My AC is useless

[Mithril_Hand]

I've decided to stop trying to raise my AC because I can't get it high enough to matter.

I've started UMDing Blur and occasionally Stoneskin and I'm currently using a FullPlate of Giants. With Dusk Heart, my level 15 Paladin can get his HP up to 322 (no Minos unfortunately).

Any advice on what gear/items to get in order to increase my survivability? I have Vale and I almost have enough TP to buy GH. I'm not dying that often but I want to be ready for The Shroud and other raids once my level is high enough.

[DoctorWhofan]

I've decided to stop trying to raise my AC because I can't get it high enough to matter.

I've started UMDing Blur and occasionally Stoneskin and I'm currently using a FullPlate of Giants. With Dusk Heart, my level 15 Paladin can get his HP up to 322 (no Minos unfortunately).

Any advice on what gear/items to get in order to increase my survivability? I have Vale and I almost have enough TP to buy GH. I'm not dying that often but I want to be ready for The Shroud and other raids once my level is high enough.

Welcome to high levels.

Heavy fort. If you cannot get minos legen...go forthe nightforge gorget in the "Relic of the Soveriegn Past" quest (otherwise known as BAM or black anvil mines)

BE WARNED: the adam. ore in the quest can be griefed by party members (by taking it all and not sharing) so solo/duo it with someone you trust. A couple a times willl give you enough ore to get the necklace.

[Xeraphim]

Cure Serious Wounds wands go a long way to keeping you vertical. When things get heavy, you want to cycle Cure Serious Wounds Potions and Wands in a 1-2 chain.

Until you get into The Shroud, you can't really do more than use stoneskin and displacement.

[DoctorWhofan]

CON 6 item? Greater False life item? both would give you more HP. Also, a full array of wand can help, like curse removal and poison removal (if you don't have an item)

[DarkAlchemist]

I never could get my AC past about 46 unless heavily party buffed and at lvl 20 that is a joke.

So, I created a new char that at lvl 4 had 26 AC and so much stuff in the quests ate the char that I have given up on AC in DDO.

[DoctorWhofan]

I never could get my AC past about 46 unless heavily party buffed and at lvl 20 that is a joke.

So, I created a new char that at lvl 4 had 26 AC and so much stuff in the quests ate the char that I have given up on AC in DDO.

I wear heavy armour cuz it's pretty, or has some effect i need or want.

[Mithril_Hand]

@DoctorWhoFan
Thanks for the welcome :-)

Forgot to mention I have the gorget. I soloed it on casual for the ore a few levels ago.

I do have a +6 con item but the Dusk Heart is my only false life item at the moment. I carry two CSW wands, 50 CSW pots and a wand for poison, one for curses, one for paralysis, one for blindness (for some reason) and one for lesser restoration (I'll replace this with restoration).

But I guess I'm stuck with FullPlate of Giants for a while.


@Xeraphim
I'll buy some displacement scrolls/wands then. With greater heroism, command armor, prayer and an action boost I can get my UMD to 25. Wish I could get it higher though.

[DoctorWhofan]

@DoctorWhoFan
Thanks for the welcome :-)

Forgot to mention I have the gorget. I soloed it on casual for the ore a few levels ago.

I do have a +6 con item but the Dusk Heart is my only false life item at the moment. I carry two CSW wands, 50 CSW pots and a wand for poison, one for curses, one for paralysis, one for blindness (for some reason) and one for lesser restoration (I'll replace this with restoration).

But I guess I'm stuck with FullPlate of Giants for a while.


@Xeraphim
I'll buy some displacement scrolls/wands then. With greater heroism, command armor, prayer and an action boost I can get my UMD to 25. Wish I could get it higher though.


There is no restoration wand. If you have a UMD, get some restoration scrolls. My pally uses them for emergancy level drain remover. The wand is fine for the normal stuff.


http://my.ddo.com/character/thelanis/sousake/

Here is my semi-gimpy Pally.

[DarkAlchemist]

I wear heavy armour cuz it's pretty, or has some effect i need or want.
Well, I guess I could get a char with more that 46ac but then I would be a board and sword type and that isn't me. I am used to wearing cloth on most of my chars or light leather but nothing heavier in any game, including DnD, that I have played.

[DoctorWhofan]

Well, I guess I could get a char with more that 46ac but then I would be a board and sword type and that isn't me. I am used to wearing cloth on most of my chars or light leather but nothing heavier in any game, including DnD, that I have played.

To each their own. The skirts in DDO are ugly...except the Phoenix one.

[Quikster]

Paly should be able to use restore scrolls with caster lvl check only, no umd.

Getting good ac in this game is tough, but very possible.

[DoctorWhofan]

Paly should be able to use restore scrolls with caster lvl check only, no umd.

Getting good ac in this game is tough, but very possible.

Point...tired..late.

[Starshaper22]

Where are you having trouble surviving exactly? It could be you need a certain setup to conquer whatever it is you're having trouble in.

You probably need to get your AC high up there for it to matter, 60s, 70s and higher. I think an easier route would be to use Blur/Displacement wands (if they have those, not sure). Also there is the obvious Barbarian player answer, kill them before they can hurt you by doing more damage to them.

[Talon_Moonshadow]

it really does bother me that +5 Armor, Shield, and Protection item adds up to a completely meaningless AC past lvl 10. :(

I find that lvl 10+ a Fearsome Robe is better defense.

I've had some success with a Stalwart Defender while Shield blocking....at lvl 13. Granted I didn't build him as good as I could, but even at lvl 13 I see his DR being more important thatn his AC.

I understand the limitation of the system we have. And I don't think easily obtainable AC should mean much against raid bosses. But it would be nice if it meant something against his minions.

If we added a better armor crafting system, and added a shield crafting system....with options that increased our AC, it would go a long way toward helping the situation.

Seems sad that the easiest way to get higher AC right now is to add an Insight bonus to my weapons. :confused:

[Emili]

Cure Serious Wounds wands go a long way to keeping you vertical. When things get heavy, you want to cycle Cure Serious Wounds Potions and Wands in a 1-2 chain.

Until you get into The Shroud, you can't really do more than use stoneskin and displacement.
Pots are better ... quicker, although not cheaper you can react more reliably with a pot then with a wand... a wand take you out of a fight for longer period of time, is fine to heal others in times of trouble or just to top yourself when mob are not around but when running kiting or dodging the mob potions win.

Which brings me to another point. Plenty of good melee do not even bother with AC and still do not get hit very often. You know how? They move away when they see it comming. Only on some raid bosses are you required to stand then and take it.

[Noctus]

322 on a Paladin at 15th level is low.

* Get yourself the Toughness feat. And the corresponding enhancements.
* Greater False Live item
* +6 CON item
* (should have started with at least a base 14 CON, pre race - if apply able here)



Gianthold+ HP are the new AC.

[Zenako]

Keep in mind it is probably a 28 point build and it is hard to be to creative with stat allocations with only 28 points.

my paladin from way back is a 28 pointer, looks kinda like what the good Doctor posted

http://my.ddo.com/character/sarlona/rukio/

A little less STR, but more CHA which offsets it by the Divine Might boosts and which increases the save and LoH boons. This guy still has GS stuff to build if I ever get around to it. and a GR at some point.

[Chai]

Welcome to the displacement club. :D

[MrWizard]

heavy fort can be on many many items, not just a named one...tons on the auction house.

as a pally, you can go with the defender line of enhancements.

Understanding AC and how it stacks is 90% of the battle. Search for 'the definitive ac thread' on the forums to read up on it.

With a very few items and a couple buffs, your AC will matter...and you will be fine.

Check out paladin forums to see what little is really needed for a high ac...it will surprise you.

[Mithril_Hand]

Surprised I received this much advice! Thanks everyone!

@Starshaper
Actually, I'm not dying that often. I'll be doing The Shroud eventually and I'm trying to get my pally ready for it. I don't know how tough it is so I'm assuming the worst.

@Talon_Moonshadow
I considered fearsome once. My guild leader used to use one. It was annoying chasing after the enemies he feared so I decided not to buy one. My PuG will hate me :-)

@Emili
I occasionally forget to move away from the fight when fighting undead and evil outsiders. I love seeing the bonus damage from KotC. Trying not to repeat those mistakes.

@Noctus
I have the Toughness feat, Racial Toughness II, Paladin Toughness II, Improved False Life (looking for greater), Human Adaptability Constitution, a +6 con item and base 13 con (total 20 con). I have ALMOST enough TP to get GH once it goes on sale though. I'll keep grinding favor.

@Zenako
Currently using a build i found in Junts' thread but I used one ability raise on cha instead on str to make getting Divine Might IV easier.

@Chai
I don't use displacement too much. I prefer blur mainly for the duration. I'll use it for red named enemies and such.

@MrWizard
What AC is the absolute minimum needed for Vale and similarly leveled quests? I heard 55 but I'm curious if an AC in mid-30's or low-40's can be somewhat effective.

[r3dl4nce]

What AC is the absolute minimum needed for Vale and similarly leveled quests? I heard 55 but I'm curious if an AC in mid-30's or low-40's can be somewhat effective.

In Vale you need 55-60 AC. Lower than 50 it's nearly useless

[Mithril_Hand]

Thanks