Revision Spotlight (6/17)

[Steverooo]

Alright...maybe I'm coming around to see Wulf's point. (Not withstanding the absolutely absurd explanation put up by Andy Collins. Buddy, don't shoot yerself in th' foot, please! Not in public!)

The automatic deflect option is easy, and I'll still wager it's not game breaking, or even substantially straining credibility. But there might be better ways to do it.

The ways proposed:
#1) Opposed check, using some BAB variant.

#2) Reflex save

#3) Straight AC mod vs. missile fire.

Each of the three have problems.

#1 is hard on classes (like the monk!) with only moderate BABs.

#2 is hard on those classes with poor ref saves, and doesn't scale easily with level.

#3 A straight AC mod is boring, and loses the flavor of the feat.


So, any others? I don't really like any of the proposed three better than the current mechanic.

#1... The attacker has already made a BAB roll, so use it as the DC. The Arrow Deflecter now rolls a "To-Hit" roll vs. the missile, with an AC/DC equal to the attacker's roll. Ties or better deflect.

The Monk's BAB is worse? Now worries, mate! Monks (only) get a... (looks at 3e PHB, page 38, then double-checks to make sure he has the RIGHT PHB)... +5 on deflection and snatch attemps.

Hence, low-level Monks will be better than most at Deflection, and as good as anyone else with equal stats at 20th. Barbarians, Fighters, Paladins, and Rangers will be close, Bards, Clerics, and Rogues next, and Sorcerers & Wizards worst.

Downside: Another roll is required, and it means another tweak to the Monk class (note here that the Deflect Arrows Feat doesn't grant Monks the +5, being a 2nd-level Monk does)!

 

[Shard O'Glase]

Might be wrong but I thought if you were 4 levels higher you "pierced" through the other's UDodge.

Ah, found it:

1st printing PHB pg 25 column 2

"...the exception to this defense is that a rogue at least 4 levels higher than the barbarian can flank him (and thuis sneak attack him)."

Perhaps this got overturned by the Sage or FAQ at some point?

Technik

Only applies to flanking, my example was more I sneak up on you based. So yeay a rogue 4 level higher can flank those with uncanny dodge, but a rogue still can't sneak up and get a sneak attack off. Heck the barbarian or rogue could have 0 ranks in spot and listen and roll a 1 and they still wont be flat footed by a rogue whoose hide and sneak total rolls are in the 50's.

 

[Kai Lord]

In my opinion, if the ability is cool-- that is, it is cinematic and not something the player will just overlook-- nobody is going to begrudge him ONE roll of the d20.

On that I agree.