Question on 'max dex' on shields and armor.

[Ereshkigal]

I think I'm missing something here, and I'm looking for help.

using mithral tower shield and mithral full plate we get

Tower Shield Max Dex of 4
Armor Max Dex of 3

after taking all fighter and dwarven related ehancements we get

Tower shield max dex of 7
armor max dex of 9

if and when stalwart defender comes out and all those enhancements are taken we get

Tower shield max dex of 10
armor max dex of 11

So if I'm correct, then the max bonus to ac will be 10 if you're using a tower shield and 11 if you're using a regular shield.

So my questions(s).

first, is what i've typed above correct?

next, i've not made an AC tank, so can you tell me what is the benefit of using a tower shield vs. using a heavy shield, as it seems to cause an AC reduction of 1. I think i see where it has 1 additional point of Damage reduction.

Which is better for which situations?

thanks in advance.

[Laith]

so can you tell me what is the benefit of using a tower shield vs. using a heavy shield, as it seems to cause an AC reduction of 1. I think i see where it has 1 additional point of Damage reduction.

base AC
normal light shield: 1
normal heavy shield: 2
normal tower shield: 4

that makes your tower shield grant one more AC than your heavy, even with the max dex issue you've pointed out.

also, since blocking DR is based (in part) on the AC granted by the shield, it is higher with tower shields (by 2, if i recall).

not entirely sure either fact justifies spending 12 AP to wear one though...

[Ereshkigal]

ok so for non-dwarven characters that choose the stalwart defender line, the max dex will be limited by the plate mail at MAX DEX 8 ? ( losing the 3 dwarven armor mastery enhancements... ) In which case you would only need to take 1 of the fighter shield mastery enhancemnts ( unless they are pre-requisites for the Stalward defender? )

[joeuhuh]

yup to ur last also a tower shield ha s a-2 to hit penalty ut is 2 ac more also the hound tower shield ha sa realy high dr when locking which make s it nice twhen intimidating its liektwice as much dr when locking as compared to a reg shield

[esoitl]

One of the issues you'll likely find is that you'll never max it all out unless you serious gimp you character in regards to one of the other main stats.

A Fighter is a bit more lenient in that CHA plays little role besides your Intimidate score but you can get by with a lower one as it doesn't reflect as much with your character. However, if you plan on having HP, AC, and actually be able to hit things, you might find yourself somewhat lacking to take full advantage of that high a Max DEX score.

You're very right though, Tower Shields do limit your DEX score the most so basically if you plan on using one, invest in your armour bonus to match and save some AP. Also, take note of your actualy DEX modifier and again, invest as neccesary where neccesary.

Tower Shields will add the extra 1 due to their higher shield bonus and some do have a nice blocking DR or other effects in addition. With the -2 to hit penalty though they can be a bit of a burden at lower levels where your BAB and stats are lower giving smaller bonuses.

I play a Paladin with the intent on using Tower Shields but I found up to level 7 so far it's just not really worth it.
Which is better? That's a pretty hard arguement to resolve where the difference is generally 1 AC and that 1 AC may never even make a difference depending on what quest you're running.
I have characters that are happy running with and ones happy running without. I haven't gone into all the PrE's yet but I assume this opinion will not change and more depends on the character itself than the broad spectrum.

[BoBoDaClown]

Hey, thanks for the replies guys.

You've cleared it up nicely.

Cheers!

[negative]

Don't forget that DT armor can get you the same AC as MFP with 2 less MDB. You'll still gimp your character if you try to max the MDB on a dwarf, though with the right combination of gear and tomes...probably still gimped.