Maximum Dexterity Modifier

[Enig]

Heya!

Given that there are several ways to inadvertantly cap off a PC's maximum dexterity modifier (ie. carrywt and armour) I'd like to suggest that the MUD should indicate whenever dexterity bonuses are lost to these circumstances.

Something subtle and non-specific like turning the dexterity field red in score or adding a line like 'You feel like your current encumberance is slowing you down.' would be more than adequate.

Thanks

(Thanks for Faria giving me this copy of my own post after I accidentally deleted it because I stupidly hit edit instead of *reply* )

[Keltorn]

There's something that might need to be cleared up here.

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.

It is to my understanding that the maximum dexterity bonus only applies to your armor class. This means that, while your armor or load can greatly hinder your AC, all other aspects of dexterity are unaffected. Of course, my knowledge is from 3.5 D&D, not from FK, so I could be quite wrong.

For example's sake, let's say you have a character with a dexterity score of 20 (modifier of +5) that wears full plate armor (+8 to AC, max dex of +1, -6 armor check penalty). Your AC would be 19 (10 + 8 armor bonus + 1 dex bonus), lower than it would be if you could apply your full dexterity bonus. However, for other uses of dexterity, such as sneaking about, threading a needle, juggling, archery, etc., these would all still get the full +5 bonus from your high dexterity score.

Giving some kind of echo to indicate that your armor class has taken a hit could be handy, but it really shouldn't be affecting what it says on your score sheet.

[Selveem]

You're right, Keltorn; good example.

That -6 Armor Check Penalty you mention applies to certain skills (such as sneak). You'd definitely not get your full Dex bonus as it gets absorbed by the Armor Check Penalty and still applies a -1 modifier vs your current skill level.

[Enig]

Heya again.

I wasn't suggesting in my original post that the adjective be changed, if that's what you thought, only that the colour should be altered, and it was an off the cuff suggestion, at that. An echo when you type defence might be a better way to go.