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2 years ago ::
Jun 19, 2011 - 5:33AM
#1
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Date Joined:
Oct 27, 2009
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Okay I have to ask because a friend and me have had this discussion a few times.
Why is it that certain spells have saving throws of reflex that obviously represent a dodge,
Yet there are no real representations for Dodging or Parrying in standard melee combat other than a feat for Dodge?
Furthermore would someone who isnt aware of a reflex save spell being cast at them get their save,
and why doesn't someone who is aware of a ranged melee attack get a reflex save?
Why isn't there an action to block an attack you are aware of when wielding a shield?
One would think that in a system such as DnD there would clearer representations of parrying, dodging, and blocking.
You'll have to forgive me if I have something horrendously wrong and in fact there are such instances in a book - as I have not seen it and we have always played without them, simply using standard AC modifiers.
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2 years ago ::
Jun 19, 2011 - 6:41AM
#2
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Because the game uses abstractions. Your dex bonus, dodge bonus, and probably the monk's ac bonus all represent dodging. The shield bonus to ac and the tower shield's ability to provide cover represent blocking.
As far as geting a reflex save when unaware that's was likely a balance issue.
Et in arcadia ego~Even in paradise I am here Est Sularus Oth Mithas~My Honor Is My Life You, sir, are a liar. Or delusional. I like your style.- Zombie_Babies Spoiler:
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The two editions are very different...and make for two different games.
In general, 3.0/3.5 is built around more-or-less full freedom in terms of character customization.
In contrast, 4.0 is built around balance and ease of play.
Honestly, I think WotC should have maintained both lines as parallel games.
(real life friends came up with this not me) The Resident Nonexistant Antichrist Neanderthal Amish Werewolf Jesus Delusion.
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2 years ago ::
Jun 19, 2011 - 9:40AM
#3
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Date Joined:
Nov 30, 2005
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Dodge bonus to AC represents dodging. Shield bonus to AC represents blocking. Often times weapons can grant an insight bonus to AC. This represents an increased parrying skill. Dex bonus to AC represents dodging, and parrying both. Combat expertise represents an increased skill at parrying. Ranged attacks target AC. So they don't grant a reflex save. You will note spells that target AC often do not grant a save to get out of the way. A reflex save represents a mass area of damage that you are getting out of the way of. Spells like fireball use those. An AC attack represents a spell hitting you. The Orb of ___ line of spells use those.
5e comments and thoughts all in one place. Check it out to provide feedback, mock, or steal ideas.
http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/28835423/Krusks_5e_Design_Goals?sdb=1
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2 years ago ::
Jun 20, 2011 - 6:17PM
#4
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Date Joined:
Apr 24, 2008
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As the others have said.
You can look up some alternative rules for this however.
Check out Armor As Damage Reduction in Unearthed Arcana.
The only problem I ran into was that, I had to develop the mechanics for Dodging, Parrying and Shield Blocking myself.
I did this by making these abilities feats. Dodge gives the character an oportunity to roll a % die to negate the attack, Parrying and Shield Block are used as immediate action interupts to an attack.
Note that by doing this the combat round can take quite abit longer to resolve, and inexperienced players can quickly become confused about the initiative order.
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I don't have a perfect memory, thus I don't always recall the rules and mechanics perfectly. I also don't usually peruse the book before opening my "mouth", so cut me some slack if I'm little off every now and again.
When logic fails to be present, the rational must inject logic into the situation.
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Groveborn: Mesinock, I have been complimented on my ability to convey a message, but I think you are my superior. I haven't noticed you posting much, except when things get very convoluted, but when you do post, it's worth reading.
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