[RPG] Does the armor check penalty apply to Reflex saves

armorpathfinder-1esaving-throw

Does the armor check penalty apply to Reflex saves?

Nonproficient with Armor Worn: A character who wears armor and/or uses
a shield with which he is not proficient takes the armor's (and/or
shield's) armor check penalty on attack rolls as well as on all
Dexterity- and Strength-based ability and skill checks
. The penalty
for nonproficiency with armor stacks with the penalty for shields.

Are Reflex saves considers a dexterity-based ability?

Best Answer

Armor Check Penalty does not apply to Reflex Saves.

This one is a little difficult to prove, but the gist is that there are types of rolls you perform; certain effects and abilities call out which they pertain to. Unless otherwise stated, they do not cross-affect, even if it would make sense.

The primary types are

  • Ability Checks - Any roll based solely on an ability score and specific related bonuses (this included Initiative)
  • Skill Checks - Any roll based on a Skill that you could spend skill points on, which includes an Ability bonus but is not an Ability check
  • Saving Throws - Fortitude, Reflex, and Will
  • Attack rolls - any d20 roll to cause an offensive action to "hit" (including Combat Maneuvers)

And some secondary roll types include

  • Caster Level Check - A special roll that is a d20 and your CL for the spell/ability you are attempting to use (most often used to affect creatures with Spell Resistance or when casting Dispel Magic)
  • Concentration Check - A special roll that is a d20 with your CL and Casting ability, used for a variety of reasons during spellcasting (usually to cast Defensively or maintain a spellcast when being injured)