Xanathar's Guide helps your AC calculations a lot.
Full Plate +3 (21)
Shield+3: +5
Level 1 Fighter: +1
Level 3 Monk Kensai: +2
Level 6 Cleric Forge Domain: +1
Level 3 Bard College of Swords Defensive Flourish: Average +3
Ring of Protection: +1
Defender: +3
Shield Spell: +5
Ceremony Spell: +2
Shield of Faith: +2
Ioun Stone of Protection: +1
Potion of Speed: +2
Minor Illusion/Silent Image to create cover: +5
That's an AC 54 with 3 attunement slots, at level 13. If you take more Bard Levels, it goes up to a max of 61.
That said, the highest attack bonus you are likely to ever encounter is +19. So anything above an AC 38 (20's always hit) is probably about 0% return on your investment. So, College of Swords 10 (+5 on average), Fighter 1 in Full Plate+2 (21) and Shield+2 (+4), level 3 Kensai (+3), Ring of Protection, and Shield Spell (+5), will get the job done for your entire career.
Full Plate +3 (21)
Shield+3: +5
Level 1 Fighter: +1
Level 3 Monk Kensai: +2
Level 6 Cleric Forge Domain: +1
Level 3 Bard College of Swords Defensive Flourish: Average +3
Ring of Protection: +1
Defender: +3
Shield Spell: +5
Ceremony Spell: +2
Shield of Faith: +2
Ioun Stone of Protection: +1
Potion of Speed: +2
Minor Illusion/Silent Image to create cover: +5
That's an AC 54 with 3 attunement slots, at level 13. If you take more Bard Levels, it goes up to a max of 61.
That said, the highest attack bonus you are likely to ever encounter is +19. So anything above an AC 38 (20's always hit) is probably about 0% return on your investment. So, College of Swords 10 (+5 on average), Fighter 1 in Full Plate+2 (21) and Shield+2 (+4), level 3 Kensai (+3), Ring of Protection, and Shield Spell (+5), will get the job done for your entire career.
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