The Melee Build

[eonfreon]

I’ve read about the problems of S&B, TWF, THF in comparison with each other. And I’ve come to the conclusion that those that have stated that there is an imbalance between the three styles are right. I’ve also come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter.

I’m not saying that it’s entirely fair, especially to new people who may not understand the nuances of the Fighter class (it’s hard to believe that there are “nuances” but there are), or to older players who rolled up characters based on the game when the level cap was lower. But it is fair within the rules if one takes the time to truly interpret them.

The game developed and Feats and Abilities that were weak before have come into their own and conversely other Feats and Abilities have become weaker in comparison.

However, if in-game documentation was better and all were given the same information, then I contend that there is no Fighter that absolutely HAS to choose between “being” S&B, TWF, or THF. In essence a well-built Fighter is not a S&B, TWF, or THF Build, instead he is ALL THREE whenever he chooses depending on the situation.

A Fighter does not have to limit himself unless he chooses to for whatever reason. The real deciding factor for a Fighter is about whether he will be a Strength or Dexterity build.

From there he decides if he wants Combat Expertise therefore he needs a 13 Intelligence. Higher Constitution for more Hit Points. Higher Wisdom for better saves. Higher Charisma for Intimidate and UMD.

Example Strength or Dexterity Based Human Melee 32 Point Build Stats:
Str: 16
Dex: 17 (needed for ITWF and GTWF)
Con:10
Int: 13 (needed for CE)
Wis: 10
Cha: 8
Ending Relevant Stat:
Strength Based:
Str: 30 (16+4 level ups +3 Fighter Enhancements +1 Human Adaptability +6 Item)
Dex: 24 (17 + 1 Greater Human Adaptability + 6 Item) or 22 (17 + 5 Item) and use Greater Human Adaptability for Constitution instead for 10 Racial Toughness Hit Points
Or
Dexterity Based:
Dex: 28 (17 +4 level ups + 1 Human Adaptability +6 Item)
Strength: 24 (14 + 3 Fighter Enhancements +1 Human Greater Adaptability +6 Item) or 22 if use Greater Human Adaptability for Consitution as described above.

Strength Human Melee 28 Point Build Stats:
Str: 14
Dex:17
Con:10
Int: 13
Wis: 10
Cha: 8
Ending Relevant Stat:
Strength Based:
Str: 28 (14 +4 Level Ups +3 Fighter Enhancements +1 Human Adaptability +6 Item)
Dex or Con as Above
0r
Dexterity Based:
Dex: 28 (17 +4 Level Ups +1 Human Adaptability +6 Item)
Str or Con as Above

As you see the choice becomes about damage or armor class. Furthermore if a Fighter cares little for AC he can forego CE and does not need a 13 Intelligence, instead he can start with a 10 Intelligence and still have 3 Skill Points to keep Intimidate, Jump, and whatever other Skill up he wishes, and bump up Constitution to a 13 instead (which is particularly useful as it will put him at an even number if he takes Human Greater Adaptability Constitution and opens up the top tier of Racial Toughness Enhancement).

These are simplistic but accurate stats. It gets more in-depth as a person decides on Race and actual Class. Dexterity builds might be better off as Elves or Halflings. AC Builds might be better as Elves, Halflings or Dwarves (Elves and Halflings for Higher Dexterity, Halflings for additional Size Bonus, or Dwarves for Higher Armor Mastery Enhancements). Hit Point Builds might be better as Dwarves or Warforged for Higher Constitution and Higher Racial Toughness Enhancements. Strength and Skill Builds are generally better as Humans.

Classes will also play a part as a person chooses between Fighter, Ranger, Barbarian, or Paladin. Each has their own points to take into consideration, especially Paladins (although really it’s not inconceivable to create a 8 starting Cha Paladin, after all he’ll still be equal to a Fighter plus he’ll have spells and higher Saves; particularly if he has a slot for a +6 Cha item, a Human Paladin can have a 18 Cha (8 +3 Enhancements +1 Human Adaptability +6 Item), but he’ll have far less Feats and TWF will eat 3 of the precious few he has. A Paladin would be better served by changing the stats above.

TWF Builds do not inherently have higher AC. Dexterity Builds do. And the new Wis/Dex Tempest/Monk multi-class has the highest potential.

Now it can be argued that as the system progressed, certain styles which were dominant have become overshadowed by other styles, and those that built characters based on the game as it was, have been unable to adapt their old characters due to stat prerequisites.

This is true and points to the greatest weakness of the DDO system: the inability to respec ability scores. But it does not in and of itself mean that the rules are broken.

A truly smart and experienced player knows that at early and mid levels he is best served going S&B when AC matters, THF when DPS matters, and TWF very rarely. Then as the Player progresses in Level, and TWF truly comes into it’s own, he is better served to be primarily TWF and only switch to the other two “styles” as the situation warrants.

I have heard that S&B makes sacrifices to be S&B and should be compensated somehow. I would like to hear exactly what “sacrifices” he makes.

It costs no Feats to be S&B. Or THF for that matter, although he can increase his THF glancing blow damage with 3 Feats.

So what sacrifices did he make?

If he sacrifices versatility in the end-game for greater Strength or Constitution, then that is his choice. It is not an indication that the rules are broken.

Of course nothing precludes adding more Feats to change the playing field a bit as well.

I can see new Feats being added to create even greater diversity. This would be a good thing, especially as DDO has a respec system for Feats, that although it is expensive, is capable of allowing a player to change his character when new Feats are added.

I don’t think it is necessary to change the rules as they are, simply to add more within the framework already created. I am interested in hearing those that disagree and why.

I could go on and show how I would create a truly powerful Fighter who can hold his own with Tempest Rangers and what multiclass options I consider best and for what reasons, but I’m going to stop here, simply because I have neither the time, nor the inclination to do all that work.

My Builds are my personal choices and I have no desire to see them “copied” (not that I think they are incredibly unique, but let others find their own way, I myself have never bothered to check any of the build guides- I’ve enjoyed making my own mistakes and successes).

I post the above information because it seems elementary to me. As you see, the stats do not rely on any special items such as Tomes or Raid Loot, and can easily be created on a 28 Point Build.

[Lorien_the_First_One]

If you think you can effectively be S&B, TWF, and THF with the same build you don't understand how to build an effective char for any of these.

Lets start with feats, you can't afford both the TWF and THF chain (well maybe a pure figher could, but no one else) and without the chains you aren't as effective as either.

There are equipment differences - and you can't take the time or have the space to equip for all 3 build types on one char.

Yes, my TWF can put up a sword, but that doesn't make them a tank. And my THF can pick up 2 weapons, but suffer a penalty for it.

In some limited cases you are right, my TWF does go THF on Harry - 1 target, and a good two hander takes him down on DPS nicely. But without the splash damage hits and bonus to those hits I can't be effective in a crowd like a real THF and I couldn't afford the Power Attack Feat and assocated enhancements that really make a 2HF's DPS effective.

I could go on, but why bother, your premise is just wrong. You might as well argue that you can use exotic weapons without the feat or that your 8 str drow sorc can use a greatsword - because you can - but if you think you are effective that way you are missing the point.

[Blazer]

Lets start with feats, you can't afford both the TWF and THF chain (well maybe a pure figher could, but no one else) and without the chains you aren't as effective as either.

Mostly off topic, but a ranger could easily afford the THF chain since he is granted the TWF chain for free.

[DasLurch]

Mostly off topic, but a ranger could easily afford the THF chain since he is granted the TWF chain for free.

True, but then he can't be a Tempest without sacrificing Improved Crits..

[Lorien_the_First_One]

True, but then he can't be a Tempest without sacrificing Improved Crits..

Exactly... and also that limits it to just one class

[Inspire]

Exactly... and also that limits it to just one class

Mineral 2 Weapons? ... Keen, Impact... Etc.

[Lorien_the_First_One]

Mineral 2 Weapons?

What about them? That gives you keen on one weapon. But to do what the OP is suggesting is possible you will need 3 mineral 2s - more than most players can afford on one char (ie - two one handers and a two hander) and that still doesn't help you out with crits for puncturing weapons or other "on crit" weapons for which a TWF excels at.

[Blazer]

True, but then he can't be a Tempest without sacrificing Improved Crits..

Not really. Assume slashing spec on a 14 Ranger/2 Fighter:

1) Dodge
3) THF
4) Mobility (first Fighter level)
6) ITHF
8) Spring Attack (second Fighter level)
9) Imp Crit
12) Power Attack
15) GTHF

Yes, there is no toughness feat in this "build" and PA doesn't show up until later in the character's life. I'm not saying it's optimum, but since 14Ra/2F is such a popular split, it's entirely possible to have the full TWF and THF chain on a character.

[Angelus_dead]

If you think you can effectively be S&B, TWF, and THF with the same build you don't understand how to build an effective char for any of these.
No, a person certainly could do that, although maybe not for the reason you think.

You see, the fact is that in terms of qualifying to use a fighting style, only TWF really puts demands on your feats and build. A specialized THF or S&B guy is only a little better than a generic warrior who grabs that style weapons, but if an untrained person uses TWF he's far worse than the real practitioners.

For S&B, the specialist has blocking DR of 34 instead of 28, a +6 gain by his two feats. That's only a 20% improvement, and it's for blocking which hardly matters. As far as AC goes, the S&B specialist may or may not have as much AC as TWF guys.

Regarding THF, getting all three feats gives you about +10 damage over having no feats. That's enough to raise your damage per minute from maybe 5300 to 6100, or a 15% increase. (Untrained is 2/5 glances at 15 each, GTHF is 3/5 glances at 30 each)

But look at trained vs untrained TWF. Even if we completely ignore the fact that untrained has a -6 attack penalty, he's still making 7 swings in the time a specialist has 10. That's 28% less damage. Factor in the frequent whiffs from the attack penalty, and it's more like 35% less. In fact, the untrained TWF user might be only doing a little more than if he were S&B.

So in conclusion, dependig on your needs and remembering that TWF is the most powerful style and the others are hardly needed, one character can easily be good enough at all three, so long as he's primarily a TWF specialist who slums into weaker styles when required.

[Angelus_dead]

In some limited cases you are right, my TWF does go THF on Harry - 1 target, and a good two hander takes him down on DPS nicely. But without the splash damage hits and bonus to those hits I can't be effective in a crowd like a real THF and I couldn't afford the Power Attack Feat and assocated enhancements that really make a 2HF's DPS effective.
Three questions:
1. Why in the world would you switch away from TWF to fight Arraetrikos? Is it a severe shortage of weapons?
2. What feat is so important you can't have Power Attack?
3. [censored]

[eonfreon]

If you think you can effectively be S&B, TWF, and THF with the same build you don't understand how to build an effective char for any of these.

Lets start with feats, you can't afford both the TWF and THF chain (well maybe a pure figher could, but no one else) and without the chains you aren't as effective as either.

There are equipment differences - and you can't take the time or have the space to equip for all 3 build types on one char.

Yes, my TWF can put up a sword, but that doesn't make them a tank. And my THF can pick up 2 weapons, but suffer a penalty for it.

In some limited cases you are right, my TWF does go THF on Harry - 1 target, and a good two hander takes him down on DPS nicely. But without the splash damage hits and bonus to those hits I can't be effective in a crowd like a real THF and I couldn't afford the Power Attack Feat and assocated enhancements that really make a 2HF's DPS effective.

I could go on, but why bother, your premise is just wrong. You might as well argue that you can use exotic weapons without the feat or that your 8 str drow sorc can use a greatsword - because you can - but if you think you are effective that way you are missing the point.

Well thanks for your reply. Although I wouldn't quite put it as A_D, he is quite right in that neither S&B or THF require all those Feats to be effective, they are just not as effective.
Since you did sort of challenge me I will build what you "requested" and do it better. I'll include wand healing and Evasion at the cost of 1 BAB and no Feats.

Human 32 Point Build 13 Fighter/2 Monk/ 1 Ranger
Feats:
Level 1 Ranger: Exotic Weapon Khopesh, Dodge, Wand Healing
Level 2 Fighter: Two Handed Fighting, Heavy Armor Proficiency
Level 3 Monk: CE, PA
Level 4 Monk: Toughness, +1 to Strength, Evasion
Level 5 Fighter: Two Weapon Fighting
Level 6 Fighter: Two Weapon Defense
Level 7 Fighter: Improved Two Handed Fighting ( BAB 6 Required and 17 Strength)
Level 8 Fighter: None, +1 to Strength
Level 9 Fighter: Improved Two Weapon Fighting, Improved Crit: Slashing
Level 10 Fighter: None
Level 11: Fighter Improved Crit: Piercing
Level 12: Greater Two Weapon Fighting, +1 to Strength
Level 13: Greater Two Handed Fighting
Level 14: None
Level 15: Two Feats- Whatever you want- which could be Shield Mastery and Improved Shield Mastery
Level 16: None, +1 to Strength

For a 28 Point Build it's a bit "tougher" but doable:
Feats:
Level 1 Ranger: Exotic Weapon Khopesh, Dodge
Level 2 Fighter: Two Weapon Fighting, Heavy Armor Proficiency
Level 3 Monk: CE, PA
Level 4 Monk: Toughness, +1 to Strength
Level 5 Fighter: Two Handed Fighting
Level 6 Fighter: Two Weapon Defense
Level 7 Fighter: Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Level 8 Fighter: None, +1 to Strength
Level 9 Fighter: Improved Crit: Slashing and Piercing
Level 10 Fighter: None
Level 11 Fighter: Whatever you want- perhaps Shield Mastery
Level 12 Fighter: Greater Two Weapon Fighting, +1 to Strength
Level 13 Fighter: Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Level 14 Fighter: None
Level 15 Fighter: Greater Two Handed Fighting, and Whatever you want- Perhaps Improved Shield Mastery
Level 16 Fighter: +1 to Strength

If you went Rogue (presumably to max out UMD or perhaps to Pick Locks- although having both would sacrifice your Intimidate and Jump and other Skills) then subtract 1 Feat.

Having both Improved Crits Slashing and Piercing may be going a bit overboard depending on your exact weapon choice and race, but I like both very much.

Subtract 1 more Feat if you are not Human.
So true, it is Tough to be generalized, but hardly impossible.
I certainly do know how to create builds.
Personally I wouldn't create it just like this, nor in this order- these are just hard fast ideas to refute your statement, but they do work.

Yes, this work best for a Fighter Build and Multiclassed for the extra Perks. But it also works for the aforementioned Ranger/Fighter mix, although I wouldn't go that far personally. I was just giving the stats that would allow one to create what is considered the "best" fighting "style". The rest is up to the individual and that's what is great about the game.
Yes, Barbarians and Paladins have far less Feats and must consider all the pros and cons about TWF or THF. Ranger's get TWF for "free" so they can spend the rest of their Feats how they wish to specialize their class.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend going so far as to aquire both Fighting Chains, but then that's hardly necessary.
I would recommend acquiring the TWF Fighting Chain to it's maximimum and then deciding what you want.
If I really wanted to go crazy I could have all three styles maxxed on a Human Fighter or Fighter/Monk/Ranger hybrid.
I certainly don't find Shield mastery needed but it is possible. Nor all three tiers of THF, but again it's doable.
Of course a really "rich" Player could take his Dragon Shards and Plat and adjust his Feats as desired to maximize his Feats.

Edited:typos

[Lorien_the_First_One]

So once again, very specialized builds to make it happen and you admit they wouldn't be as powerful as their single specialized counterparts. Let's see you do even that much again that with a barbarian or a rogue.

[Angelus_dead]

So once again, very specialized builds to make it happen and you admit they wouldn't be as powerful as their single specialized counterparts. Let's see you do even that much again that with a barbarian or a rogue.
Wrong, as already explained in great detail.

You want a build that can do all three?
Ranger 16.

[eonfreon]

So once again, very specialized builds to make it happen and you admit they wouldn't be as powerful as their single specialized counterparts. Let's see you do even that much again that with a barbarian or a rogue.

Yes, you're right, my OP was not very well-stated.
I was talking about Fighters primarily, forgive me.
When I inlcluded the other melee classes I meant that that's when you start to "trim" away the Feats to your Build.
However, since this can apply to any pure Fighter and many Hybrid Fighters, I hardly consider it a "specialized" build.
I was just putting out the stats for a possible TWF, THF, S&B character, not the end-all be-all of melee builds.
This build is more of a "generalized" build then a "specialized" build.
A "specialized" build would pick more of one style and optimize that.
Only one pure class (not including hybrid mixes that can also achieve the required Feats) has the versatility to truly max out all three builds, in the general sense, and only one race really. That's the point. Fighter's have the benefit of all these Feats, the rest of the melee's don't (except for maybe Rangers because they "cheat"- they "only" get 6 or 7 Feats, but they are automatically granted far more and get to forego the prerequisites for TWF).
And if you look at the build it's only "underpowered" depending on what you're trying to achieve. If you prefer some Weapon Focus and Specialization that's still quite possible- just figure out what you would give up instead.
You want Cleave, Greater Cleave? OK- figure what you don't want instead. The same holds true for Stunning Blow, Improved Trip, etc.
But the stats still apply and the reasoning as well. However, if you don't want the TWF chain, then forget that Dex, don't worry about AC, optimize Con and Str, and then why worry about CE, drop that Int too.
Personally, since my first melee class was a Ranger, my thinking has always been that way.
There is no argument that Rangers and Barbarians are the strongest melees, for different reasons.
However, I was pointing out that Fighters have their strengths as well. Heck, even Paladins do too, but that's a topic I'll not touch on, because I love my capped multi-class TWF Paladin who can equal most Rangers and Barbarians, and I have no intention of laying out his build. The folks who group up with DarkRuin certainly can attest to "his" abilities.
And I'm sorry, but I wasn't talking about Rogues, at least not pure Rogues.
I'm sure I can figure out a Rogue Hybrid who can be a decent Trapsmith and TWF/THF hybrid, but I'm not going to fire up the character builder right now, but I will point to the fact that while TWF requires heavy Feat investment, S&B and THF DO NOT.

Edit: More Types- sorry it's very late

[sephiroth1084]

Not to mention the DRAMATIC differences in required equipment, even beyond weapons.

A S&B, to be effective (with AC), needs stuff like the Chattering Ring, +4 AC shroud weapon, Chaosgarde, and the Combat Expertise feat, while a THF has no use for any of those, and the type of TWF that would be able to switch for all 3 of these would likely not have any use for them either. So, switching styles would entail, not just swapping weapon sets, but also your wrist and ring slot, and probably your +Dex item as well.

And if you are talking about using a shield just for the blocking DR, then you aren't talking about a S&B guy, you are talking about someone in a tough situation trying to stay alive...very different.

[eonfreon]

No, I am definitely not talking about Shield Blocking.
That's just an easier possiblity for S&B, it is not S&B. That's why I barely mentioned SM and ISM- merely as something you can get if you want.
This is what I'm talking about and I still stand behind:
"A truly smart and experienced player knows that at early and mid levels he is best served going S&B when AC matters, THF when DPS matters, and TWF very rarely. Then as the Player progresses in Level, and TWF truly comes into it’s own, he is better served to be primarily TWF and only switch to the other two “styles” as the situation warrants."

[Angelus_dead]

And I'm sorry, but I wasn't talking about Rogues, at least not pure Rogues.
I'm sure I can figure out a Rogue Hybrid who can be a decent Trapsmith and TWF/THF hybrid, but I'm not going to fire up the character builder right now
Actually it's easy. There's only 2 steps
1. Have a high strength. Obvious, a THF weapon can hardly ever be finesse.
2. Get Acrobat2 enhancement. This gives you 20% more quarterstaff speed, which means more sneak attacks while THFing, which is the best way for a rogue to get DPS.

In addition, acro2 is great for the whole Kip-Up thing. (You're welcome)

[eonfreon]

Not to mention the DRAMATIC differences in required equipment, even beyond weapons.

A S&B, to be effective (with AC), needs stuff like the Chattering Ring, +4 AC shroud weapon, Chaosgarde, and the Combat Expertise feat, while a THF has no use for any of those, and the type of TWF that would be able to switch for all 3 of these would likely not have any use for them either. So, switching styles would entail, not just swapping weapon sets, but also your wrist and ring slot, and probably your +Dex item as well.

And if you are talking about using a shield just for the blocking DR, then you aren't talking about a S&B guy, you are talking about someone in a tough situation trying to stay alive...very different.

Well my Strength Build Dwarven TWF Ranger/Fighter has a +6 Wis Ring I could easily swap for the Chattering Ring (which I don't have) after I use my spell points on buffs. My +6 Dex Ring stays firmly on my other finger.c
I have the Chaos Guards and Levik's Bracers (the +6 puts me at 29, so it's no better than my +5 Str, OL +3 Gloves) which I can easily switch between should I desire.
And if I was shield blocking (which I'm often called upon to do in Hound and Reaver's) I certainly would grab a +4 AC Shroud Weapon (which I don't have- I don't have any Shroud Weapons although I'm sure I could build pretty much anything I wanted to now, I have many ingredients in the bank, just no desire at the moment to figure out what I could or should build).
However, when I am worried about about AC (whether S&B or not) I do grab my +3 Curse Spewing Byeshk Rapier of parrying.
And yep I have CE on him, plus PA.

[eonfreon]

Actually it's easy. There's only 2 steps
1. Have a high strength. Obvious, a THF weapon can hardly ever be finesse.
2. Get Acrobat2 enhancement. This gives you 20% more quarterstaff speed, which means more sneak attacks while THFing, which is the best way for a rogue to get DPS.

In addition, acro2 is great for the whole Kip-Up thing. (You're welcome)

LOL.
Thanks.
Rogues were my first builds, long before the Way Of enhancements and before I discovered the Drow Ranger/Rogue.
Like I said, I'm sure I could figure it out, but thanks for doing it for me.

[sephiroth1084]

Well my Strength Build Dwarven TWF Ranger/Fighter has a +6 Wis Ring I could easily swap for the Chattering Ring (which I don't have) after I use my spell points on buffs. My +6 Dex Ring stays firmly on my other finger.c
I have the Chaos Guards and Levik's Bracers (the +6 puts me at 29, so it's no better than my +5 Str, OL +3 Gloves) which I can easily switch between should I desire.
And if I was shield blocking (which I'm often called upon to do in Hound and Reaver's) I certainly would grab a +4 AC Shroud Weapon (which I don't have- I don't have any Shroud Weapons although I'm sure I could build pretty much anything I wanted to now, I have many ingredients in the bank, just no desire at the moment to figure out what I could or should build).
However, when I am worried about about AC (whether S&B or not) I do grab my +3 Curse Spewing Byeshk Rapier of parrying.
And yep I have CE on him, plus PA.

Okay, and what would your AC be with all of that stuff?

And do you ever bother swinging a greataxe? I'm going to guess 'no' on this one. since the +5 Dex (bonus to reflex saves), Chaosgarde and Chattering Ring are beasically useless for a THF. You get comparable DPS with TWF, so there is no need to switch there (maybe better even, as a ranger).

[baddax]

I think alot of this discussion boils down to fighting styles. Both 2weapon and two handed fighting styles are basicly offensive minded styles. Basicly kill before being killed, or I cant take damage if mobs are dead.

So having said that S&B is primarily a counter punching type of style. ie. wait for mobs to swing then 1 swing swing swing, and wait for mobs to swing, rinse and repeat. The question is, Is S&B effective as a fighting style?". I would say yes, But it needs improvement just like two handed and twoweapon fighting (without the added feats) do. Add some feats maybe a counter strike a passive dr or something similar. There is alot of negatives whan a character decides to pick up a shield, and not many positives. I think it wouldnt hurt to have a few more postives, for the price of a few feats of course.

[eonfreon]

Okay, and what would your AC be with all of that stuff?

And do you ever bother swinging a greataxe? I'm going to guess 'no' on this one. since the +5 Dex (bonus to reflex saves), Chaosgarde and Chattering Ring are beasically useless for a THF. You get comparable DPS with TWF, so there is no need to switch there (maybe better even, as a ranger).

Yes, I do, but it's incredibly situational. I used it more before at low levels for dps, because I had some nice GreatAxes and the +10 with PA was great. Remember, until 6th level one doesn't have ITWF or Tempest (and in my case it wasn't until 7th level because I took 1 level of Fighter for Intimidate and Heavy Armor proficiency), so TWF wasn't that great for dps at that level. One also doesn't get GTWF until at least 11th level as any full melee class (11 BAB required- so if one splashes 1 or 2 levels of Rogue or Monk before 11th then one actually has to wait until 12th Level).
At the moment I have a very nice Great Axe of Greater Construct Bane which I use with Power Attack on the Portals of the Shroud. If I had a two one-handed weapons of Greater Construct Bane I'd use those of course, or maybe even if I only had one and some decent Holy weapon I suppose, don't really know- I'd have to crunch the numbers and I'll let someone else do it if they're interested- when it comes to hard numbers I mostly go on simple observation.

As far as AC goes I have 56 self buffed (due to the Tempest while using shield bug) if I use the ChaosGuards- so 59 if I had the Chattering Ring.
10 base
10 MBP of Destruction
7 Dex DAM II and FAM
1 Dodge Feat
2 Tempest
5 Deflection
5 CE
5 BarkSkin Spell
1 Armor Ritual
7 Shield
1 Shield Ritual
2 Chaos Guards
1 Haste Pot
1 Insight/Parrying Weapon
---
58
3 Chattering Ring
---
61

Edit: Forgot the Dodge Feat and a Parrying Weapon