i am assuming that the best ac anybody can get in this game WITH A SINGLE CLASSED CHARACTER would be with a deep gnome who has maximum dexterity and wisdom and improves wisdom at every chance. i dont know what the ac would be, but i dont think there is any armor/shield out there that compares, is there?

Deep gnome monks probably have the best one, although I can't tell you exactly how much.

Deep Gnome Monk[30]

10 Base
04 Racial bonus
06 Class bonus (+1AC/5levels)
01 Dodge
05 Expertise
07 Dex 20-1(potion)+5(slippers or spell) = 24
12 Wis 20+7(levelup)+5(ring)+2(potion) = 34
05 Brazen Bands Bracers
01 Fire Dance Talisman
03 Cloak (Deflection bonus)
06 Spell Spirit Armor
05 Barkskin
04 Haste
---
59 (Within Normal game.)

NOTE: Drinking the Potion of Holy Transferance a second time will not increase your AC. In HoF (Kuldahar) the Fire Dance Talisman will be replaced by Sunfire Talisman with +3 AC bonus. If Ghost Armor (deflection bonus) works in conjunction with Spirit Armor (armour bonus) then add another +2AC.If I have missed something do correct me.

Wow, thanks for that awesome breakdown there, Shrikant! 59 is quite nice! That's a 44 without any spells, not too shabby!

Can you get better than that with heavy armor and stuff for a tank, or will a Svirfneblin Monk beat them every time?

A non-DG with 14Dex (max allowed in heavy armour), Dodge & Expertise feats, wearing Mithril Armour +2, a heavy sheild (+4AC), Cloak of Deflection, Brazen Bands, Fire Dance Talisman, Swing from the Masts can get AC 42. Ghost Armor, Barkskin & Haste add 11AC.
Best possible AC of 53 for a tank. Add 4AC if DG.

I can get my Confused Deep Gnome to AC43 by the wandering village with items only. This increases to 48 by the end of the game. Spells increase AC by 11. 59AC by the end of the game either way :heh:

For either parties: Dex + Armour + Sheild
Tank: 2+10+4 = 16
Sheild: 8(actually infinite)+7+3 = 18
If my confused gnome takes off his armour&sheild he looses 10AC. Now Wis28 + Sheild spell give 9+7 = 16AC.

[ November 27, 2005, 09:07: Message edited by: Shrikant ]