When something refers to an ability bonus instead of an ability modifier does that mean that you only add the modifier if the ability score is positive, or are “bonus” and “modifier” to be read as interchangeable?
Normally when you attack if you have a negative strength modifier you apply the negative strength modifier to damage. The flat-footed condition on the other hand specifically refers to a dexterity bonus instead of a dexterity modifier. I was wondering whether, if you had a negative dexterity modifier, your AC would get better when you're flat footed.
Best Answer
No
A Flat-Footed penalty will still apply.
According to Ability Scores:
With this in mind, when looking for an ability bonus, only use a positive modifier.
Example:
Looking at Flat-Footed AC with a Dex of 9
According to Armor Class
This specifically mentions bonus, not modifier. Since a Dex of 9 is a -1 modifier, or a -1 penalty, you would still apply this penalty to your armor class when surprised.
Based on this, we can use the following calculations to demonstrate:
Standard Combat:
While Surprised