It is actually in the fine prints of the SDR:
Quote:
COMBAT EXPERTISE [GENERAL]
Prerequisite: Int 13.
Benefit: When you use the attack action or the full attack action in melee, you can take a penalty of as much as –5 on your attack roll and add the same number (+5 or less) as a dodge bonus to your Armor Class. This number may not exceed your base attack bonus. The changes to attack rolls and Armor Class Last until your next action.
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So, does that mean you need a base bonus of +1 to get +1 of AC, regardless of to-hit penalties currently applying? The only purpose of this feat (at least for Stis) would be to buy time, as she may be the toughest character of the pack for now (if she focuses on defence). Running away seems to be a constant whenever we get into an adventure, so better get ready to retreat with skill and grace.