A better AC

[msdesign]

So there was I with my 402 HP and 40 AC (no shield, I use greatswords) human female paladin. I know there are better values for a lvl 16 pali, but this is my toon, and I must say I DO use action points in toughness feats, str, wis and cha improvements, and I'm always looking for good armors and greatswords. I would say I am not entirely noob, having in mind however, that there are many players who like to take their toons where I simply cannot. Mostly because I don't have the adventure packs often related to good items out there. I have a few items from normal drops, some with natural armor bonuses, others with dodge bonuses, so I'm assuming I can't improve my AC much more (I use to search AH often for better versions of these items, FYI).

Still, I have done some quests 1 or 2 levels higher than my own level (including Servants of the Overlord and Delirium, and others). My toon dies, other veteran and TR's die too, but we manage to get to the end. Sometimes my toon doesn't die at all. Luck, good heals, other tanks and melee to get aggro for me? I don't know.

Ok, so there was I with this pali in Acid Wit. I have done that quest before on this toon and it would be just one more 5,000 xp run. I like to play for fun, of course having better items and a few basics on character abilities, but thats all for me. I don't grind, I don't farm, either for items, ingredients, whatsoever. I play for fun mostly.

What happens then, you ask? My toon died on the first few earth elementals. After my 2nd death, people start asking about my AC, and if I had a ranged weapon... I was guessing the outcome of this, but I tried to be cordial. I answered them with "40", and then I said "I have done this quest before and with no problems dying" (maybe it could be some update bug? Maybe not, but we know things with Turbine's updates and patches). Then the fav soul, party leader, started ranting about "Are you saying its my fault?". Of course I didnt tell him that, actually I was in a peacefull mood, trying not to argue with a single person. Still, I end up leaving that party because they were not in a so peacefull mod to me.

I ask: why are people such nerds?

Problem is, most people may say my AC is bad, my HP are bad, etc., but they DO NOT give me a solution for that. If they are such good players, they should know how to help others. Plus, I didnt said anything whatsoever about the healer abilities. Yet, he assumed my comment was about him. At a time, he even told me "drop the party and never speak to me again".

Things like these tend to ruin a day. Anyway, I like my toon as she is. In all her 16 levels, this was the 1st time somebody made me quit a party in the middle of a dungeon.

I use this topic to ask then, is there any other different ways of improving AC?

I have a dogde bonus ring with natural armor bonus too, I have in average a full or half plate with armor bonus of 20 ~ 22 (with U14 new armors; before that, my AC was even lower). I don't use shield because I'm a greatsword user, so what more can I do to raise the AC?

Thank you.

[Ralmeth]

Hey there! Sorry to hear about your experience That's really too bad that some people get bent out of shape over what is...a game. You are better off without them.

As for improving your character, here's a few ideas in case you haven't tried these already:
-Armor: In the recent update Turbine has made armor the #1 best piece of AC and PRR to look for. So as you've been doing, keep looking on the AH for something better. A couple of pieces of named armors to look for at your level is dragontouched plate if you have the Reaver's Refuge pack, or Templar's Bastion from the Spinner of Shadows quest. Don't spend too much time looking for these because as you get to higher levels you'll find better armor. Once you get to 20th, the purple knight armor in the new expansion is awesome!

-Natural Armor: I'm seeing some necklaces out there on the AH that are granting good natural armor bonuses (ex. +6). I picked up a natural armor +6 necklace very inexpensively not too long ago.

-Protection: Find yourself a +5 protection item, if you don't have one already. Probably the easiest place to slot this is a cloak, though you might find a ring. If you have the Meridia pack, consider working towards a mineral II item that will give you +45 hit points, heavy fort, +5 protection and stoneskin clickies. This will be helpful to adding to your survivability.

-Bracers: If you have the house Cannith pack, try to get yourself a set of level 16 bracers of the wind from one of the challenges. This will give you your probably one dodge item you'll want to wear, plus a permenant blur (i.e. a permenant 20% miss chance). If you don't have the house C pack, you can go for chaosguard from Xorian Cipher (look on the AH for these if you don't want to farm for these), or the Tharaak Bracelet from the Harbinger series in the harber (if you have that).

-Insight: You could also look for an insight item. These are harder to come by
but a few places to look are: Third tier on dragontouched armor (this will be tricky to find), cloak of flames from house C challenge (if you have it).

-Defensive Fighting Feat: This is a free feat that will increase your AC. You won't be able to use power attack while this is on, but it will increase your AC if the situation warrants.

I do have another suggestion to consider...I play a Paladin Defender of Siberys tank and have done so for a long time. What I found works the best in DDO is to increase or decrease your DPS vs defense based on the situation. Sometimes I will be using a two handed weapon if I need max DPS instead of using a shield. Even though I prefer fighting sword and board, in order to be the most affective I will drop the shield and use a falchion, maul, etc. So it may be a good idea for you to carry a few single handed weapons and a shield. That way in a situation where you are taking a lot of damage you can pull out the shield and be able to contribute. I know you want to use a greatsword at all times, but I recommend to be flexible on this point if the situation warrants it.

I hope that helps
Ralmeth

[msdesign]

Thank you for the tips and named loot. I'll search for them, altough I think I already have chaosguard on my pali. I need to check that.

What makes me wonder is my AC value itself. I mean, is it really that bad? Considering I'm a f2p player, first life on this toon? I only have Reavers Reach, Vale of Twilight, Red Fens and Sorrowdusk Isle. I'm gathering some TPs for another pack when I have the chance to get one.

I must say that healer's performance could be a bit better, there was a time during one of those fights I noticed my HP were droping, got half of my total, and I had a few seconds to think if was he going to heal me up or did I had to do that myself while swing swing swing and slash the big elemental?

However, I said nothing to him about that matter. People are just goofing around, this is all a game. And altough nobody needs to babysit nobody, we do need teamplay and a bit of comprehension.

[Osharan_Tregarth]

Thank you for the tips and named loot. I'll search for them, altough I think I already have chaosguard on my pali. I need to check that.

What makes me wonder is my AC value itself. I mean, is it really that bad? Considering I'm a f2p player, first life on this toon? I only have Reavers Reach, Vale of Twilight, Red Fens and Sorrowdusk Isle. I'm gathering some TPs for another pack when I have the chance to get one.

I must say that healer's performance could be a bit better, there was a time during one of those fights I noticed my HP were droping, got half of my total, and I had a few seconds to think if was he going to heal me up or did I had to do that myself while swing swing swing and slash the big elemental?

However, I said nothing to him about that matter. People are just goofing around, this is all a game. And altough nobody needs to babysit nobody, we do need teamplay and a bit of comprehension.

Currently, the ac numbers that people need are in a transition state. It's really hard right now to evaluate exactly how things are going to work out.

Have you picked up a Paladin PRC? Right now, the defender line is probably the easiest one for leveling, followed by the Hunter of the Undead.

It looks like you're doubling up on cha items right now.. Katra's wit and a +5 cha cloak. They don't stack, so that would be a relatively easy source of another 5-6 points of ac if you swapped that cloak out for a protection +5/6 cloak. I'm not sure how available those are on the auction house, but I'd imagine a +5 would be pretty easy to come by at this point in the game.

Also keep in mind that the max dodge bonus is going to be capped by whatever your max dex bonus is. If you are wearing full plate, you're probably only getting 1% dodge if you don't have any other enhancements/feats to stretch that out, even if you are wearing items that give you a higher dodge bonus.

[msdesign]

I know they don't stack. Actually when I got Katra's items kit I forgot that I was wearing a CHA cloak... I'll try to search some more adequate cloak, ty.

My current prestige is Knight of the Chalice, and I do like the bonuses vs outsiders, as I often play a more offensive role, rather than a defensive one.

[Ralmeth]

Thank you for the tips and named loot. I'll search for them, altough I think I already have chaosguard on my pali. I need to check that.

What makes me wonder is my AC value itself. I mean, is it really that bad? Considering I'm a f2p player, first life on this toon? I only have Reavers Reach, Vale of Twilight, Red Fens and Sorrowdusk Isle. I'm gathering some TPs for another pack when I have the chance to get one.

I must say that healer's performance could be a bit better, there was a time during one of those fights I noticed my HP were droping, got half of my total, and I had a few seconds to think if was he going to heal me up or did I had to do that myself while swing swing swing and slash the big elemental?

However, I said nothing to him about that matter. People are just goofing around, this is all a game. And altough nobody needs to babysit nobody, we do need teamplay and a bit of comprehension.

Everyone is figuring out what AC, PRR and dodge values work well. Pretty much get as much as you can reasonably fit. As a Paladin, you should also strive for self-sufficiency. Obviously Lay on Hands are for emergencies but take as many extra LoH enhancements as you can, as well as much healing amp as you can afford. Also use cure serious wands to heal yourself up out of combat / as you're running to the next fight. Once you get to 20th level if you get the expansion and get access to epic destinies, you will be able to take more LoH and even an ability to have these start to regenerate over time. At some point if you get the Necro I, II and III packs you can work towards getting silver flame pots, which are helpful in a pinch. Then in the new update you can also get special villager potions that you can use every once in a while that will heal you up.

As for the healer not healing you, don't feel bad. The last time I ran acid wit, I did not receive a single heal from the healer, but thankfully as I was a Paladin I was able to keep myself healed up

[msdesign]

Lucky for me, this is one of my most self-sufficient toons. I have Cure Serious Wounds, Raise Dead ability (ok not for me but very usefull for the party), elemental Resists, DW, Restoration, and a few bunch more. Before we went on the fight proper, I know I buffed myself with Acid Resist (I had a few buffs and resists from my level 62 guild's ship) and two more players around me with Bless and Protection from Evil... Plus, that spell that gives temporary +20 HP (can't remember the name).

You read it well, I only buffed half the party. Guess what? Party leader went in first than all the others and did not wait. I buffed me and two more people, if not mistaken in the numbers. I almost died in the fight right after the first bats, because we were only 3 people in there. Then the others started to enter as well while I got myself healed (don't remember nobody healing me either).

I will play again with my pali tomorrow and do that quest again, lets hope it goes better.

I do remember someone in the group write in the party chat that I was level 16 and quest was level 17. I guess I can't play quests 1 level higher than me then...

[noinfo]

Thank you for the tips and named loot. I'll search for them, altough I think I already have chaosguard on my pali. I need to check that.

What makes me wonder is my AC value itself. I mean, is it really that bad? Considering I'm a f2p player, first life on this toon? I only have Reavers Reach, Vale of Twilight, Red Fens and Sorrowdusk Isle. I'm gathering some TPs for another pack when I have the chance to get one.

I must say that healer's performance could be a bit better, there was a time during one of those fights I noticed my HP were droping, got half of my total, and I had a few seconds to think if was he going to heal me up or did I had to do that myself while swing swing swing and slash the big elemental?

However, I said nothing to him about that matter. People are just goofing around, this is all a game. And altough nobody needs to babysit nobody, we do need teamplay and a bit of comprehension.

Prior to the xpac your AC at 40 was worthless at your level with the xpac you would be seeing some benefit from it but I am not sure how much mouse over the AC on your character sheet and it will give you a % defense.

And yes it is not the divines job to babysit either. Listen to the suggestions given and don't underestimate the ability to actually have a decent shield in some cases and go S/B till things are under control.

[Shishizaru]

I suppose it's worth noting that you could also look into sources of Damage Reduction (DR). Even something as simple as an Adamantine Full Plate can get you DR 3/- , which can help with survivability.

Also, if you meet the pre-reqs for Defender of Siberys, I would definitely try it out (resetting enhancements only costs plat, so as long as you're not broke, you can play around with them). DoS stance gives a lot of nice things, including extra HP, extra AC and extra PRR. You do lose out on a hefty chunk of damage vs evil outsiders, but you gain a tad bit of damage (via extra STR in stance) against all targets. At the very least, it might help you survive content until you have the gear to switch back to a more dps centric approach.

[Enoach]

Ok, others have given great gearing advice.

I'm going to add some tactical advice.

Generally low AC low dodge and low PRR, TWF and THF players can avoid taking lots of damage by not being first into the fray, but instead doing the large damage on the flank. This can be done by following the Heavy AC Tankish one, or cleaning up the CC'd mobs or nearly wasted from the big "BOOM" of a caster. Obviously watch the type of CC being used as Hypno type CC needs to be left alone until the moving mobs are cleaned up.

Next think tactical feats - Trip still works even if you don't invest heavy, just need to learn which it works best on. Using a feat for Stun/SAP during leveling (switch out later if needed) can also help to avoid lots of incoming damage.

Other advice: Just because one person runs in, does not mean you have to. If you don't feel ready, or feel that it would b suicide to follow than wait and get yourself to the point where you are ready.

Also reading your first point, I doubt AC was really the issue it just became the focus because they probably expected it to be higher. I'm sure the real issue is the deaths. So I would also spend time focusing on what you could do to survive longer to survive the whole quest. AC, dodge and PRR are only parts of that equation.

[captain1z]

Only read your post and not the replies so far. So initial input would be to ask if you have a heavy fortification item?

Average AC post update run like 50 (no shield) and around 70 (with shield)

Breakdown for no shield

Base 10
Armor 21
Protection 5
Natural 3 (bark pot)
Dex 3 (half plate or armor mastery ap or item) 16 dex is not impossible even if u start at 8
Insight 2 (parry item, not entirely needed)
Alchemical 1
Shield clicky 4
Haste 1
Misc 5 ( a paly aura or defenders stance)
--------------------
Total 55

This is grossly underestimated, with tweeking or better gear 70 is possible and again.........add 10 for a shield.

[captain1z]

Ok, I just took a look at Lillyann.

Doesnt look like you are wearing +6 stat items, at least not strength or dex, maybe not con.
We gotta get u some of those and a heavy fort item.
Also you should check how strong your pali auras are, you could be over Ac 50 in about 5 mins.

Im on your server, detail out what you have and I can upgrade you from some of my overflow twink gear.
Maybe we can even get you a guest pass to necropolis 2 and do some tapestry runs. Have you a minos legens helm in about 1hr.

It has heavy fort and +20hp.

I have a 3 day weekend so it up to you.

[msdesign]

I think my pali currently has at least, a +4 con. If I got a +6 con for her and I'm not using it now, it surely was for the level restrictions for that item. I'll check in my bank if I have something in stock. And a +20 or +30 HP in a belt, can't say for sure right now. Plus the Toughness feats.

I'll also check on AH for improved items to replace some of the ones I already have.

Meanwhile, a friend threw me a pass the other day for the Orchard, so I could get Minos Legends. I did it with 2 of my other toons, and I feel it would be a bit too much to ask him again to do the same for me.

If you have time and don't mind spending those TP on a pass, I'll gladly accept your help. Send me a tell when you see me online. I will try to keep mostly on my pali today to work on these *problems*.

Edit: I've checked her inventory, and surprise for me! I already have a +6 con necklace. The belt has a bonus of +30 HP, Greater False Life. Now I've got on AH a new fancy +5 Protection Cloak. Add a +2 Deflection Ring. And Chaosguard now is a bit obsolete. I place that on wrists but has no change in AC values whatsoever, after getting this +5 Protection Cloak. Just need a Fort Item now.

[Lord_WC]

Just need a Fort Item now.

In your place I would do a quick run in the Relic of a Sovereign Past to get the Nightforge Gorget. That's probably the easiest way to aquire heavy fort for a f2p. Or buy a guest pass for orchard from someone.

[msdesign]

In your place I would do a quick run in the Relic of a Sovereign Past to get the Nightforge Gorget. That's probably the easiest way to aquire heavy fort for a f2p. Or buy a guest pass for orchard from someone.

I have that on my inventory, but it would replace the +6 con necklace

[captain1z]

I have that on my inventory, but it would replace the +6 con necklace

good stuff, you made some improvements on your own.
I have a hvy fort ring, striding 25% of shield boots and I think some +6 gloves. gotta walk the dog now but will pop in game for a min to deliver.

you were 39
+5 protect (they do not stack)
+4 shield spell
--------------
now 48

add +1 Do the alchemical ritual on your armor (look it up on wiki)
add +4 pick up a PrE maybe defender (its boosts both str, con and ac. Honesty a bit better than KotC)

AC could be 52 and you have hvy fort now so u take less damage from crits. We have only just started.

[msdesign]

More news: I got a +22 armor with Heavy Fort. Currently she has 41 AC without buffs. I algo got upgrade II for Paladin aura of good (adds +2 AC to paladin aura).

Using now at the same time:
+6 con necklace (was using in acid wit)
+30 HP belt (was using in acid wit)
Heavy Fort plate (new)
+5 Protection cloak (new, but only added +3 because I was using already a +2 ring)

Will search those tips in Wiki, thanks again!

Edit: I've checked that ritual on wiki. Its pretty simple, not too much grind and gives a nice smooth bonus to an armor. It annoys me somewhat because I play this game for over a year, but only know I've come to know about this. How can new players be aware of all the rituals and changes they can do in wherever it is to improve their items? Excluding wiki, of course, we know its a valuable resource...

[captain1z]

More news: I got a +22 armor with Heavy Fort. Currently she has 41 AC without buffs. I algo got upgrade II for Paladin aura of good (adds +2 AC to paladin aura).

Using now at the same time:
+6 con necklace (was using in acid wit)
+30 HP belt (was using in acid wit)
Heavy Fort plate (new)
+5 Protection cloak (new, but only added +3 because I was using already a +2 ring)

Will search those tips in Wiki, thanks again!

Edit: I've checked that ritual on wiki. Its pretty simple, not too much grind and gives a nice smooth bonus to an armor. It annoys me somewhat because I play this game for over a year, but only know I've come to know about this. How can new players be aware of all the rituals and changes they can do in wherever it is to improve their items? Excluding wiki, of course, we know its a valuable resource...

Give your +2 natural armor ring to one of your lowbies, buy a stack of +3 bark pots from house k or J. Use the ring slot to cover the wisdom or charisma u have on your head slot. and you can play around with some new/better gear. Would give you the option to slot something new or better in either slot. Nice armor btw, heavy fort really makes a difference.

[Ralmeth]

More news: I got a +22 armor with Heavy Fort. Currently she has 41 AC without buffs. I algo got upgrade II for Paladin aura of good (adds +2 AC to paladin aura).

Using now at the same time:
+6 con necklace (was using in acid wit)
+30 HP belt (was using in acid wit)
Heavy Fort plate (new)
+5 Protection cloak (new, but only added +3 because I was using already a +2 ring)

Will search those tips in Wiki, thanks again!

Edit: I've checked that ritual on wiki. Its pretty simple, not too much grind and gives a nice smooth bonus to an armor. It annoys me somewhat because I play this game for over a year, but only know I've come to know about this. How can new players be aware of all the rituals and changes they can do in wherever it is to improve their items? Excluding wiki, of course, we know its a valuable resource...

Glad to hear you're making some improvements! Increasing your AC is about making slow, incremental improvements. Occassionally check the AH to see if there's something that might get you 1 or 2 more points of AC. Do that for a while and eventually you creep your way into a better AC So getting that +5 protection cloak only added 3 to your AC, but that's 3 more than you had before

As for how to find out about all of the nuances of what's available, you are doing the right thing by checking on the forums and ddowiki. Also read the release notes when a new update comes out. Though IMHO DDOwiki is the #1 best resource for you. That and actually playing to see what works or doesn't work in game.

[msdesign]

I feel I could post this here now, so younger players can see as an example of we can do.

I leveled my pali to 17, plus I've got her a +2 CON tome as end reward. Her current HP total UNBUFFED (no ship buffs, no spells, no temporary stuff) is no less than 502 HP.

That and a LR I did to reallocate ability points a little better, and I've made all the Vale quests in HARD with other lvl 16-17 players full party. I started those quests at lvl 16, and some I finished them at 17, but only got the tome after them all. And I can say they were all pretty smooth runs (the only time I died in the whole quest chain was once in Rainbow in the Dark, crossing spikes, my bad, nothing to do with my pali's build).

Lets see things get better... Oh, and I'm doing the same changes to my fighter, so I hope to improve that one too...

And while we were doing these quests, something weird comes up. My current AC is 42 (or 44 if I use the other +22 armor without the heavy fort). Plus I can get in Defensive stance to get 44 with heavy fort armor. And with the +4 shield boots you gave me, then it would be 48. But every now and then, I noticed my armor, instead of 42, had 40. I was looking at my buffs and nobody has cast rage, and I didn't had a single negative effect on me. So what was it?

It seems to be a bug. After the quests, I still had 40 AC; so I removed my armor and the armor bonuses items, and placed them all again. It got the AC value back to 42.