How can I increase my AC?

[MGInfinitus]

My level 13 Halfling Monk has an AC of around 35-40, which I thought was pretty good, but then a friend of mine told me that at the same level her monk had an AC of over 70 (I'm not sure what race she was though). I asked around in my guild to see if it was possible and the oldbies told me it was, though they didn't tell me how to get it that high.

Is there some feat or outfit or enhancement or something I'm not aware of that boosts it by that much?

[Orratti]

Ac bracers 6 or higher+protection +5 item+ wis +6 item + dex +6 item is a good start. Should get you in the 50s. Defensive fighting will get you 2 or combat expertise will get you 5 if you have that feat. Shield wands or clickys give you 4. All these are easy to get and require no grinding just maybe a little plat spent in the ah. If you have all of these you're going to start looking for dodge, natural armor, and insight bonuses.

[NaturalHazard]

My level 13 Halfling Monk has an AC of around 35-40, which I thought was pretty good, but then a friend of mine told me that at the same level her monk had an AC of over 70 (I'm not sure what race she was though). I asked around in my guild to see if it was possible and the oldbies told me it was, though they didn't tell me how to get it that high.

Is there some feat or outfit or enhancement or something I'm not aware of that boosts it by that much?

what is your wisdom and str? any gear that boosts those helps your ac, so look for +6 to wisdom and dex items, also +6 ac bracers, and +4 or +5 protection items that should boost your ac, at the moment im thinking you would want to aim for over 50 thats useful in giant hold, and maybe up to 60 for the vale.

A lot of what gives your friend ac is gear, greensteel exceptional wisdom and dex, icy rainments, maybe even a chattering ring +3. Also what level is your guild? guild buffs can help ac but only last an hour.

[erikbozelie]

my clronk hitted 97(95+2) ac last night. and was without optimized gear.
120 ac is reachable.

id suggest you dig into my build here

[Kinerd]

An AC over 70 at level 13:

10 - base
4 - 18 starting dex
4 - 18 starting wis (please don't do either of these things)
1 - 2 levelups in either (or this)
2 - +2 tome to each
6 - +6 items to each
6 - armor
4 - shield
5 - deflection
3 - natural
4 - insight
1 - dodge feat
1 - twd feat
5 - ship buffs
1 - alchemical

subtotal = 57

1 halfling
5 dodge
5 combat expertise

total = 68

I think your friend was having a bit of fun with you or was claiming outside buffs (bard, paladin, halfling, ranger).

[Kinerd]

Left off +3 centered, so it is possible on a gimped build with handed down gear.

[RobinofSpiritwood]

1) Switch on Master of Wind stance--------------------------------- +1 or 2
2) Switch on Defensive Fighting--------------------------------------+2 (+5 for C.E.)
3) Check that you have on your +6 Dex and Wis items-----------------+6
4) Use +6 bracer, +5 Protection item(cloak/necklace/ring)--------------+11
5) Chug Barkskin potion ----------------------------------------------+3
Basic increase: -------------------------------------------------------+23 or 24 (26-27 with C.E.)
I like to stack these in order down a hotbar. Just switch through to set up for a defensive fight.

Your base + centered + feats + stat bonuses are passive. Unless the build neglects Dex/Wis you should be ok here. Everybody should have these basics covered if they are after AC. You should be able to do all this solo, as a pure build.
Shield clickies only last 1 minute- so they're strictly situational. Remember you can also get additional protection from a blur item like Dusk Heart, and you have Ninja Shadow Fade for incorporeality too.

[erikbozelie]

hmm,
is defensive fighting adding 3 to ac with 5 tumble ranks? or does it remains 2 in ddo?

[charmor]

I also want to reach high AC with my monk. Armor bonus, wind stance, +6 items, protection item.. all that is ok. Siren's Ward set from Red Fens also gives you +2 insight bonus, which is nice (yet it consumes two slots).

However, both shield and natural armor bonuses are usually temporary from potions/clickies. Is there an easy way to get permanent shield/natural ac bonus? Maybe another set? Maybe even from a hireling who casts Shield?