your Dexterity bonus (assuming you have one) toArmor Class against the initial touch attack, but you make theensuing opposed roll normally. You still can use eitherDexterity or Strength for your opposed roll. (The attackeralways uses Strength.)The same is true for grappling: You lose your Dexteritybonus against the grab, but you make a normal opposed rollagainst the hold.Bull rushing and disarming don’t require initial attack rollsagainst the targets, so it isn’t any easier to carry out theseactions against flat-footed opponents than it is against moreactive foes.Exactly when can a character make a Reflex saving throw?The saving throw section on the Player’s Handbook saysReflex saves depend on a character’s ability to dodge out ofthe way. Does that mean you can’t make Reflex saves if youcan’t move?A character can attempt a Reflex save anytime she issubjected to an effect that allows a Reflex save. A Reflex saveusually involves some dodging, but a Reflex save is notcompletely dependent on a character’s ability to move around.It also can depend on luck, variations in the effect that makesthe save necessary in the first place, and a host of othermiraculous factors that keep heroic characters in the D&Dgame from meeting an untimely fate.In most cases, you make Reflex saves normally, no matterhow bad your circumstances are, but there are a few conditionsthat interfere with Reflex saves:• If you’ve suffered Dexterity damage or Dexteritydrain, you must use your current, lower Dexteritymodifier for your Reflex saves.• If you’re cowering, you lose your Dexterity bonus (ifany). The maximum Dexterity bonus you can havewhile cowering is +0, and that affects your Reflexsaves accordingly.• If you’re dead, you become an object. Unattendedobjects can’t make saving throws.• If you’re entangled, your effective Dexterity scoredrops by –4, and you must use your lower Dexteritymodifier for Reflex saves.• If you’re exhausted, your effective Strength andDexterity scores drop by –6, and you must use yourlower Dexterity modifier for Reflex saves.• If you’re fatigued, your effective Strength andDexterity scores drop by –2, and you must use yourlower Dexterity modifier for Reflex saves.• If you’re frightened or panicked, you have a –2penalty on all saving throws, including Reflex savingthrows.• If you’re helpless, your Dexterity score is effectively0. You still can make Reflex saves, but yourDexterity modifier is –5. You’re helpless wheneveryou are paralyzed, unconscious, or asleep.</blockquote>

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