If a monk uses superior defense does that get applied before they use a reaction to deflect the attack? Or do they use the deflect attack and any damage left is mitigated further by superior defense?
If a monk uses superior defense does that get applied before they use a reaction to deflect the attack? Or do they use the deflect attack and any damage left is mitigated further by superior defense?
Going by the order of operations in the damage section I would say that Deflect Attack comes first (because it is a bonus) and Superior Defense comes second (because it gives resistance).
Modifiers to damage are applied in the following order: adjustments such as bonuses, penalties, or multipliers are applied first; Resistance is applied second; and Vulnerability is applied third.
Also the Deflect Attacks feature says that you "reduce the attack’s total damage against you" which would also point towards it applying first.
If a monk uses superior defense does that get applied before they use a reaction to deflect the attack? Or do they use the deflect attack and any damage left is mitigated further by superior defense?
Going by the order of operations in the damage section I would say that Deflect Attack comes first (because it is a bonus) and Superior Defense comes second (because it gives resistance).
From the damage section
Also the Deflect Attacks feature says that you "reduce the attack’s total damage against you" which would also point towards it applying first.
Also, logically, Level 18: Superior Defense won't interact if Level 3: Deflect Attacks reduces the incoming damage to 0.